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An Opulent Roman Wedding Celebration at Villa Aurelia


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Nadia and Luca got married in the elegant and eternal city of Rome, which was the first place they travelled to together while dating. They chose to get married at the iconic 17th-century old, Villa Aurelia. Antonangeli Design Group (ADG) designed the wedding to reflect a modern Italian garden. The colours of the wedding were ivory and sage green with gold accents and wood elements. ADG wanted to create a setting that was elegant and timeless while complementing the natural charm of the Villa.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

This wedding features Italo-Canadian fashion influencer Nadia Antonangeli of 3 Girls and Our Closet. The couple hosted an opulent celebration at the iconic Villa Aurelia in Rome. Nadia wore a magnificent Oscar de la Renta gown, as well as a custom creation by renowned Canadian designer Lucian Matis. She showcased several fabulous looks during her welcome party and while getting ready. The ceremony took place at the iconic Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, followed by a lively reception with 150 of their closest friends and family at Villa Aurelia. The venue was styled with exquisite floral arrangements by Rome-based designer Andrea Patrizi, adding to the event’s elegance and charm.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Nadia and Luca met on their very first day of school in the summer of 2014 at the University of Toronto! They were in the same program and quickly became inseparable. They dated for 9 years, and in the fall of 2023, Luca planned a surprise trip to New York City, where he proposed to Nadia in an intimate setting with just the two of them present. After the proposal, Luca took Nadia to an elegant dinner and a jazz bar where they soaked in the night as a newly engaged couple. They spent the rest of the weekend exploring the city with romantic walks around Central Park, shopping dates, and museum visits! Once they got back to Toronto, Luca organized a lunch with their immediate families where they dined, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company!

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Bride’s Look:
Gown: Oscar de la Renta
Shoes: Aquazzura
Purse: Chanel
Make-up and Hair: Anastasia Garba
Veil and Alterations: Powder Bride

Bride’s 2nd Look:
Gown: Custom Lucian Matis
Shoes: Aquazzura
Earrings: Jennifer Behr
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Groom’s Look: Tuxedo: Custom Tuxedo from Capo Salerno Watch: Rolex Cuff Links: Hugo Boss Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo

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After the ceremony at Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, guests congregated in the piazza and were given fresh paninis and beverages, a little spuntino (Italian snack) for all to enjoy. Later, once guests arrived at the Villa, they were escorted into the cocktail space with a glass of prosecco. Upon entering the cocktail space, guests were met with an array of food choices in artfully displayed stations in the villa’s gardens. The stations included a show cooking of mozzarella by a local cheesemaker, a carving station of Italian cured meats, a tomato station, a tartare cart, and a vast selection of fish, bread, and cheeses. In addition to the stations, servers roamed the gardens with bite-sized hors d’oeuvres displayed on antique trays. Guests kept refreshed with infused water, more prosecco, wine, cocktails from the open bar, and the bride and groom’s favourite drinks, an Aperol spritz and a Campari soda. Once the cocktail hour was done, guests were guided to the lemon garden for the plated meal. The meal started off with a burrata cream pudding followed by a traditional Roman pasta dish called amatriciana, and ended with the guest’s choice of fish, beef, or a vegetarian option. During dinner, guests’ glasses were never empty with local Italian wine, and the energy was always vibrant. Nadia and Luca kicked off dessert time with a live making of a millefeuille cake overlooking a breathtaking view of Rome. In addition to the cake, which guests still talk about to this day, there was a live cannoli cart, a live tiramisu cart, a coffee and tea station, and an array of assorted cakes and local Italian sweets for guests to enjoy. The food didn’t end there, and later on, while guests were dancing and enjoying the music by the live band, servers circulated with sweet and savoryfoodd including wood oven pizza, cacio & pepe pasta, gourmet burgers, and fried donuts. It is safe to say that guests at the wedding did not leave hungry! The team from Enoteca La Torre provided the food for the wedding and white glove service that was unmatched.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals for Nadia and Luca’s wedding were done by the talented floral designer Andrea Patrizi, based in Rome. As one of the lead event planners of ADG, Nadia knew she wanted the florals of her wedding to speak for themselves and be lush, full, and organic. All florals were white with hints of greenery throughout, which was the perfect blend for the gardens that surrounded the cocktail space and dining area. The romantic and elegant ambiance during dinner was achieved with hanging chandeliers over the guest tables, candles on the table tops and surrounding lemon trees, and the live musical trio that circulated the area. The guest experience was very important to Nadia and Luca, and the stationery they chose for their wedding elevated this experience. At the church, guests were given custom fans that had a thank-you message for all who traveled to be with them on their special day. Outside of the church, guests were given custom cones with Nadia and Luca’s wedding logo for a petal toss in the piazza. At the reception, Nadia and Luca chose an interactive seating chart that had custom card boxes displayed on a shelf with Italian playing cards inside for each guest. The card box was sage green with gold foil detail, had each guest’s name and table number on it, and incorporated the four Italian suits! Guests loved thiskeepsakee which was a perfect memento of the time they had in Italy! They also had linen stationery, including cocktail napkins and serving towels for the wine servers, which incorporated their logo in gold stitching. Every detail was carefully thought out and reflected the elegance of the day. Tabletop Rentals: G&G Party Service Napkins: Tablecloth Rental Custom linens: MiaRose & Frank

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Catering: Enoteca La Torre [/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
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ADG: ADG consists of 3 sisters from Toronto, Canada, with roots in Italy. ADG runs a fashion account called 3girlsandourcloset and the wedding planning company called Antonangeli Design Group. Nadia, the bride, is the youngest of the 3 sisters! This was the first destination wedding that ADG planned, and they are looking forward to many more to come! Fashion: Nadia wore the iconic 3dlaser-cutt rose petal Oscar de la Renta gown for her Roman wedding. The gown was the perfect match for the elegant and eternal city. Throughout the day, Nadia wore 2 different pairs of heels from her favorite Italian designer, Aquazurra. Luca wore a custom tuxedo and Salvatore Ferragamo shoes. Nadia and Luca chose Aqua Di Parma as their wedding scent, the symbol of Italian luxury.

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Music: During the ceremony, Nadia and Luca had a violinist, harpist, and organ player playing the music, which enhanced the beauty of the already spectacular setting of the church. At cocktail hour, a duo set the tone for the rest of the evening, singing upbeat and classic songs while guests enjoyed their food and mingled around the bar. During dinner, members from the live band roamed around the guest tables and later played with the rest of the band in Sala Aurelia, which is where the party took place! While Nadia and Luca had live musicians throughout their special day, their first dance was a recorded song that they loved from their first year of being together, Yellow by Coldplay, specifically the live piano version at MTV. In fact, Nadia and Luca spoke about this being their first dance song early on in their dating years.

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Photography: The moment Nadia got engaged, she knew she wanted Mike and the rest of the team at 515 Photo Co. to capture her wedding, regardless of where it would be! She was beyond excited when the team was available for her date in Rome. Nadia and Luca had so much fun working with the team for their welcome event and day of the wedding, traveling through Rome and stopping to take pictures in iconic locations along the way. The Superr 8 video that 515 filmed is one of their favorite things to look back on, as it blends the old-world charm of Rome with the classic elegance of their wedding day.

