Verena and Marco were in the middle of planning their 10/10/2020 mountain wedding in South Tyrol when the pandemic hit Italy. The pair were determined to marry and nothing was going to stop them. Despite numerous obstacles that the couple had to overcome to make their big day possible on this special date - in the face of Covid - they managed to pull it off beautifully.
COVID-friendly wedding in the Dolomites
Verena and Marco both live in Val Badia, a valley in South Tyrol, Italy. Verena was born there, while Marco moved from another area because he fell in love with mountain life. They met at a sagra, which is a typical Italian local festival, usually involving food, beer and folk music. They both love skiing, hiking and outdoor life so of course they incorporated their love for nature and mountains into the wedding.
They got ready separately at their family houses, as for Italian tradition, and then headed to the local church for their religious ceremony. Everyone was wearing masks because of the pandemic, but emotion and excitement for the couple were clearly visible in the eyes of friends and family. The groom is a ski instructor, so at the exit from church the couple had to pass through a tunnel made of skis held up by friends and colleagues, while everybody else was cheering and congratulating them.
After the ceremony, the couple and their guests moved to the reception location: a typical mountain lodge with a stunning view on the mountains. The lodge is managed by the bride’s family, so everything was carefully and proudly set up by her mum, with lovely flowers and decorations. Of course, before the reception started, the gorgeous landscape was worth dedicating some time for a photo and video session with the couple. And it had to be done soon because clouds started looking threatening on the horizon…
October can be quite cold in the mountains, so all the people gathered and warmed up in the lodge and then dinner started. There was good food, a lot of drinks, great music but most of all laughter and fun. And some crazy dancing, too. Until the surprise at the end of the night: an unexpected, big snowfall, the first of the season, which made everything white and was a perfect ending to a great day of celebrations.
Tell us how you met?
We met at a local town festival in San Cassiano. My brother, introduced me to my future husband and at first we didn’t care about each other. But then, he startet to text me and everything began from there.
Tell us about the proposal?
We went for dinner in this very nice restaurant in Badia, called “La Stüa dla Lâ” (https://www.granander.it/de/gourmet-hotel-alta-badia/restaurant-bistrot-stua-dla-la) and we had an amazing evening. After dinner, he brought me to the house he bought for our future (the house is really old, and we need to built it new). Then we went inside and he already prepared some flowers, candles, and the ring. He asked me if I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, and I said YES, with no hesitation.
Why did you choose your wedding location?
We like the mountains, and we wanted to have a mountain wedding. So, we choose the Ütia de Börz, because it’s in this amazing place and because it’s our family’s company.
How did you find your vendors?
Actually, I searched online for the vendors (photographer and videographer). They had a great portfolio, and because of Covid, we were lucky that they were available for our (very popular!) date. The catering and location are from our family’s business.
What was the inspiration behind your wedding day?
We wanted to have an autumn wedding because we really like the colors that this season brings with it. We wanted a small, but “party”, wedding.
Any family or religious traditions incorporated into your day?
Our friends came early in the morning to make the wake up call. Then we had to make them breakfast and stood with them, till we had to prepare for the wedding.
Any funny stories from the day and/or the planning process?
Actually, when we exchanged the rings, I put the ring in the wrong finger. We didn’t realize at first, but then, the best man, was making weird signs and then my husband changed it right.
What was your favorite moment of the day?
I think, it was the moment O entered the church and I finally saw the look on my husbands face. But, I can say, that the whole day and everything was perfect.
Anything you are really glad you did? Or wish you didn’t do?
I’m really glad that we got married despite the Covid-problem. It has been an amazing day.
Credits
Photography - Maria Martus
Videography - Origami Videography
Venue - Ütia de Börz
Staff& Catering - Camping Sass Dlacia