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Helena & Keio’s Dreamy Winter Vow Renewal in Italy: Snow, Pizza, and a Love Story 10 Years in the Making
Imagine crisp mountain air, fluffy snow underfoot, and sunlight playing hide‑and‑seek through cloud‑draped peaks—this was Helena and Keio’s vow renewal in the Dolomites, and it was pure magic. We loved this shoot so much that we just had to chat with Eva‑Johanna Lepik, the gifted photographer behind Elopements with Eva, to get the whole story behind these stunning images. And honestly? It’s the kind of day that will make you want to book your own vow renewal tomorrow—so stick to the end to get our tips for planning your own vow renewal in Italy!
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
How They Met and Why Italy
Helena and Keio—two sweethearts from Estonia—have been together for ten years, married for five. They joke that Tinder brought them together, even though neither of them had an account. The truth? Helena’s best friend and Keio’s best friend met through Tinder, and these two lovebirds met thanks to that match. Years ago in Dubai, Keio popped the question during a date night on a private red‑carpet beach dinner. Of course, Helena said yes.
When planning their wedding, they debated between an intimate winter elopement or a big traditional bash. They chose the latter. But five years later, to mark a decade together, they decided it was time for the winter version—a romantic vow renewal in Italy.
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
A Snowy Ceremony in the Dolomites
They booked an 8‑hour elopement package with Eva, with one non‑negotiable: jaw‑dropping views. Eva suggested two iconic Dolomites locations, and the rest was history.
On the day, the skies were sunny with gentle clouds, the snow was fresh and fluffy, and the temperature hovered just below freezing. For Estonians, that’s practically T‑shirt weather—when you’re used to –20°C, zero feels tropical.
They started just before 9 a.m. with a drive to the car part of Alpe di Siusi, followed by a 45‑minute hike to their ceremony spot. Once there, they soaked in the views while Eva set up. The ceremony was heartfelt and relaxed: emotional vows, ring exchange, champagne toast, and a cozy picnic on the snow. Then, wrapped in winter magic, they danced to the same song they’d danced to at their wedding five years earlier.
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
From Ceremony to Celebratory Pizza
Once warmed up, it was time for portraits—both together and solo. Afterward, they headed to a small village restaurant for lunch, still dressed to the nines. Walking into a pizza joint in full wedding attire drew plenty of smiles and cheers. They tucked into wood‑fired pizzas (because… Italy), warmed up with coffee, and recharged before the next adventure.
Seceda Sunset Session
Post‑pizza, they took the gondola to Seceda, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic viewpoints. The famous jagged peaks were just the beginning—there were also lesser‑known backdrops that made for equally stunning photos. They stayed until the last cable car down at sunset, heading back to their Airbnb for a family dinner to wrap up their unforgettable day.
Why This Day Was Perfect
It was stunning, yes—but it was also stress‑free. They didn’t juggle a tight schedule, herd guests, or worry about decor details. Instead, they let Eva handle the logistics and trusted her completely.
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Words from the Bride and Groom
“Eva had done all the homework regarding the locations, had everything with her, and all we needed to do was just to enjoy the day! With her you can be sure that the preparation work is thorough and nothing is left to chance. Such a special day should be trusted into the safest hands only, and trustworthiness is exactly what she provided us with.
Eva guided us with posing perfectly—it was all so easy! I was especially surprised how fast we got the first images from her. Just amazing! This day will definitely be on the top of the list of the most beautiful days of our lives: everything was as perfect as it could have been! We were in the moment, the air was filled with love, and it felt like there was nobody else around us. The day with her was entirely stress‑free, fun, and exceeded all our expectations!”
