Elizabeth & Ludovico

Elizabeth and Ludovico sitting on the fortress steps, embracing in an intimate evening moment

Elizabeth dancing with guests during the wedding party inside the fortress

Romantic embrace of the couple in the green garden of the historic fortress

Bride in a short white dress sitting on the fortress steps with a glass in her hand

Elegant table setting with glasses and décor lit by the setting sun

Bridal portrait of Elizabeth in her wedding dress inside the decorated rooms of the historic fortress

Dramatic evening set-up with candles, flowers and the illuminated fortress tower

Sweetheart table set in the large fortress doorway with the page boys beside the couple

First look between the bride and her father in a bright corridor of the historic fortress

Elizabeth laughing with her friends seated on the lit steps of the fortress during the party

Elizabeth with her bridesmaids in matching robes on the fortress steps

View of the bride and groom’s table during dinner, framed by the large columns of the fortress

Guests gathered in front of the food truck at night during the wedding party

Elizabeth and Ludovico posing next to the “Benvenuti” welcome sign at their destination wedding

Entrata della sposa lungo il viale con il papà, tra sedie bianche e invitati seduti

Candlelit wedding cake table in the historic fortress near Bologna, with the couple during the cake cutting

Board of Italian cold cuts and appetizers at the wedding buffet

Ceremony moment with Elizabeth seen from behind and Ludovico smiling, surrounded by groomsmen

Black and white photo of the bride playing and dancing on the lawn with her friends at night

Guests and the couple walking along the gravel path in front of the fortress during the aperitif

Long outdoor buffet table with ceramic vases, finger food and drinks

Outdoor wedding ceremony in the fortress garden with Elizabeth and Ludovico at the altar

A destination wedding in a historic fortress near Bologna, Italy

The images in this gallery tell the story of Elizabeth and Ludovico’s wedding in a historic fortress in the Bologna countryside: ancient stone walls, inner courtyards, views over the hills and soft light embracing every moment. From the emotional getting ready in historic rooms, to their couple portraits along staircases and under arches, through to the reception in the courtyard lit by string lights, every frame speaks of a love that crossed the ocean to be celebrated in Italy.

Elizabeth and Ludovico live in the United States: he has Italian roots, she is originally from the USA. They chose Italy and this fortress near Bologna to bring together family and friends travelling from different countries, turning their wedding into a true destination wedding. Toasts in the courtyard, the sound of laughter in different languages, Italian food, music and the magic of the castle create a warm, elegant and truly authentic atmosphere.

As an Italian wedding planner based in Bologna and specialised in weddings for couples living abroad, my role is to make planning a wedding in Italy from overseas simple and stress-free. From helping you choose the right fortress or castle, to coordinating trusted vendors, managing time zones and language, and overseeing the entire wedding day, I guide you step by step so you can enjoy your “I do” in Italy without worries.

If this gallery has inspired you and you are dreaming of a destination wedding in a historic fortress near Bologna – whether you live in the US or anywhere else in the world – I invite you to get in touch for an informal video call. Together we will design a bespoke wedding that blends the charm of Italian history with your own love story, creating an elegant, welcoming and unforgettable experience for you and your international guests.

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