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Photography: 515 Photo Co | Event Planning: Antonangeli Design Group | Event Planning: Antonangeli Design Group | Event coordination: Mo Wedding Events | Floral Design: Andrea Patrizi | Stationery: So Pretty In Print | Ceremony Venue: Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere | Reception Venue: Villa Aurelia | Catering: Enoteca La Torre | Band: The Flair | Vintage Car: Ghisu Autonoleggio Sposi | Bar: FBS Bar Catering | Chandeliers: Preluddio Noleggio | Church Quartet: Florence String Quartet | Custom linens: MiaRose & Frank | Furniture: Latini Design | Getting Ready Hotel: Hotel Splendide Royal | Napkins: Tablecloth Rental | Seating Chart: Eventime Allestimenti | Tabletop Rentals: G&G Party Service

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Glacial Romance of Icy Blues, Gold Accents, and Playful Personal Touches


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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]crisp white, icy blue, navy, soft sky blue[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The weekend was inspired by a theme the couple called Glacial Romance — a poetic blend of soft winter tones and crisp, modern elegance. Blue, the bride’s favorite color, shaped the palette, while the groom’s love for penguins added a playful, unexpected layer. The design played with contrasts: icy tones and warm golds, dramatic silhouettes and delicate details. From mirrored surfaces to ombré floral transitions, every element was curated to feel both luxurious and deeply personal.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a refined gown by Berta, featuring delicate off-shoulder straps and a sleek, fitted silhouette. Subtle embellishments caught the light beautifully, adding a soft touch of sparkle that felt both modern and romantic.[/field]
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Cocktail hour was anything but ordinary: blue-and-white signature drinks were served by performers dressed as living penguins, adding a theatrical twist to the celebration. The dinner that followed was held in the hotel’s royal hall, where guests dined at golden tables arranged in the shape of infinity symbols — a poetic nod to timeless love.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The ceremony was staged on a mirrored aisle that shimmered like ice, transitioning from white to shades of blue. Blue hydrangeas — the bride’s favorite — took center stage, surrounded by rare and sculptural blooms. The floral design was immersive, with every petal and stem contributing to the glacial yet romantic atmosphere. For the dinner inside the villa’s royal hall, the floral styling shifted to a warmer, more intimate atmosphere. Candlelight softened the space, while elegant arrangements complemented the golden accents of the historic room, bringing cohesion to the day’s bold and romantic vision.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was a millefoglie – a classic Italian layered dessert that added a simple yet elegant finish to the celebration.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The celebration kicked off with an unforgettable pre-wedding boat party aboard the stunning Concordia, where guests sipped vibrant spritzes and snacked on a colorful spread in shades of fuchsia and orange. A live mozzarella maestro prepared fresh cheese on the spot — a joyful start to the weekend.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

One of the most memorable features was the central island during cocktail hour, transformed into a mini penguin habitat — complete with custom blue-patterned linens and live performers. Another standout: the electric violin performance by Victor Angelov, who opened dinner with That’s Amore, accompanied by opera singers. It was theatrical, unexpected, and utterly unforgettable.

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Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Cinematography: Waterfall Visuals | Event Planning: Georgia Louise Weddings | Floral Design: Flowers and Me | Wedding Dress: Berta | Invitations: Lettera Elle | DJ: Blunotte Eventi | DJ: Victor Angelov | Wedding Venue: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni | Beauty: Elena Panzeri | Rentals: Memorable rental

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Dreamlike Stroll Through Old-World Europe at Villa Le Fontanelle


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This shoot was all about capturing that romantic, old-world feeling you get when you’re walking through the streets of Europe—where history and beauty are woven into every corner. The vision came together through such a creative and intentional team, and being at Villa Le Fontanelle felt like stepping into a dream. From the textures to the light, every detail was designed to reflect something timeless but still deeply alive and emotive.

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Warm ivory & creamy beige – soft linens, plaster walls, and paper goods

Dusty rose & muted blush – found in florals, lips, and textiles

Elegant golds & champagne – subtle metallics in details like jewelry, shoes, and décor

Earthy taupes & warm greys – table linens, shadows, and stone textures

Olive green & soft sage – tucked into florals and natural backdrops[/field]
[field title=”The Venue”]

Villa Le Fontanelle is the kind of place that instantly makes you pause—it carries a quiet grandeur, the kind that whispers stories from centuries past. Nestled in the Tuscan hills overlooking Florence, the villa is wrapped in history and romance, from its manicured Italian gardens to its sun-washed stone terraces. The architecture blends Renaissance elegance with lived-in charm, creating spaces that feel both regal and intimate. Inside, arched hallways, frescoed ceilings, and antique furnishings set the tone for timeless celebration. Every corner of the property feels like a painting—effortlessly cinematic, full of soul, and perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like an escape into something truly magical.

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The gown by @julita_ldn_bride was a true work of art—elegant yet daring, with clean lines and sculptural draping that brought a sense of modern romance to the entire shoot. Its structured silhouette was softened by delicate details and fluid movement, creating a striking balance between timeless and fashion-forward. Every angle of the dress told a story—it felt bold and effortless all at once.

Paired with it was the most ethereal veil by @rebeccaannedesigns, adorned with soft embroidery that caught the light like whispers of poetry. It floated behind the bride like a quiet dream, adding that perfect hint of softness and soul. Together, the gown and veil were the heart of the editorial’s visual language—refined, editorial, and deeply romantic.[/field]
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The florals by @sebastian_flowers_italy felt like poetry in bloom—loose, romantic arrangements that danced between structure and softness. The palette was rooted in warm neutrals with gentle hints of blush and muted greenery, echoing the aged beauty of the villa and the surrounding Tuscan landscape. Every floral element—from the asymmetrical ceremony installation to the hand-tied bridal bouquet—was designed with an artful eye and an organic spirit. It didn’t feel overdone; it felt felt, like nature had quietly curated the moment itself.

The decor followed that same soulful elegance. Antique-inspired rentals from @preludiodivisionenoleggio paired beautifully with natural textures—linen runners, aged brass, soft candlelight—creating a tablescape that felt as intimate as it was refined. It was all about layering depth and warmth without losing the clean, editorial aesthetic. The result was an atmosphere that invited people to linger, connect, and be moved.

I would reach out to the florist to get the exact types of florals they were since I am not an expert. [/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

What stood out most to me was the way fashion and setting worked together so seamlessly. The softness of the veil against the weathered stone, the structured gown framed by ivy-covered archways—it felt like a love letter between old and new. That layered contrast was the heartbeat of the whole shoot.

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]I would reach out to the HMUA and see what their thoughts are for this. [/field]
[field title=”DIY Moments”]

This shoot was part of a larger creative experience I took part in during the Art of Luxury retreat last summer, and while each editorial offered something unique, this one stayed with me in a big way. I didn’t have a hand in the actual planning or florals, but as a photographer, it was a dream to step into a setting like this—so thoughtfully designed, so rich in texture and feeling. Everything came together so effortlessly that it made capturing it feel almost meditative. I could honestly photograph here all day, every day—Villa Le Fontanelle has that kind of magic.

