Venice Vow Renewal Photography
Venice Vow Renewal Photography
The Magic of a Venice Vow Renewal: Intimate Moments & Cinematic Backdrops
Venice. The Venice. The one with the gondolas, the dreamy light, the maze of alleyways and canals that feel like something straight out of a film. So, when Katrina & Paul (from the UK), reached out and asked me if they could fly me out to be their Venice vow renewal photographer, my answer was a very enthusiastic YES!
On their 10-year wedding anniversary, they wanted something intimate and relaxed to celebrate their love. No big audience, no fuss, just the two of them in the beautiful Venetian surroundings, soaking in the magic of the moment. And if that’s what you’re looking for, Venice never lets you down.
Myself and Katrina & Paul actually go way back. I actually met them whilst photographing Laura & Craig’s Aswarby Rectory Wedding in 2021! We got on super well at the wedding and Katrina and I stayed in touch. A year later she booked me to capture a family photoshoot for them and their boys. Meeting up with them in Venice felt like reconnecting with old friends, which made being a part such a special chapter in their story, all the more meaningful.
Planning the perfect route: quiet spots in Venice
The night before, Adam, my boyfriend, and I went out for a little adventure (okay when you look at our steps it was a full-blown location-scouting mission). We headed through the winding streets to find all the quiet, tucked-away spots that would give us those cinematic, peaceful vibes.
Venice already had a special place in our hearts – we actually visited the city back in 2023, whilst road-tripping Europe in our Campervan, with our spaniel, Luna. It was one of those pinch-me places that stayed with us long after we left, so returning for this felt extra magical. I would be lying if I said we didn’t miss Luna around our feet!
Finding quiet spots and heading off the beaten track is something we excel in! When we were in Venice before, we walked miles to find a quiet spot. So revisiting as vow renewal photographer, in Venice, we knew it would be the perfect, intimate location for Katrina & Paul to say their vows.
Why Venice for a Vow Renewal?
Venice really does have the best kind of hidden corners if you know where to look – we wandered over bridges, through the squares and down tiny alleyways with no one else in sight. By the end of our evening of location-scouting, we had the perfect plan mapped out for the next day! Katrina & Paul had full trust in us that we knew the best spots to take their couple photos in Venice.
Even in Italy we couldn’t escape the rain! We spent the next morning desperately trusting our weather app that there was going to be a break in the weather, and we’d have our time to explore the city together. Venice gave us what we were hoping for, and we were rewarded with the most peaceful little window of calm.
We met Katrina & Paul after they had taken a water taxi from their hotel near Rialto Bridge. Off we went to find our canal, completely tucked away from the world (minus two beastly dogs chasing a ball!!! – reality check!). No crowds, no distractions – just the two of them, surrounded by still water, soft light and the sound of the city gently carrying on in the background. It felt like time had paused just for them.
Venice Vow Renewal Photography: Natural, Candid and Cinematic
Everything was captured in my usual, natural style – no awkward posing, no staged moments. Just the two of them on this milestone part of their journey. It was such a joy to document the day exactly as it unfolded, with all the laughter, emotion and magic that came with it. After crossing over the Grand Canal from the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute via a €2 gondola (!), we walked the streets of Venice. Taking in the landmark sights like Piazzo San Marco, Caffè Florian and Ponte di Rialto on the Grand Canal, whilst always finding pockets of quiet away from the hustle and bustle.
Just because stills weren’t enough for a day like this, I also created them a little cinematic film. Being able to tell their story through motion brings a whole new feel for it and I’m super proud of this film. (Especially as a newbie to film making!). I recorded the audio of their vows and laid them over a beautifully romantic song. Along with footage of the breath-taking city of Venice, the couple as they walked through St Mark’s Square, the little Gondola we caught and all those little glances. You can watch it below (tissues may be required).
The whole Venice vow renewal experience was such a dream – from the travel to the planning, to the actual afternoon with Katrina and Paul. Being trusted to fly out and capture something so meaningful in one of the most iconic cities in the world? Honestly, I’m still buzzing!
Keep scrolling to see lots more of my Venice vow renewal photography, with a special film at the end. Venice, you’ve got my heart.
“Ellie is the perfect photographer for any occasion. We have had a family shoot, and more recently she came to Venice, Italy to shoot our intimate Vow Renewal. From start to finish Ellies effort, attention to detail, and stunning work would mean we would never go anywhere else for photography. We are overwhelmed with our beautiful images we can cherish forever – Thank you Ellie x”
Looking for a natural photographer in Venice?
Are you planning a romantic vow renewal on the edge of an intimate canal? Or you’re thinking of eloping and getting married in Venice? If natural, documentary photography is your thing, and you want a photographer who will do more than just take photos, I would love to tell your story! Please send me an email and we can chat.
Behind the scenes
A little insight into what exploring the streets of Venice looked like, not from behind my camera lens! Including the loveliest thank you gift from Katrina and Paul.
Where to next?