Other Vendors that took part:
Bouquet – Paola Simone / Instagram: @paolasimone.fiori.design
Dress (mountain meadow) – Weddingdream Dress Shop (Estonia) / Instagram: @weddingdream.pulmakleit
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Elopements with Eva
Tips for Planning Your Own Vow Renewal in Italy
Yes—planning a vow renewal in Italy is easier than you think if you focus on location, timing, and the right vendors. Choose a scenic backdrop, consider off‑season months for fewer crowds, and work with a local planner who knows the language and rules. With a few smart choices, you can create a magical day that blends beauty, intimacy, and stress‑free fun.
Is a Vow Renewal in Italy Right for You?
If you’ve already done the big wedding thing (or skipped it entirely), an Italian vow renewal is a chance to strip it all back and focus on the two of you.
Perfect for:
Couples who love to travel.
Foodies who believe pasta counts as a love language.
Adventure‑seekers who dream of mountaintops, beaches, or vineyards.
Where Should You Have Your Vow Renewal in Italy?
Over the years at Bespoke Bride, I’ve chatted with countless couples who’ve chosen Italy for their vow renewal, and it’s always fascinating how the location completely shapes the vibe of the day. One couple renewed their vows in Tuscany under a canopy of olive trees, the golden hills rolling behind them like something from a painting. Another stood on a quiet beach in Positano at sunrise, just the two of them and the sound of the waves—proof that the magic of a vow renewal in Italy isn’t just in the big gestures, but in the way a place makes you feel.
Then there are the adventurous souls, like the pair who hiked to a Dolomites ridge for their vows, sipping hot chocolate from a thermos while wrapped in blankets. Or the Lake Como romantics who said “I still do” on a boat, drifting past pastel‑coloured villas as church bells echoed across the water. After hearing so many of these stories firsthand, I can honestly say there’s no one “right” place—only the one that tugs hardest at your heart.
| Region | Scenery | Crowds | Best Season | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolomites | Snowy peaks, alpine meadows | Low in winter | Winter/Spring | Adventure, cozy |
| Amalfi Coast | Cliffs & turquoise water | High in summer | Spring/Fall | Glam coastal charm |
| Tuscany | Vineyards, rolling hills | Medium | Spring/Autumn | Rustic elegance |
| Lake Como | Lakeside villages | High | Spring/Summer | Romantic luxury |
How to Plan Your Vow Renewal in Italy (Step‑by‑Step)
Choose your region – Dolomites for mountains, Amalfi Coast for ocean views, Tuscany for rolling hills, or Lake Como for lakeside glamour.
Pick your season – Winter for snow‑dusted magic, spring for blossoms, summer for warm evenings, autumn for rich colors.
Set your budget – Factor in travel, accommodation, photographer, celebrant, outfits, food.
Hire a local photographer/planner – They’ll know the hidden spots and help with permits.
Plan activities – Gondola rides, boat trips, winery visits, cooking classes.
Add personal touches – A favorite song for your first dance, handwritten vows, heirloom accessories.
Old Way vs. New Way of Planning
| Old Method | New Method |
|---|---|
| Hire a traditional wedding planner without Italy expertise | Hire a local Italian elopement planner |
| Stick to peak tourist season | Choose shoulder/off‑season for privacy & better rates |
| Full‑day formal reception | Intimate ceremony + curated adventures |
| Stress over logistics yourself | Let an on‑site team handle every detail |
FAQs
Do I need a permit for a vow renewal in Italy?
Not always, but scenic public spots like national parks or beaches may require them. Your planner can check.
What’s the average cost?
Anywhere from €3,000 to €10,000 depending on location, season, and guest count.
Can we include kids or friends?
Absolutely—just adjust your location choice to be kid‑friendly.
Do we need to be legally married in Italy?
No. Your legal marriage at home stands; this is symbolic.
How far in advance should we book?
6–12 months for popular spots; 3–6 months for winter.
If Helena & Keio’s day taught us anything, it’s that a vow renewal in Italy can be as epic or as low‑key as you want. The key is to plan for joy, not perfection. Choose a location that speaks to your heart, a team that gets your vision, and leave space for the kind of unplanned magic you’ll talk about for years.
So… when are you booking your flights? ✈️💍🍕
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