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Photography: Diane Nicole Photography | Design: art of luxury.co & wild and roam.co | Event Planning: Mart-Mari Weddings & Events | Styling: Joanna Southwell | Floral Design: Sebastian Flowers | stationary: N K design house | shoes: Harriet Wilde | Jewelry: Lucky Sixpence | Vintage Car: Guido Auto Matrimonio Tuscany | Wedding Venue: Villa Le Fontanelle | Dress Designer: Julita London | HMUA: Make up by Barbara Ayisi | Rentals: Preludio Noleggi | Veil Designer: Rebecca Anne Designs | model: Cupid Shooting

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Gentle Symphony of Color and Light in Tuscany’s La Foce Gardens


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The wedding features a colorful palette, with soft, romantic tones. Pastel hues blend harmoniously.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

A romantic wedding, with classic touches, on a sunny afternoon in Tuscany.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Natália and Eduardo got married in Brazil in June 2024, but it was impossible not to celebrate this very special union again, as a beautiful renewal of the vows they made there. An exciting opportunity to reaffirm their love and celebrate this new chapter together.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Natália chose a classic lace dress that could be modified. It was strapless, with sleeves and a shoulder area. Romantic and light, it suited the gardens of La Foce.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

They let the bridesmaids choose their dresses freely, which ended up looking beautiful and matching the decor.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]A dinner in true Italian style was served, with delicious pasta and flavorful wines. Since Brazilians love Italian cuisine, the evening was a real success, full of flavor and joy![/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The decor was incredibly romantic, with soft tones, complemented by seasonal flowers and a few candles. There was a communal table that accommodated all 80 guests, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]They followed the traditional Italian way, with the bride and groom finishing the mille-feuille cake with red fruits and chocolate chips together at the end of the dinner. It was such a beautiful and heartfelt moment.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Back in 2014, Natália saw a photo of La Foce on Instagram… she hadn’t even met Eduardo yet and had no idea where life would lead her. More than 10 years later, she found herself there—getting ready, putting on her wedding dress to meet the love of her life in the place she had once only dreamed of. They chose the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Villa La Foce, nestled in the breathtaking Val d’Orcia. Surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages, the landscape is like a postcard come to life, with Tuscany’s iconic cypress trees adding to its timeless beauty.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]On the wedding day, the ceremony took place in the enchanting gardens of Villa La Foce—an idyllic setting that perfectly complemented the romance of the moment. One of the most unforgettable highlights was the couple’s photo shoot. The golden light felt straight out of Under the Tuscan Sun, the weather was flawless, and the love between Natália and Eduardo was simply radiant.

Natália’s love for soft, delicate tones inspired the entire color palette of the celebration. A thoughtfully curated reception table featured muted hues, exquisite floral arrangements, and carefully selected details that added a touch of charm and sophistication to the scene.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Without a doubt, the most special part of the day was having all of Eduardo and Natália’s friends and family together in one place. With loved ones scattered across the world and friendships formed at many different stages of their lives, bringing everyone together to celebrate was truly magical. The shared joy, laughter, and love—surrounded by the people who mean the most to them—became the true heart of their wedding day.

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Photography: Aloha Fotografia | Cinematography: Queiroz | Event Planning: Tuscany Blu | Floral Design: Flowers Living | Wedding Dress: Milla Nova | Reception Venue: La Foce | Catering: Italian Taste Lodovichi | Beauty: Guilherme Henrique

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Runway Romance on Lake Como: A Fashion-Forward Wedding Editorial at Villa d’Este, Tremezzo, and Villa Pizzo


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[field title=”The Inspiration”]

An editorial daydream brought to life by world-renowned planner Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings, whose visionary touch shaped every couture-drenched, flower-laced frame. Against the gilded backdrop of Villa d’Este (fresh off Chanel’s runway), Hotel Tremezzo, and the serenity of Villa Pizzo, a couple in love escapes tradition and embraces romance. Raindrops falling as the bride steps toward the boat, her House of Savin lace gown glowing with mist. A kiss is shared beneath the boat’s mahogany bow as ripples trail behind them —It’s a cinematic moment suspended in time — romantic, rebellious, and exquisitely undone. (beautiful couple Roy and Zara @half_dust_half_deity) Inside the villa, a reception table draped in soft florals, topped with heirloom chandeliers and lush suspended greenery. Every detail — from the Galia Lahav gown hanging in the villa’s arched doorway, to the grand floral arch welcoming guests through iron doors — evokes the grandeur of old-world Europe with a fashion-forward edge. It’s part elopement, part European fashion editorial — visually and emotionally rich in a way that only love in the rain on Lake Como can be. The floral artistry is show-stopping. The fashion, straight off the runway. The energy was electric. This story was created not just to be seen — but to be felt. We would be honored to share it with your audience.

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Soft yellow, Blush pink, Ivory / Cream, Peach / Apricot, Pale blue, White, muted lavender accents (very subtle), Various tones of greenery (including olive)

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[field title=”The Venue”]

Villa Pizzo, Lake Como Italy

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Boat Gown, Ceremony Gown + Veil: House of Savin, Reception Gown: Galia Lahav

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]Set against the sun-washed facade of Villa Pizzo, the floral design was nothing short of show-stopping. Lush garden-inspired arrangements cascaded through the ceremony and reception spaces, echoing the timeless elegance of Lake Como with a fresh, couture sensibility.

A grand floral arch framed the villa’s arched doorway, blooming with layers of blush roses, cream peonies, delicate spray roses, and soft apricot blooms, interwoven with textural greenery and subtle hints of pale blue delphinium. The aisle was flanked by meadow-style installations that felt as though they had grown organically from the gravel path—an ethereal blend of ivory stock, sweet pea, lisianthus, and climbing foliage.

Inside, the reception design unfolded beneath opulent crystal chandeliers and historic plaster ceilings. Long tables were draped in soft, blush-toned damask linens, adorned with overflowing centerpieces that paired romantic roses with airy garden blooms in soft pink, buttercream, and blue tones. The most captivating detail? Custom-built greenery arches that appeared to grow up and around the chandeliers, bringing the gardens indoors in the most refined way.

Every floral element was crafted to feel both abundant and intentional—like a modern fairytale with an editorial edge.[/field]
[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

A defining element of the design was the way Flourish & Grace transformed both the ceremony and reception spaces into a blooming extension of Villa Pizzo itself. At the villa entrance, guests were welcomed by a dramatic floral arch—an opulent, garden-style installation. The arch framed the villa’s historic iron doors with a sense of grandeur that still felt organic and utterly romantic. Inside, the transformation continued under the direction of AMV Weddings, who brought the garden in. Crystal chandeliers already dripping in old-world charm were adorned with custom greenery structures that danced above the tables like living sculptures. The chandeliers became part of the floral story—elevating the tablescape and adding a lush vertical layer to the overall design. Paired with blush-toned damask linens and layered floral runners, the effect was a seamless blend of architecture, nature, and high fashion.

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]Lean into Location-Inspired Design: Let the architecture, history, and natural beauty of your venue inform the floral palette and decor. Here, the soft terracotta walls of Villa Pizzo inspired a romantic color story of blush, apricot, cream, and soft blue that felt effortlessly rooted in the setting.

Balance Grandeur with Airiness: For a look that feels both luxurious and natural, pair statement pieces—like a grand floral arch or suspended greenery installations—with organic, garden-style arrangements that feel like they’ve always belonged there.

Mix Textures, Not Just Colors: Layering delicate blooms like sweet peas and lisianthus with fuller flowers like garden roses and peonies adds visual depth. Add movement with trailing vines and asymmetrical greenery to soften the structure and keep it feeling fresh.

Elevate with Unexpected Installations: Don’t be afraid to bring florals into unexpected spaces—like suspending greenery from chandeliers or growing installations up villa walls. These immersive touches create unforgettable moments of magic.

