3-Day Dolomites Hiking Elopement – Missy & Benton
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How did you get engaged?
Benton surprised Missy one Sunday morning when she woke up and told her to get ready and pack for an overnight trip – to bring warm cozy clothes. He drove her 2.5 hours to a Getaway Tiny House in Shenandoah National Park area, dropped of their dog Kevin, and then continued on to nearby winery for lunch, Early Mountain Winery. Little did he know Missy has been dying to go to this winery, but it was too far for a day trip. After the winery, they went back to the tiny house, and continued to drink wine by the bonfire with Kevin. Benton cooked up dinner for them over the fire and then cozied up inside the cabin to watch the stars before bed. Benton reflected on the day and then said, do you know what would make this day even better? And then rolled over with the ring and proposed!
How did you decide on your elopement location?
Missy’s best friend, Shayna and her husband Jake eloped in the Dolomites a few years ago and loved the experience with Cat (check out their photos here). She always said she would do that one day for her wedding, even before she knew Benton. Luckily Benton loves the outdoors too, is always down for an adventure, and loved the idea of an intimate wedding celebration. It took no convincing to get him on board with an elopement in the Dolomites. We wanted a similar experience as them but also wanted to make it our own, so we chose locations in the Dolomites that were different than them.
What were the biggest challenges you faced in planning your elopement?
We tried to keep everything simple so no stress was involved. The biggest challenge was honestly the alterations for our dress/suit! Other than getting those two things right, there was little to plan or worry about. We picked up a bouquet and cake the day before at local florist/bakery and that was it!
What is your favourite moment/memory from the day?
Missy: Our first look when Benton turned around and his eyes started watering (although he won’t admit to it). Then sharing our vows and seeing how similar ours were. It was a special time to share memories and look forward to our future together.
Benton: Trick question, obviously our vows, but hunting for the perfect champagne toast spot was the funnest part of the day! We wanted Cat to capture the most epic champagne spray and we got it, after testing out multiple spots of Cinque Torri.
Is there anything you are really glad you did? Or didn’t do?
We are so glad we extended our elopement to include a 2-day, overnight hike with Cat. This was such a unique experience. We loved staying in a hut in the middle of the mountain and enjoying sunset/sunrise on the mountain.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Eloping is such an intimate and special experience and you should definitely do it! When planning, trust that Cat is the expert and will deliver an amazing experience for you. The weather was really crappy leading up to our elopement day and she ensured us it would be okay, and it was. The place we were suppose to do our vows was closed and she immediately had a solution and pivoted, and it was even better than what we expected. Best advice: just go with the flow and let Cat lead the way!
What wedding planning resources did you use whilst planning your elopement (if any)?
I used Instagram for inspiration and to locate local vendors – florist and bakery. I also read Cat’s blog to see what advice she had and what other couples experiences were.
What was your favourite thing about working with Cat?
Cat is the BEST! She is the ultimate expert in mountain elopements and knew how to cater the plan to what we were looking for. She kept an eye on the weather and always had a plan B, C, D. She will do ANYTHING to get the best photos of you, including wading through cow poop and/or hanging off the side of a cliff!
Vendor Credits:
Photography & Guiding: Wild Connections Photography (me)
Hair & Makeup: Viki Aichner
Accommodation: Mi Chalet
Flowers: Florales Atelier
Cake: Mondschein Desert Bat
Gown: Dany Tabet
Suit: Suit Supply
Vow Books: Ox & Pine on Etsy
Hip Flask: HORD on Etsy