A Fun Elopement in Rome Captured on Film: Dicle and Anıl

Dicle and Anıl, a wonderful couple from Istanbul, chose Rome, Italy, for their intimate elopement wedding. From the very first conversation, they were crystal clear about one thing: they wanted everything captured only on film. As a film wedding photographer in Rome, I couldn’t have been happier. With my Leica M6 and Yashica Mat 124G, we set out to tell their story the analogue way. Full of timeless grain, texture, and character.

 

Bride and groom kissing in front of the Pantheon during their Rome elopement, photographed on film.

The couple’s approach to their wedding day was refreshing. They had what they called a “zero-stress policy.” No packed timeline, no strict schedule. Just a relaxed day together, strolling through Rome and letting the city guide us. This meant pausing whenever they felt like it, stopping for coffee in a small bar, enjoying drinks at a trattoria, or sharing snacks before continuing to wander through the streets. Their openness and spontaneity gave the photoshoot an authentic rhythm that fit perfectly with the nature of analogue photography.

Throughout the day, they laughed, kissed, and celebrated in front of some of Rome’s most iconic backdrops: the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and lively piazzas filled with music and people. The mix of historical landmarks, cobblestone alleys, and everyday Roman life made the whole experience cinematic. Each frame of film reflected not just their love, but also the atmosphere of Rome: timeless, textured, and real.

For me, this wasn’t just another elopement wedding photoshoot. Dicle and Anıl’s warm hearts and easy-going personalities made it feel like I was spending time with friends. Photographing their elopement on film was not only a creative joy but also a reminder of why I love being a film wedding photographer in Italy. Their Rome elopement was relaxed, authentic, and unforgettable. Just like the images we created together.

"Some things are more special when they happen at the right time, in the right place, and with the right people. That’s exactly how it was for us. Two years ago, we had planned to do a photoshoot in Europe, but bad weather on the day forced us to cancel. Looking back, maybe it was for the best, sometimes what doesn’t happen ends up making room for something even better. Two years later, when we finally had the chance to travel abroad again, the very first thing we thought was: we have to make that postponed shoot happen. That’s when our paths crossed with Gökhan. We had admired his work for a long time, and we knew we wanted to be one of the couples captured through his lens. From the very first email we sent, full of excitement, to receiving Gökhan’s warm and enthusiastic reply, everything just felt right. What impressed us most was how he asked us to write a little introduction about ourselves before the shoot. Even before meeting in person, he wanted to understand us and create a connection, so he could capture us in the most authentic way. We have always been drawn to the magic of analogue photography, the tones, the colors, the warmth it conveys. Combined with Gökhan’s incredible talent, it turned into the perfect combination. The photoshoot itself was pure joy: we laughed, stayed completely in the moment, and Gökhan’s easygoing conversation made the whole experience even more fun. What we brought home from Rome was not just these beautiful photos, but also the memory of meeting someone who became a true friend. Grazie di tutto, Gökhan!"

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