Consider the Weather Part of the Story: If your celebration includes the possibility of rain, embrace it. This shoot leaned into the romance of a rainy Lake Como day, capturing cinematic moments on a vintage wooden boat that turned drizzle into pure poetry.[/field]
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Photography: Alessandra Parks | Design: Galia Lahav | Event Planning: AMV Weddings | Floral Design: Flourish & Grace | Wedding Dress: Gold Leaf Brides | Wedding Dress: Bella Belle Shoes | Wedding Dress: Kate Whitcomb | Wedding Dress: Botias Accessories | Wedding Dress: Megan Therese Couture | Cake: Erzulie Cakes | Cake: Prop Options | Invitations: Carissimo Letterpress | Wedding Venue: Villa Pizzo | Beauty: Hair by Duboux | Beauty: Tara Sanger | Rentals: Blunotte Eventi | Rentals: Nuage Designs | Rentals: Lake Como Boat | Weddings Rings: The Styling Reserve

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Whisper in the Clouds: An Ethereal Celebration at Villa Balbiano


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

At the breathtaking Villa Balbiano, nestled on the serene shores of Lake Como, we brought to life a vision as timeless as the landscape itself. Our beautiful couple dreamt of an intimate wedding that felt like a whisper in the clouds – soft, ethereal and effortlessly elegant. The ceremony mirrored the sky above, with layers of white florals and delicate textures, floating like a cloud over the lake. After the ceremony, the guests were invited to unwind with sunset cocktails by the pool -spritzes in hand, soft Italian jazz floating through the air, and golden hour casting magic on the villa. As the sun dipped behind the hills of Lake Como, guests made their way into Villa Balbiano’s enchanting cherry tree garden – a hidden gem that set the stage for a dinner party, intimate yet grand. At the heart of it all was a long, serpentine table, winding gracefully through the trees like a ribbon of celebration. Its curves weren’t just beautiful, they symbolized the journey of love : fluid, continuous and ever-evolving.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

She always loved the story of Romeo and Juliet – not for the tragedy, but for the intensity of a love that felt destined. While traveling in Verona, he surprised her with a visit to Juliet’s famous balcony. As she leaned over the stone, he stood below, calling out to his “Juliet” before holding out a ring that promised their forever. That promise became the beginning of their journey to Lake Como, where their wedding unfolded like the modern fairytale they had always dreamed of.

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The bride wore a Kamelia Andrioti wedding gown, a masterpiece of modern bridal fashion – a perfect balance between ageless romance and contemporary edge. Instead of the traditional “princess gown”, she wore a piece that felt artistic and bold, while still undeniably romantic. To complete her bridal look, our bride chose a sculptural, statement hat. Dramatic yet timeless, the piece framed her look with effortless sophistication, blending high-fashion elegance with a sense of individuality and modern romance. The whole look was a perfect reflection of a woman rewriting tradition with grace, strength, and unfading beauty.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids’ fashion was a celebration of bold elegance and timeless glamour. They chose sequins- the ultimate symbol of enduring style – in a striking combination of gold and silver, creating a look that shimmered with sophistication. Rather than all wearing the same dress, each gown was tailored slightly differently to reflect each bridesmaid’s unique connection to the bride, adding a personal and heartfelt touch to the cohesive, dazzling ensemble.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groom and groomsmen wore tailored suits by Scala, a perfect blend of modern sophistication and timeless elegance. With clean lines, impeccable fit, and subtle detailing, it is ideal for an Italian wedding that also complements the ethereal romance of his bride’s look.

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The wedding menu celebrated the best of Italy. Guests enjoyed Aperol Spritz and signature cocktails during the cocktail hour by the pool, followed by traditional Italian dishes – fresh pasta, seafood, and risotto – paired with top Italian wines and plenty of Champagne. Simple, elegant and undeniably delicious.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Ceremony: An all-white palette reflected the pure, serene beauty of Lake Como and its skies, and also reflected the beauty of our gorgeous bride. Crisp white flowers created a clean, elegant backdrop – a mirror of the lake’s calm and ethereal charm. Instead of traditional chairs, guests were seated on white, curvaceous, plush couches that mirrored the softness of clouds. We created bulky, flowing shapes for a modern, airy touch. Cocktail hour: Inspired by Italian chic and golden hour hues, the cocktail decor embraced warm yellow and orange tones that evoked the vibrant glow of an Aperol spritz, creating a stylish, sun-kissed Italian flair. Dinner: The palette shifted to royal blue and white, accented with gold in the chairs, table, and cutlery. Blue and white flowers added sophistication, while the flourishing cherry trees framed the long table with playful elegance. Mirrored tabletops and round mirrored chandeliers elevated the setting, reflecting light and adding a sense of luxury and glamour to the regal, clean-cut design. A perfect setting for an unforgettable Italian dinner.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was a three-tiered cake, simple and elegant, adorned with small royal light blue flowers that perfectly echoed the dinner decor. Chic, refined, stylish and classic.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

During the ceremony, the couple shared a deeply personal moment that echoed their love story. A heartfelt reading, inspired by the timeless passion of Romeo and Juliet, set the tone – celebrating love that is bold, enduring, and destined. When the couple exchanged their vows, it felt like a modern fairytale unfolding, promises whispered under the Lake Como sky, a joyful rewrite of the classic tale, and a reminder that their love story, unlike Shakespeare’s, had a happy ending.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The ceremony backdrop carried a dual meaning, blending personal significance with artistic inspiration. As a nod to the groom’s love and appreciation for Italian architecture, our design featured three open arches inspired by Italian triumphal arches. Each arch, or “gate” , symbolized a step along the couple’s journey – a meaningful passage leading them to their wedding day. The result was both a striking architectural statement and a poetic reflection of their love story, seamlessly connecting Italian heritage with the romance of Lake Como. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Instead of a traditional first look, the couple chose to savor every moment of their special day together. They took a private ride on a classic Riva boat across Lake Como, allowing them to unwind, enjoy each other’s company , and take in the breathtaking surroundings – just the two of them before joining their guests. Their grand entrance at the venue, arriving by boat, was as cinematic as it was intimate, setting the tone for a celebration that was personal, joyful, and unforgettable. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

A very special little guest took part in the ceremony – the bride’s niece, who has always held a cherished place in her heart. Rather than just scattering petals, she presented a single flower to the couple, symbolizing love, family and continuity – a touching detail that made the celebration feel even more personal and heartfelt.

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Photography: Sotiris Tsakanikas | Photography: Sotiris Tsakanikas | Cinematography: Kostas Kastanakis | Coordination: Stefanotis Weddings | Coordination: Stefanotis Weddings | Event Design: Stefanotis Weddings | Event Planning: Stefanotis Weddings | Floral Design: THE GARDEN OF LOVE | Wedding Dress: Kamelia Andrioti | Cake: The Cakers | Invitations: Atelier Invitations | Ceremony Venue: The Heritage Collection | Reception Venue: The Heritage Collection | DJ: Blunotte Events | Groom's Attire: Scala | Wedding Venue: The Heritage Collection | Beauty: Joanna Stella Papathanasiou | Rentals: Tableset Luxury Rentals | Rentals: Preludio Noleggi | Rentals: Latini

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Fusion of Italian Romance and Asian Grandeur Amid the Italian Riviera


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Inspired by the colors of the Italian countryside, the wedding color palette consisted of muted pastels like sage, ivory, mauve, and champagne. After the ceremony, the colors became slightly more saturated, incorporating pops of terracotta, lavender, red, and mulberry.

