Katy & Evan
Adventure-Hearted Wedding on Seceda, at Col Pradat, Passo Gardena, and shoutout to Kolfuschgerhof
Some love stories feel like they were always meant to be written in the mountains. Katy and Evan’s Dolomites intimate wedding was one of those; a breathtaking mix of cultures, adventure, and the kind of joy that only happens when you make the conscious choice to choose for love and quality instead of prestige and quantity.
They could have spent their wedding budget on a fancy venue in Toronto. Instead, they gathered their immediate families and six closest friends for a mountain celebration that was full of laughter, tears, culture, and connection. What unfolded over those few days was the perfect reminder that “small” weddings can still be wildly grand in spirit.
They brought on their planner (my husband, Harry) to help organize the experience, because even for 13 people, logistics in the Dolomites take some juggling. The evening before the wedding, they hosted a cozy Tyroler night at Kolfuschgerhof. Katy and evan surprised everyone by coming out in lederhosen and dirndls, and dancing, music, schnitzel, and the sound of clinking glasses echoed off the walls of the wine cellar. Then everyone settled in for the night up at Rifugio Col Pradat, ready for the early wake-up that awaited them.
Created: October 30, 2025
Check out their sunrise flight with Elikos to Seceda
Morning Light and Mountain Air: Helicopter to Seceda
At dawn, the mountains were still blue with night. We boarded an Elikos helicopter for the flight up to Seceda, one of the Dolomites’ most iconic ridgelines. The rotors lifted us above sleepy valleys, and within minutes, we were surrounded by jagged limestone peaks catching fire with sunrise light.
When you land at Seceda, there's still a bit of a walk ahead. Katy came prepared with her bathrobe so she could still do a first look with Evan, so it was a bit of a sight to see her hiking up this mountain in a fat bathrobe that was hiding her dress beneath...this is often a part of the day when eloping with me!
We were greeted at the top with two campers in their tents, and a small group of people who had hiked up there for sunrise. Some truth: it's one of the most popular spots in the Dolomites, so it's hard to get it fully private there. But we went to my special spot, and there they shared their first look in privacy, just the two of them, and it was a truly special moment.
katy & evan
Shawna and Harry were an amazing team! From the start, I felt completely confident trusting them to bring our dream micro-wedding to life.
Ceremony Amongst Mountains
Check out their ceremony among the peaks.
Col Pradat: Where Culture and Love Intertwined
Later that morning, everyone gathered at Col Pradat, where the ceremony would take place. They started with lunch provided by a traditional pizzaiolo. Katy and Evan crafted their own heart-shaped pizza, kneading the dough with love and putting on their favourite toppings.
After lunch, they started to get ready all over again. They would have a ceremony for their loved ones, so they could really celebrate together. They chose to read their vows during their session the next day, because they wanted to keep that moment just for each other. Katy and Evan had chosen to honour both their heritages: a Ukrainian korovai bread blessing for family unity, and a Jewish chuppah to symbolize their shared home. The blend of traditions felt effortless and deeply personal.
A violin trio played as they walked down the aisle, the sound carrying across the peaks. There were tears, laughter, and a few happy shivers from the mountain breeze. As a wedding and elopement photographer, moments like this always remind me why small weddings often carry the biggest emotions.
Katy's father, who is no longer with us, joined symbolically through a cute, stuffed walrus. Her family had lost him not that long ago, and having lost my own mother earlier this year, I understand their pain fully. But his prescence was definitely there with us, and I'm sure he was very proud that Katy was marrying the man of her dreams.
Passo Gardena: Vespa Rides, Vows, and Golden Hour Magic
The next day, we took the winding road down to Passo Gardena for more portraits and a bit of fun. Harry had rented a Vespa for them to have a cool photo session with, and also because it's fun! There’s something about a couple zipping along alpine switchbacks in full wedding attire that just screams joy.
We stopped at a quiet overlook where they shared their private vows, the light dipping golden over the Sassolungo peaks. The Dolomites were still, and for a few minutes, it felt like the whole world had paused for them.
Dinner at Col Pradat, Dancing into the Night, and a Vespa + Vows at Passo Gardena
Check out the rest of their session
A Celebration Worth Every Euro
Back at Rifugio Col Pradat, dinner unfolded slowly. To continue with the Italian theme, pasta was on the menu, and it smelled freaking delicious. There was a live band played softly as the sun disappeared behind the peaks. Laughter spilled from the long table where family and friends toasted, said their speeches, and reminisced.
It was the kind of night that reminded everyone there what weddings are supposed to be about: togetherness, love, and unfiltered joy. And yes, it probably cost about what a big wedding back home might, but instead of a "wedding venue", they got a sunrise flight, 2 nights in a cozy mountain hut, a Tyrol-styled dinner the night before, a private pizzaiolo, spa access at Kolfuschgerhof, and memories that will outlast any centrepiece.
"Shawna and Harry were an amazing team! From the start, I felt completely confident trusting them to bring our dream micro-wedding to life. They took the time to understand our vision and offered great suggestions for locations and shots. The photos speak for themselves! They are absolutely stunning and capture every emotion of the day.
Harry planned our mountain top wedding at Col Pradat. He had great connections with local vendors and suggestions to make the wedding unique and unforgettable. He put his heart and soul into every detail and we had the best time.
Beyond their talent, they’re such a fun, kind couple who made us feel relaxed and celebrated. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience or more beautiful memories!"
Testimonial by Katy & Evan
© Shawna Rae Photography 2025
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