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Dolce Vita

Exclusive activities to do in Italy before and after your wedding

9 June 2022

Ah, Italy! Something so alluring about this country makes it one of the most sought-after locations to get married. It is common to go above and beyond to prepare for your incredible wedding day, but you can make it so much better by planning some exclusive activities to do together as a couple. Italy has so many hidden gems and fascinating experiences to offer, so make sure to make the most out of your Italy destination wedding by exploring it as much as possible. Below are some activities that I highly recommend for every bride and groom.

Things to do before your Wedding in Italy

The few days before your wedding can make you feel the most anxious in the lead-up to your special day. You both must relax before your Italy wedding by immersing yourself in the best your wedding location offers. Please keep it simple, though, and make sure not to exhaust yourself. You still have a big day ahead of you after all!

Go to Wine and Olive Oil Tastings

Are you looking for exclusive activities that you and your partner can do together that are intimate and sweet and at the same time give you a taste of the best of Italy? Why not explore the vineyards of Tuscany, which provides both wine and olive oil tastings? Italy has an abundance of charming vineyards that produce world-class wines and oils. You taste their products while learning more about the vineyard’s production and history. You will indeed feel calmer with every sip of their delectable wine. To add to that, you can also have another memorable experience as a couple.

Experience Italy’s unrivaled cuisine

Another thing that makes Italy so alluring for couples who want to have an Italy destination wedding is the unique food specialties spanning the different regions. You can expect every meal to be made with nothing but the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, as most are locally grown. Have a day set before the wedding where you can go on a food trip together or try a Michelin Star restaurant near you. That way, you can have a pleasant conversation over a bottle of wine and enjoy a classy hearty meal. I’ve listed below some of the dishes and desserts you shouldn’t miss.

  • Mouthwatering seafood found in the coastal regions, especially their delicate succulent grilled squid
  • The North’s meaty dishes, which include wild boar and quality beef
  • Locally made margarita pizza made with San Marzano tomato, fresh basil, mozzarella cheese, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil
  • Finest Gelato flavors on display in Tuscany, especially the Pistachio flavor
  • Local delicacies in Tuscany such as Fettunta, Panzanella, Ribolita and Potato Tortelli

Elevate your Food Experience with a Cooking Class

Now that you’ve tasted Italy’s impeccable cuisine, why not bring a taste of Italy home with you? Learn new skills and appreciate cooking by going to an Italian cooking class together. It is the perfect opportunity for you two to de-stress while having an incredible time. Tuscany holds many cooking classes where you can make their famous pasta and pizza.

Treat yourself to a shopping spree

Retail therapy can never go wrong when you’re in a new country. It is best to visit via Dei Condotti in Rome or Florence for this activity. Take advantage of your trip by treating yourselves to a little shopping spree, and don’t hesitate to buy that cheese from the cheese store! And don’t forget to help yourself to some bread from that bakery! Unless you come back to Italy in the same season, you might not be able to purchase this next time, as many products in Italy are seasonal. 

Embrace La Dolce Vita

Life in Italy is pretty laid back and relaxed. The Italians often live by the concept of “la dolce vita”. This phrase means “the sweet life” or “the good life,” which they perfectly embody daily. It is definitely one contributing factor to the ambiance that makes Italy a destination wedding hub for couples. Embracing La Dolce Vita before the big day will help you as a couple to slow down and be in the moment. Go for long strolls and soak beauty around you. As we say, do what the locals would do!

Schedule an Engagement Session or Portrait Session

Scheduling an engagement or portrait session might be the least of your concerns, considering all the exclusive activities you want to do. Take this chance to have your experiences documented with photos taken by a professional photographer. You can schedule a session while doing all your pre-wedding plans. Through candid lifestyle photography, you will have fantastic and authentic images. You also get to constantly remind yourself of your shared memories before you officially become each other’s spouse.

Things to do after your wedding in Italy

Since you are already in Italy, you might as well turn it into a vacation. After your big day, make sure to schedule a few more days to explore and experience everything about this country. Below are some exclusive activities that you can try.

Unwind on a Terrazza with a Rugged Coastline View of the Amalfi Coast

After your big celebration, there is nothing more relaxing than unwinding on a Terazza- Italy’s version of a terrace. Plan an elegant Italian brunch with a stunning coastal view of the Amalfi Coast.

Explore the Historical Architecture in Rome

Don’t you love looking at the beautiful architecture in Rome? You can rent a Vespa to take you from one building to another, and there’s something so vintage and romantic about riding a Vespa around the city. Below is a list of historical architecture in Rome that you should visit. 

  • Pyramid of Cestius
  • Colosseum
  • The Pantheon
  • Castel Sant’Angelo
  • Arch of Constantine
  • Church of Santa Costanza
  • Tempietto di San Pietro in Montorio
  • Villa Farnesina
  • Villa Madama
  • Palazzo dei Conservatori del Campidoglio

Discover Italy’s Diverse Landscapes

Traveling to Italy means that you get to see its incredibly diverse landscape. Your eyes will feast upon so many things, and most are easily accessible from one another. Just a train ride away, you can see Tuscany’s picturesque rolling hills and marvel at the mesmerizing skyline of Rome at sunset. There’s also an abundance of dramatic seaside landscapes on the Amalfi Coast. Go ahead and take a boat trip to Capri, ride a Gondola in Venice or take a boat tour in Sorrento!

Immerse Yourself In Art and History

In Italy, its history goes hand-in-hand with its art, so it is considered one of the best art destinations in the world. Plan to visit some historical sites and get to know the country deeper. The Colosseum, Pantheon, and Vatican are just a few you can visit in Rome. On the other hand, lavish art can be seen all around Italy. You can witness how exquisite Italian art is from the Roman mosaics and stunning frescoes in museums.

Plan a Lifestyle Portrait Session

Document all your post-wedding exclusive activities in photos by having a lifestyle portrait session. Your big day doesn’t have to end after 24 hours, your honeymoon deserves to be captured too!

BEHIND THE LENS

photo credit: greg finck

MEET
GABRIELE

Scripting electric storylines in Milan's designer-scene Gabriele's stylistic approach culls from fashion-campaigns & photojournalism.
His wedding images tap on the modern side of Love meld with
Italianate sapor.

As a fashion portraitist I've treaded between reality and fantasy, identity and inclusivity, time, space, culture and (be)longing. These all influenced how I photograph real people, urging me to create images that offer -in their simplicity- a connective tissue and counterpoint to my subjects. I tell stories of how chance encounters between strangers come to form families, and capture how their shared space, experiences, values and time bring about the little magic the future needs. It's all very Italian, and so universal at the same time. 

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