With a dress code of formal Italian Riviera and a fusion of Italian and Asian motifs, this blend of cultures made for one jaw-dropping celebration. With all of the natural elegance of the Italian landscape and the grandeur of Asian decor, this team created something truly one of a kind.

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The bride’s custom Valentino gown is the stuff dreams are made of. It was a delicate A-line gown, made of beaded lace in an abstract floral motif with metallic accents. The light peach lining added a warm and unexpected surprise to the ethereal ensemble.

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For cocktail hour, guests snacked on traditional Italian hors d’oeuvres, meats, and cheeses, while they watched artisans make the pasta for the night right in front of them! Guests were then treated to a meal created just for the occasion by Chef Domingo, a Michelin-star chef, crafted from local ingredients.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

For the ceremony, white lilies and baby’s breath arrangements lined the white aisle, culminating in a massive iron and floral arch that framed the castle in the background. As the party transitioned into the reception, the flowers took on more color, with hanging wisteria installations floating over each table and whimsical arrangements in shades of purple and ivory lined the center of the table with pops of bright red tomatoes.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]In true Italian style, the couple added the finishing touch to traditional millefoglie before cutting into it and sharing it with their guests.
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
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Photography: Danilo And Sharon | Cinematography: Lumos Produzioni | Event Designer: LXE Moments | Floral Design: Federica Ambrosini | Wedding Dress: Valentino | Invitations: Truffypi | Shoes: Valentino | Lighting: Paulicelli | Entertainment: Allessando De Angelis | Entertainment: DUBVISION | Entertainment: Riviera Roaming Band | Entertainment: Terraross | Groom's Attire: P Johnson Tailors | Beauty: Evalovira Makeup Artist | Beauty: Yemima Eg | Event Planning & Production: Bespoke Unique Weddings | Guest & Bridal Family Concierge: Kenisha Wedding

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Garden Party Celebration of Love and Heritage in the Heart of Italy


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Our wedding’s main theme centered around light blue—my favorite color since I was 14—which we chose to complement the soft pastel tones of baby blue, peach, light rose, fuchsia, and lilac green. This gentle palette created a cozy, rustic atmosphere that resonated with our love for natural materials and understated elegance.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

In the early days of our friendship, he captured love stories through his lens as a wedding photographer, while I orchestrated them as a planner. We’d often daydream about the weddings we’d create for others, never guessing that one day we’d be designing our own. Life had other plans, and when it did, we knew instantly: our celebration would be small, heartfelt, and brimming with joy—a reflection of the intimacy we’d always valued. United by our wanderlust, we envisioned a destination wedding that doubled as a getaway for our loved ones. Italy’s sun-drenched villas and lush gardens became the perfect backdrop, blending our shared love of travel with a garden-party elegance, inviting guests from China and Canada to savor la dolce vita alongside us. Being of Chinese origin, we infused our wedding with meaningful Chinese elements—Chinese circular fans, tassels, cheongsam-inspired details, traditional embroidered favor bags, Chinese stamps bearing our names, and an ancient-style handwritten marriage license by my father. To balance tradition with our Western celebration, we incorporated romantic elements like a white umbrella, hand fans, and the symbolic throwing of rice, blending cultural customs seamlessly.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Just a few days before our seventh anniversary together, Polk secretly transformed a quaint cottage into the stage for his proposal. A close friend whisked me there under the guise of a casual outing, where a heartfelt video he’d crafted began to play. As the screen faded, I followed a path to the backyard and found him perched on a stool, guitar in hand, surrounded by his bandmates strumming the breezy melody of *Summer Night Open-Air Movie*. My friend gently guided me closer, and the music shifted to the tender chords of my favorite ballad, *不再让你孤单* (‘I’ll Never Let You Feel Alone’). Midway through the song, the notes softened, and there he was—kneeling in the golden light, ring in hand, turning our years of love into a promise of forever.

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

My dress from Oscar de la Renta’s 2020 Fall collection is my dream dress since I first saw it when it was published, a strapless high-low gown with a dramatic rose at the front—an immediate choice when we decide to hold our wedding. The second wedding dress is from Yuai, a famous independent designer brand in China. The dress is full of details and perfectly fits my body shape, so I decided to wear it as my morning dress before the ceremony.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

At the beginning, we are planning to have different colors for each bridesmaid. But when I sent them the pictures to pick, they all picked light blue, so we decided to have all of the dresses in light blue. Each selects their own dress to ensure they love their look.

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]While our bridesmaids embraced a unified palette of light blue, we sought to weave subtle individuality into the groomsmen’s attire. Opting for sleek light-gray suits as their foundation, we infused personality through bespoke bow ties in varying hues—each shade thoughtfully paired with coordinating boutonnieres, creating a harmonious yet distinct rhythm within the wedding party’s aesthetic.[/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Most of our guests traveled from China and Canada, so we hired Osteria del Donca to craft a menu of authentic Italian dishes tailored to our preferences. We welcomed guests with refreshing cocktails like Cuba Libre and Italian-inspired fresh lemonade from our gelato supplier, Appetitosa Feste & Eventi, offering a taste of Italy from the moment they arrived.

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]We envisioned an intimate, rustic celebration. Most of our decor featured wood materials, evoking a warm and inviting ambiance. For the ceremony, we crafted an embrace-style altar with a lush greenery arch, symbolizing our unity and embrace of each other. Arrangements along the aisle appeared to grow organically from the earth, emphasizing simplicity and breathing space.

For the reception, our tables boasted imperial-style arrangements—small glass vases with seasonal flowers, candles, and tea lights—creating a romantic glow. Personal touches included flower arrangements at the welcome and signing tables, beside our vintage light blue car and Vespa.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Our wedding cake was a handcrafted Italian Millefoglie—layers of crisp pastry, velvety cream, and ripe seasonal berries—artfully prepared by our caterer. As we shared our first slice, cold fireworks erupted in a choreographed cascade of light, transforming the moment into an enchanting finale that mirrored the sweetness of the cake itself.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]We poured our hearts into handwritten vows, promising forever in words as unique as our journey. For the ceremony’s soundtrack, Queen of Weddings’ string duo wove our love story into music, beginning with a whimsical twist: their bespoke rendition of *I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)*—a nod to our favorite *How I Met Your Mother* episodes. The procession unfolded like a symphony: groomsmen entered to *Can’t Help Falling in Love*, bridesmaids glided in with *River Flows in You*, and I stepped toward forever to the timeless elegance of *Canon in D*. As newlyweds, we exited to Joe Hisaishi’s *Summer*—a melody rarely heard in Italian weddings, but one that carried the warmth of our shared memories.

The celebration crescendoed at the reception, where Guty & Simone mastered our multicultural playlist, seamlessly blending Chinese ballads (despite the language barrier!) with crowd-rousing hits. Their intuition for rhythm and mood turned every note into a heartbeat, proving that love—and music—needs no translation.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

As passionate DIY enthusiasts, we poured our hearts into crafting every detail of our wedding stationery—from invitations with watercolor painting of our venue and wax seals with our unique logo to welcome cotton signs & cotton seating charts (featuring our favorite fabric, hand-stamped with love), each element told our story. We designed a custom welcome booklet, brimming with curated wedding details and heartfelt guidance for our guests, and adorned reception tables with delicately calligraphed place cards glistening with mother-of-pearl accents. Every piece was a labor of love, blending personal touches and artisanal charm to celebrate our journey. Also, we included our cat in most of our designs to make sure he’s part of the story, as he cannot physically be present at the wedding.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Our creativity carried into the cocktail hour, which we styled as a whimsical garden party. Guests enjoyed a ring toss game with fun prizes, an instant photo booth, a Lego mini-figure customization station, and personalized blind boxes filled with magnets. Paired with an array of hors d’oeuvres and a beautifully curated food and drink station, the experience was designed to be playful, interactive, and unforgettable.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

We each had different visions when it came to our wedding photography—he gravitated toward the crisp, high-speed precision of digital photography, perfect for capturing fleeting moments and low-light scenes, while I was drawn to the nostalgic charm and timeless artistry of film, where every shot feels intentional and irreplaceable. To honor both perspectives, we brought in two photography teams—one digital and one film—so we could beautifully capture our day through both lenses.

