Unique micro wedding in a historic Piedmont palace
Shailyn and Gregory’s elopement in Italy
Italy has long been a place where love stories unfold, and for many couples, it's impossible to resist its blend of romance, history, and artistry.
For Shailyn and Gregory, the pull of Italy as their elopement destination was undeniable. They were not only enchanted by its poetic cities and tranquil lakes, but also deeply inspired by the great Italian artists who shaped the country's culture.
That's why, in the middle of August, just as summer was ending and the crowds began to fade, the two flew to Turin for an elopement that fulfilled their wildest wedding dreams. It was one of our packages for weddings in Italy that became their gateway to this amazing journey.
Planning an elopement in Turin from Louisiana
From the very beginning, Shailyn and Gregory knew what they wanted: an elopement in Italy that captured the grandeur of the country's art and history.
They dreamed of a European destination wedding that didn't just provide a beautiful backdrop but also embodied the culture they admired so deeply.
Turin, with its baroque elegance and position at the foot of the Italian Alps, felt like the perfect choice - a city rich in royal heritage yet wonderfully uncrowded compared to Italy's more tourist-heavy destinations.
Working with a local wedding planner who understood their vision
But dreaming was one thing - bringing it all to life was another. That's where Eleonora, our destination wedding planner in Italy, stepped in.
Eleonora has guided countless couples through their Italian wedding journeys, and she became the anchor for Shailyn and Gregory's vision. She listened carefully, understood their priorities, and transformed their ideas into actionable steps. From the first planning call through to the wedding day itself, she navigated every detail with patience and expertise.
Whether it was vendor recommendations, coordinating travel schedules, or ensuring that paperwork and legal requirements were handled seamlessly, Eleonora was always one step ahead. For couples planning an international elopement, having a local expert who understands both the logistics and the cultural nuances makes all the difference.
For Shailyn and Gregory, having her on their team meant they could simply focus on what mattered most: communicating their dream and showing up ready to celebrate it. They knew they were in safe hands, and that sense of ease allowed them to fully enjoy the elopement process rather than stress over the details.
The venue: A UNESCO World Heritage palace
While Shailyn and Gregory were clear on wanting a venue steeped in history, finding one that matched their specific vision wasn't easy.
They longed for a place that not only offered timeless architecture but also honored the artistic spirit of Italy. Eleonora presented them with carefully curated options, each one tailored to their preferences and vision.
The moment they saw the historic palace in Turin, they knew they had found "the one." This wasn't just any palace - it was a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former Senate of the Kingdom of Italy, a place where the country's political and cultural history converged.
The palace also houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art, home to breathtaking medieval works including paintings, porcelain, sculptures, and intricate church ornaments. Each room tells a story, each artifact holds centuries of Italian heritage.
For two history and art enthusiasts like Shailyn and Gregory, it felt like stepping directly into the Italy they had always admired from afar. This palace is one of our most recommended Italian wedding venues for couples who love to showcase history in their elopement ceremony, but prefer a location that's not too crowded.
Getting ready with a surprise wedding dress reveal
Our couple enjoyed the luxury of getting ready in an Airbnb just a few minutes away from their ceremony venue. You could already feel the intimate elopement atmosphere from the room where they prepared, with its classical interiors, elegant furnishings, and soft natural light streaming through tall windows.
But the highlight of their wedding preparations wasn't the Airbnb's charming ambiance. It was Shailyn's wedding dress that Gregory had never seen until moments before the ceremony.
Right after writing their personal vows for each other, Gregory saw his bride's gown for the first time. It was a magical moment! The excitement grew even more when Shailyn finally wore it together with her exquisite veil, adorned with delicate pearls scattered throughout like captured starlight.
Her white cascading bouquet completed her divine, elegant look, and Gregory couldn't help but fall even more deeply in love.
A ceremony inside a museum surrounded by Italian history
Few couples in the world can say they exchanged vows inside a museum. For Shailyn and Gregory, this unique setting was part of what made their day truly extraordinary.
Their ceremony took place in a royal hall adorned with gilded embellishments, frescoed ceilings, and paintings that dated back to the Middle Ages. Sunlight filtered through historic windows, casting a golden glow across the ornate space. The atmosphere was reverent, intimate, and utterly unforgettable.
Their florist, photographer, celebrant, and videographer - each a seasoned professional with years of experience in the wedding industry - were visibly moved by the setting. Even after working at hundreds of weddings across Italy, the grandeur and cultural significance of this celebration stood out to them.
For Shailyn and Gregory, it was exactly the kind of magical, once-in-a-lifetime moment they had dreamed about since they first decided to elope in Italy.
Exploring the museum's treasures as newlyweds
After the ceremony, the couple wandered through the museum's remarkable collection, taking time to appreciate the artworks up close and savor the weight of the moment.
Every corner of the palace offered another glimpse into Italy's rich cultural past, and every hallway became part of their love story. Their photographer captured candid moments as they admired Renaissance statues, studied ornate porcelain pieces, and marveled at the intricate architectural details of the building itself.
The grand staircase became one of the day's most iconic backdrops. The palace's magnificence was reflected in the staircase's intricate details - elaborate wrought iron railings, marble steps worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, and a dramatic black carpet that extended from the first floor to the last. Shailyn and Gregory paused on the landing, their silhouettes framed against the palace's baroque splendor, creating images that felt both timeless and deeply personal.
A playful champagne celebration back at their Airbnb
Shailyn and Gregory knew that while moments fade, photographs allow you to hold onto them forever. That's why they requested that their photoshoot extend beyond the palace walls.
Once they returned to their Airbnb, their photographer suggested a more playful, relaxed session - a beautiful contrast to the formality of their museum ceremony. Shailyn and Gregory traded their wedding attire for cozy matching pajamas, popped open a bottle of champagne, and indulged in Italian pastries and desserts together.
Those images, filled with genuine laughter, champagne toasts, and sweet intimacy, became some of their favorites from the entire day. They showed a different side of their celebration - one that was carefree, joyful, and authentically them.
An elopement that perfectly reflected their love
By the end of their celebration, Shailyn and Gregory had a collection of memories that truly spanned the full spectrum of their love - from the solemnity and grandeur of their vows in a historic royal hall to the joyful, carefree moments in their temporary Italian home.
It was the perfect reflection of who they were as a couple: passionate about history and art, devoted to each other, and ready to embrace both the profound and playful moments that make a marriage beautiful. Their Turin elopement wasn't just a wedding - it was an immersive journey through the Italy they'd always dreamed of, made real by careful planning and a deep appreciation for the country's cultural richness.
For couples considering an Italian elopement, Shailyn and Gregory's story proves that with the right planning partner and a clear vision, your destination wedding can be everything you've imagined and more.
