Lago di Braies Sunrise Elopement

EUROPEAN ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | SHAWNA RAE

Maddy + Danny

Elopement in Lago di Braies, Val di Funes

We started before sunrise at Lago di Braies. The La Palafitta Boathouse was completely quiet, just the sound of oars being prepped and the first light hitting the peaks. Danny arrived ready, while Maddy prepared herself inside the boathouse, heated by the standing hot lamp. She got her dress on, and slowly walked towards her soon-to-be husband. Tapping him on the shoulder, he turned around, and words escaped him. He didn't need to speak, you could see everything he wanted to say in his eyes.

They said their vows on the floating docks. Croda del Becco got warmer as the sun slowly stretched higher in the sky. It was a beautiful backdrop for them to say their "I do's" to, and sunrise is always the perfect time there.

After, they rowed across the lake in one of the wooden boats. Danny kept sneaking glances at Maddy, and she couldn’t stop smiling back at him. They broke the glassy water as they rowed closer to the mountains. Everything was perfect.

Coffee was next (Maddy used to own a coffee shop in London, it's s must for her). We ducked into the little café by the lake for cappuccinos and croissants before hitting the road toward Val di Funes. There, we set up a picnic with fresh bread, fruit, and cheese, surrounded by those jagged Odle peaks. It was the definition of slow, intentional, and joy-filled.

Created: September 04, 2025

Lago de Braies

Check out their elopement photos at Lago de Braies below.

maddy and danny

We honestly don’t even know where to start. From the first time we spoke with Shawna, it felt like chatting with a friend who just got us. Planning something as big as an elopement in the Dolomites felt scary at first, but she made it so easy, and we never once felt stressed.

Their Story

Danny’s a pilot with a schedule that changes at any given moment. Maddy’s a yoga and pilates instructor who spends her days helping people breathe deeper and slow down. Together, they’re the perfect balance; his sky-high lifestyle meeting her grounded calm. Eloping in the Dolomites gave them the chance to pause, reset, and celebrate their love with zero distractions. Now they've actually moved to the Dolomites, having loved it so much, and gotten and sweet puppy named Monty!

How I Shoot

People hire me for those crazy wide-landscape shots. I mean...that's why they come here to the Dolomites after all, right? But it's important to not forget the details, all the small things. Beauty comes from the way you grab for your partner's hand, what you choose to bring around with you on any occasion, and how you decorate your best day ever. So As much as I deliver those landscape shots, I also try to focus on the little things too, and everything in between.