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Photography: VeraHo Production | Cinematography: Capso Studio | Coordination: Elena Casagni | Event Planning: Athena Wang | Floral Design: Le Francesche | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Wedding Dress: YUAI | Invitations: Athena & Polk | Wedding Shoes: Rene Caovilla | Catering: OSTERIA DEL DONCA | DJ: Guty & Simone | Band: Guty & Simone | Ceremony Music: Queen of Weddings | Wedding Venue: Torre di Pila | Beauty: Louminous Makeup | Engagement Ring Designer: Harry Winston | Film Photography: Xiabaoer | Gelato Cart: Appetitosa Feste & Eventi | Vintage Car & Vespa: Christian for Slowhills | Weddings Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Weddings Rings: Chaumet

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Bucolic Dolce Vita Wedding With Vintage Tuscan Charm at Villa Pazzi al Parugiano


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Peach, blush, dusty pink, malva, and sage green

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

For this wedding, the Wedding Designer Greta was inspired by a bucolic, natural, and romantic Tuscany. The typical Italian Dolce Vita mood, but with vintage and more authentic vibes.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Carina: ” Tom coordinated with my best friend and tricked me into thinking I was having a girls’ picnic day in Central Park, NYC, so I got all dolled up, just to be led to the biggest surprise of his life waiting with pink roses and the best proposal ever. He also organized an amazing, intimate dinner with our closest friends and family to celebrate our engagement. It was one of the best days of my life.”

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Carina said “Yes” at Kleinfield’s atelier, and she chose this beautiful vintage dress by Maggie Sottero. The amazing pointed shoes are by Jimmy Choo. After the cake, Carina surprised everyone with a sensual and sparkling new mini dress.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

All the girls had different dresses in pastel shades. And for all of them, there was a super cute floral wicker mini bag.

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You would never have said it, but it was raining that day, so to say “welcome” to our best, we planned a cute corner with “Ring for Champagne” by Caffè21, it was so funny! After the ceremony, Valerio Ricevimenti prepared a typical Tuscan aperitif in the Italian Garden, and then the delicious dinner was served in the beautiful Altana of Villa Pazzi. One of the best PlanBs I’ve ever organized. After dinner, guests enjoyed a millefoglie cake showcooking, where Carina and Tom also tested their pastry skills. Together with the final dance party, guests enjoyed delicious signature cocktails by Caffe21’s Bar.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

In her creative project, the Wedding Designer Greta Sagona had visualized wild and climbing flowers that seemed to have grown naturally in the place. The florist Serena Poletti perfectly transformed the project into reality, using a mix of: dahlias, carnations, scabiosa, wallflower, chrysanthemum, lisianthus, cotinus, and roses. Flowers were so delicate, and Carina’s bouquet was simply Art. For the ceremony, the Wedding Planner and Designer Greta Sagona created custom welcome bags, so each girl invited had a bag with her name on it, and inside them there were lots of accessories like hair scrunchies, sunglasses, Italian Leone mints, napkins, and a useful recovery kit. On the chairs of the ceremony, there were handmade, painted fans and custom petal bags for all the guests. The seating chart, Greta Sagona realized a structure of three panels with a custom floral pattern wallpaper, and a cute floral basket in the center. For the dinner, the designer Greta Sagona chose a very cool mise en place, with ancient metal and wood chairs, decorated green dishes, custom-made ruche napkins, and a floral printed runner on the table. Here you can also see the cut-out menu cardstock with dusty pink wax seal and a cute favor box as a placecard. These boxes were printed with the same custom floral pattern as the whole wedding.

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A crisp millefoglie, the typical Italian cake made in showcooking in front of all the guests. A delight for the eyes and the taste.

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The music was played by Irene Colzani and her amazing live band and DJ.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

There was a floral pattern, graphically created by the designer Greta Sagona and by the bride Carina in their funniest moments together, that runs through the entire wedding; you can see it in the wedding invitation, in the welcome sign, in the seating chart, in the table runner, and in the placeholder boxes that contained a sweet gift for the guests. This pattern was the “fil rouge” of the entire wedding, and all the guests loved it so much.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Many of the photos were taken on film by the talented Samantha Rivieccio, and a special video was made with a Super 88 camera by Memento Story Film and Lec Patoku.

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Photography: Samantha Rivieccio | Event Planning & Design: Weddinglam | Flowers: Serena Poletti | Wedding Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal | Cake: Valerio Ricevimenti | Invitations: Weddinglam | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Catering: Valerio Ricevimenti | Wedding Venue: Villa Pazzi al Parugiano | Lights: Central House | Muah: Aleksandra Kwiatkowska | Music: Irene Colzani | Open Bar & Champagne: Caffe21 | Photography - Assistance: Stefano Destro | Video: Memento Story Film | Video Super8: Lec Patoku

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
An Italian Lakeside Celebration at Villa Cortine Filled with Color Cuisine and Connection


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The color palette for this wedding was pulled from the villa itself: creamy sandstone to match the walls, soft, moody greens to pick up the interior wallpapers, dusty rose, and sunset shades to capture the colors glittering on the lake.

With an incredible guest experience as the key priority, this beautiful celebration was full of thoughtful touches that celebrated its unique location and allowed guests to relax in the splendor of a 5-star Villa Cortine Palace Hotel. Each event was designed to feel unique, unified by exceptional cuisine and good company. From local dinners in the town center to bringing all guests together at one long candlelit table stretching into Lake Garda on Villa Cortine’s private dock, to high elegance on the sunset terrace for the wedding feast, each meal centered around appreciating local Italian food in a surreal and stunning setting. Jane Handles Weddings brought their vision to life, prioritizing an outstanding guest experience, seamless event flow, and thoughtful touches to make each guest feel special, relaxed, and completely at home at Villa Cortine.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

One fateful day in Philadelphia, Alyssa swiped right on Nate’s Bumble profile, intrigued by his sultry gaze and Peace Corps service in Botswana. After a sizzling text exchange about Harry Potter, they met on Friday the 13th, January 2017, at the Fishtown Tavern. Alyssa was very impressed with Nate’s stature and charm, but the bar was so crowded she could barely discern anything he said. Nate insisted Alyssa’s dating app photos of her completely covered in dirt did her a great disservice—but she’d already inhaled six whiskies by then, and he was somewhat apprehensive of where the night might lead. On a hunch, they relocated to Alyssa’s house, where they dove into the conventional first date subjects—metaphysics and death—each delighting the other with matched wit, perspicacity, and candor. Deeply infatuated, they reluctantly parted the next morning. In a panicked attempt to play it cool, Alyssa then ignored Nate for a week, which greatly confused him. After a demand for an explanation and another date, the pair joyfully reunited over a meatball stromboli and have been inseparable ever since. Six years, six homes, one cross-country move, fifty dog toys, and a few career changes later, Nate took Alyssa on a morning stroll through an olive grove outside the Tuscan hilltop town of Chiusi, where he proposed, and she accepted. They returned to Italy, a place so special to both of them, to tie the knot surrounded by their closest friends and family.

