I’m always up for a challenge, so when Becky and James asked me to capture their ski wedding photography in Sauze d’Oulx, Italy, I jumped at the chance! Having spent quite a lot of time on the slopes in the past, either skiing or snowboarding, I was confident that I could stay on my feet, although keeping up with James (an ex-pro skier), was going to be tough!

First, I photographed their micro wedding in Leicester, then a couple of weeks later we hopped on a plane to Italy for three days of celebrations. Becky and James planned an incredible party, gathering together around 60 of their friends and family to join them on the slopes. The Sauze d’Oulx area is not just known for great skiing, it’s the après ski hotspot of Italy, from laid-back bars and atmospheric wine cellars, to wild clubs and party venues hidden among the quaint cobbled streets. This was going to be WILD!

Pre-wedding ski session

After settling in at the hotel for the first day, I spent the next morning on the slopes with Becky and James. They wanted me to capture them having fun before their wedding – they weren’t fussed about posing and just wanted to enjoy themselves in the mountains. As I said, I was confident I had the experience to stay upright… but add a couple of cameras and trying to take photos as you go… WOW, it was tough!

Dig your own ceremony area

Outside ‘La Folie Douce’ (a French phrase meaning ‘sweet madness’, or ‘eccentricity’, and a location for lively après ski parties!), their friends had constructed a ceremony area and were waiting on the snow seats on either side of the aisle. A friend conducted a really personal ceremony, surrounded by snowy skies and drifts of deep powder (which I kept sinking into!). They were pelted by snowballs as they celebrated by running back down the aisle in a moment of pure magical chaos!

Everyone raised their ski poles to create a ceremonial arch for the newlyweds to walk through – I think these are some of my favourite images from the whole weekend, filled with love, personality, and a little bit bonkers!

Après ski wedding photography in Italy

We crowded into La Folie Douce for drinks, food, and some speeches from friends, my cameras were not loving the quick temperature changes, another big challenge of ski wedding photography! But, with some careful management, I made sure I captured the emotional moments, speeches from friends, and loads of laughs as drinks flowed and they got the party started.

Black-tie evening reception

After skiing back down the mountain, we got ready at the hotel for a black-tie evening reception. Becky had changed into a fitted white gown, her bridesmaids wore velvet dresses, and James’ tartan trousers brought some colour and a bit of Scotland to Italy.

Cocktails were poured and guests gathered around for speeches before grabbing sparklers and heading out to La Griglia Pizzeria, just a short walk away through the old town.

An atmospheric pizzeria adds to the alpine challenge

La Griglia is a beautiful candlelit space with traditional stone vaulted ceilings, super atmospheric and cosy, and perfect for a gathering of family and friends to celebrate after a day on the slopes. Skiing down a mountain and taking photos had been a physical challenge, keeping my cameras happy in changing temperatures was a test of nerve, and working with candlelight in a cosy traditional restaurant worked my technical brain to the max! I’d usually use flash for darker venues, but I didn’t want to ruin the vibe, so I worked with my environment rather than against it, and used the light from the candles to create some dramatic photos that really capture the atmosphere.

Silent disco and a 4am finish

I’d been made to feel like part of the family for the whole weekend, sitting to eat with everyone, and joining in with the fun. As people started making their way back to hotels, I was instructed to put my cameras down, and a group of us went on to some more bars and nightclubs in the village. We ended up at a silent disco, and I think when I next looked at my watch it was 4am!

Honestly, this was one of the most technically and physically challenging weddings of my entire career. I loved it though! To say I had a great time would be a huge understatement – it was EPIC.

Looking for a ski wedding photographer?

I won’t lie to you, this was carnage, but of the very best kind! If you’re looking for a skiing wedding photographer, then let’s chat about your plans. I’ve captured weddings all over the world and I’m always up for a bit of a challenge – whether you want me to join you on the slopes or overlooking camels on the beach in Tangier, Morocco!

Every wedding gets my full passion and enthusiasm, from Hertfordshire to Honolulu, and beyond!