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Alyssa is an avid pant enthusiast who mostly wears only black in daily life–so, if she were going to wear a white dress, she wanted it to be an extraordinary one. She fell in love with Nicole and Felicia as a woman-owned brand with statement-making, editorial silhouettes, and when she tried the 303 at Jaxson James Bridal in Los Angeles, she knew it was the one. (She loved it so much that she carried the thirty-pound dress by hand through three different airports on her way to Italy.) For her reception look, she chose something that showcased a different, more familiar side of her personality: a black corset pant suit from Fleur du Mal.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

Nate opted for a timeless Zegna suit (when in Italy, only an Italian suit will do), but the most special item was his late father’s watch, which he had refurbished for the occasion as a way to include his memory and hold him dear.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Part of the reason we chose a beautiful venue in Italy was that exceptional food was such a priority, and where better than Bella Italia? Alyssa and Nate’s multi-day fete celebrated the local cuisine. The celebrations kicked off with a boat tour on Lake Garda, complete with an aperitivo on board, for the immediate families. On the arrival day for most guests, Thursday, Alyssa and Nate hosted a multi-course feast in the historic city center of Sirmione on Thursday for all guests who arrived before the festivities officially began. On Friday, we transformed the Villa Cortine private dock into a modern, romantic tablescape to bring all their guests together at one table stretching down the dock, and stations included local meats and cheeses, fresh pizza, housemade pastas, a roaring grill station, and, of course, a gelato cart. On Saturday, guests enjoyed an aperitivo hour filled with traditional Italian delicacies, and even got to watch mozzarella being made before their eyes. The wedding feast was set on the west side of the villa, so guests could enjoy the sunset over the terrace, and included a parade of dishes, many of which made their appearance in the form of line drawings done by the bride on the beautiful menus.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

To set the tone for the celebration, we wanted to make sure the stationery gave guests a sense of excitement, wonder, and place. The whole family fell in love with Jane Handles Weddings ’ save-the-date design–a foldable paper airplane, which she had used for her destination wedding! Together, we updated the design to include an antique map of Lake Garda, which was perfect to garner guests’ excitement for a destination wedding. Jane even lovingly printed and pre-folded each card by hand. The bride, Alyssa, is a writer and film director – and also an incredibly talented artist. She created gorgeous line drawings, which Ma Plume Design incorporated into the stationery suite. One of these drawings was a full-scale venue illustration, rendered in the greens and neutrals inspired by the venue and landscape. Ma Plume Design created a custom vellum wrap printed with soft watercolor details, which, when pressed against the invite, created a colored-in overlay, bringing the line drawing to life! The suite was secured with a personalized wax seal with an intricate drawing of the couple’s initials, drawn by Alyssa and materialized by Léa. The seal was then used throughout the wedding weekend materials, as on the Welcome cards waiting for guests in their rooms. For the Friday welcome dinner, given the spectacular setting on the water, and to contrast with the lush florals on Saturday, we opted instead for a sleek, modern, minimalist design. The table was set in neutral shades, and instead of flowers, we filled the center with glowing candlelight. The water in the floating candles echoed the lake setting. For a pop of color, each place setting had a different color water glass, made in nearby Murano. The effect was ethereal! Léa of Ma Plume Design also borrowed inspiration from the event design, pulling the exact etched pattern from the colorful glasses for the welcome dinner to create a colorful seating chart, with each table with its bright color.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Alyssa and Nate leaned into the local Italian tradition of constructing their wedding cake together in front of their guests. Millefoglie (which means 1000 sheets, to describe the flaky pastry) is assembled layer by layer with crispy pastry, cream, and fresh berries, and topped off with a dusting of powdered sugar to symbolize a sweet life together.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Alyssa and Nate chose to forgo the tradition of bridesmaids and groomsmen, and instead had two of their closest friends dual officiate the wedding. To ground the ceremony in the timelessness of the exceptional place that surrounded them, they included a mention of the ancient Roman poet Catullus, who wrote of his home, Sirmion, two millennia ago, and who happened to be the favorite poet of Alyssa’s late grandmother. Although non-religious, it was important for the bride and groom to include and mix the traditions and rituals of Alyssa’s Jewish and Nate’s Italian heritages, so they shared a sip of chianti, and both stepped on a glass at the end (Alyssa accidentally missed and stopped on Nate’s foot instead, but he played it cool.) A four-piece gypsy band played acoustic renditions of Alyssa and Nate’s favorite songs: Maybe I’m Amazed by Paul McCartney for the entrance, and Whole Lotta Love by Led Zeppelin as they exited together as newlyweds.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

To help guests find their seats at each event, we got creative. For the welcome dinner on the dock, Ma Plume Design + Calligraphy designed gorgeous leather luggage tags as placecards for each guest, and for a destination-wedding-appropriate keepsake for all those who traveled from around the world to join in their celebration. For the wedding, Jane Handles Weddings transformed a vintage cart into a display for limoncello bottles. Inspired by the bride’s love of Alice in Wonderland, Ma Plume calligraphed tags reminiscent of the “drink me” labels to help guests find their seats. The limoncello was not just an Italian treat, but also one that was particularly local: the lemons used to make it were grown in Limone Sul Garda, right on the lake, giving guests a taste of local lemons (complete with a custom label celebrating the couple). The bottles were selected to be TSA-approved, to ensure guests could bring them home, too.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

For a quirky and comedic touch, Alyssa and her mother, Peggy, decided to merge two family traditions at the cocktail hour: Nate’s love of playing cornhole in his yard in Pennsylvania as a child on one hand, and, on the other, a love of antique erotic prints that began with Alyssa’s late grandmother, who adored collecting it. The two custom cornhole boards featured designs fashioned from etchings of raunchy frescoes in Pompeii and labeled with fictional playful captions, like “Il Ballo Nuziale” (“The Wedding Dance”).

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

To make every guest feel like they were being welcomed into a loving home, old family photos from Alyssa and Nate’s childhoods were placed into small wood frames and sprinkled throughout the entire Villa for the weekend, personalizing the space and creating a conversation piece for guests as they wandered through the beautiful rooms.

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Photography: ManiSol Wedding | Cinematography: Jarek Lepak | Event Design: Jane Handles Weddings | Event Planning: Jane Handles Weddings | Floral Design: Figli Dei Fiori | Wedding Dress: Nicole Felicia | Invitations: Ma Plume Design + Calligraphy | DJ: Massimo Em Pi | Band: Fix the Music | Groom's Attire: Zegna | Beauty: Wedding Hair Petrini Carla | Beauty: Ana Matanovic, Makeup Florence | Earrings: Oscar De La Renta | His Shoes: Ferragamo | Location: Villa Cortine Palace Hotel | Second Look: FLEUR DU MAL | Weddings Rings: Cartier

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Lake Como Wedding Where Layers of Pearl and Petals Steal the Spotlight


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

White combined with rose tones and gold.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Laura and Michael’s Lake Como wedding was a true floral fantasy, inspired by the 3D flowers from Laura’s Oscar de la Renta gown. We wove this detail throughout the design, from the stationery with delicate blind embossing and gold foil, to the opulent yet natural floral arrangements that surrounded their day. Laura dreamed of walking through a sea of flowers, and we brought that vision to life with lush, layered blooms and pearl details, creating an atmosphere that felt both abundant and effortlessly elegant. Every element was designed to leave their guests in awe — something entirely unexpected, unforgettable, and deeply personal to Laura and Michael’s refined taste. The result was a celebration that felt modern, opulent, and full of wonder.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

For her Lake Como wedding, Laura envisioned a bridal look that would capture both the romantic grandeur of the setting and her love for couture craftsmanship. She selected the Oscar de la Renta bridal gown, Look 9 from the Fall 2023 collection — a breathtaking semi-translucent ballgown adorned with delicate 3D florals. The gown’s lightness and intricate detailing gave her an ethereal presence, as if the blossoms were gently floating around her with every movement. To complete her ensemble, Laura chose the matching Oscar de la Renta veil, perfectly echoing the gown’s floral artistry and adding an extra layer of dreamlike beauty. Her bridal shoes from Valentino, featuring enchanting 3D butterflies, were a subtle yet striking touch that added playfulness and sophistication. Every element of Laura’s attire was thoughtfully chosen to reflect her refined style and love for artistry, turning her bridal look into a living expression of elegance and romance — perfectly suited to the enchanting atmosphere of Lake Como.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]They chose to forgo bridesmaids entirely, allowing the focus to remain fully on their love story and the breathtaking experience they curated for their guests.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

They chose to forgo groomsmen entirely, allowing the focus to remain fully on their love story and the breathtaking experience they curated for their guests. But Michael’s wedding day look was the epitome of timeless elegance, crafted with an eye for personal detail. He wore a bespoke three-piece suit from Brioni in a rich, dark green — his favourite colour — perfectly complementing the natural beauty of Lake Como. The deep hue brought a sense of understated sophistication, while cream accessories, a cognac-coloured belt, and matching leather shoes completed the look with warm, refined accents. To make the ensemble even more meaningful, Michael’s brother gifted him custom cufflinks on the morning of the wedding, delicately engraved with his initials. Adding an intimate, sentimental layer, Michael also wore the wristwatch that once belonged to Laura’s late father — a subtle yet deeply heartfelt tribute that carried emotional significance throughout the day. Every element of his attire felt intentional and deeply personal, reflecting not only his impeccable taste but also the cherished relationships that shaped this unforgettable celebration.

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

For their Lake Como celebration, Laura and Michael curated a culinary journey that reflected both their refined taste and personal story. The weekend began with a relaxed welcome dinner featuring elevated Italian comfort food — intentionally more casual to create a dramatic contrast with the wedding day’s fine dining experience. Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed with light canapés, including seared tuna with Tropea onion and ponzu, crispy squid with lemon mayo, and Sicilian eggplant patties. Alongside non-alcoholic refreshments, they served Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2015 — Laura’s favorite champagne. Not only did she love the taste, but the delicate floral motif on the bottle echoed their wedding design perfectly. A signature cocktail named after their dachshund, “Sir Fritz,” added a playful personal touch. A vintage ice cream cart offered artisanal flavors like Asian Coconut, Pistachio, and Dark Chocolate from Peru — a sentimental nod to their restaurant in Germany. Their Italian head chef, whose family ran a gelateria for generations, now creates handmade ice cream for their restaurant, which Laura and Michael adore. Their love for gelato is so deep that they make it a point to find a Venchi shop wherever they travel. Dinner was a refined six-course Italian menu, featuring blue lobster with mango and yuzu, wagyu with black truffle, maccheroncino with red prawns, lemon risotto with wild asparagus, and Iberico pork with truffle mushrooms. Each dish celebrated seasonal flavor and culinary artistry — a perfect blend of elegance, intimacy, and deeply personal detail.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Laura and Michael wanted their Lake Como wedding to feel like stepping into a romantic garden in full bloom. Their ceremony at the Mandarin Oriental’s amphitheatre featured three stunning floral arches: one at the entrance, another midway down the aisle, and a pavilion-style arch where the celebrant stood. A mirrored aisle amplified the lush design, reflecting the floral meadows arranged between sage green metal garden chairs and creating the illusion of walking through a sea of flowers. Custom fabric signage carried their personalized design from welcome boards to cocktail menus, adding another thoughtful layer of cohesion. For the reception, soft rose-toned lounge furniture complemented the palette and allowed guests to relax in style. Dinner took place in the Mandarin Oriental’s greenhouse, where we surrounded the wedding party with meadows behind the chairs, low centerpieces in sculptural vases, and warm taper candles for a soft, romantic glow. Gold-trimmed glassware, gold cutlery, and charger plates with a delicate leaf twine echoed the botanical elements found in the stationery and menus. Cream linens and napkins added understated elegance and let letters shine. Every detail was curated to immerse guests in a refined yet natural atmosphere that felt both timeless and deeply personal.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Laura and Michael’s wedding cake was as thoughtful as it was elegant. Designed by Lisa Bakery, the couple chose a fully vegan three-tier creation, ensuring that every guest — regardless of dietary preferences — could indulge in the sweet celebration. With an intimate guest count of 25, the bottom tier was crafted from foam for balance and proportion, allowing the cake to remain visually striking without excess.

The flavors were a nod to refined, natural indulgence: the top tier featured vanilla sponge with vanilla lavender cream and a zesty lemon layer, while the middle tier paired creamy vanilla with rich pistachio — a combination that was as sophisticated as it was delicious. Visually, the cake carried a clean nude and beige buttercream finish, with a single white orchid cascading down the side, echoing the timeless elegance of the floral design.

The cake-cutting took place during the reception, with the cake table placed directly on the mirrored aisle under the second floral arch. Surrounded by blooming meadows, the simplicity of the cake stood in beautiful contrast to the sea of flowers around it. The top tier was enjoyed on the wedding day, while the middle tier was thoughtfully served during the farewell brunch the next morning — a perfect ending to a weekend full of detail, beauty, and meaning.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Laura and Michael’s symbolic ceremony at Lake Como was a heartfelt celebration filled with laughter, emotion, and personal touches. Celebrant Giuseppe Ruberto created a deeply intimate ceremony, weaving in stories from the couple’s siblings to reflect their journey. While they chose not to include formal readings, the ceremony felt rich in narrative, evoking both tears and laughter among their 25 guests. A string duo provided the soundtrack to this unforgettable moment, opening with Lana Del Rey’s “Young & Beautiful” as Laura walked down the aisle. During the ceremony, “A Thousand Years” and Canon in D set a romantic tone, while their joyful exit to “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls added a playful touch. At the drinks reception, Deb Jones Live Music lifted spirits with a mix of modern songs and Italian classics, encouraging guests to enjoy the sunshine and start celebrating. As the doors to the Mandarin Oriental’s Greenhouse opened for dinner, the string duo returned with Bridgerton-style melodies, adding an extra layer of romance. Their music carried through dinner before the evening transitioned into an energetic blend of live music and DJ sets — the perfect ending to a magical day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

To express their heartfelt gratitude for their guests’ long journey to Lake Como, Laura and Michael wanted to gift them something significant. We proposed custom welcome bags—each personalized with the guest’s name—that were carefully curated to reflect the couple’s love for Italian culture and detail-oriented elegance. Inside, guests discovered a selection of regional delights: Limoncello from Piemonte with a recipe tag for a refreshing Limoncello Spritz, olive oil from Lake Como, truffle delicacies, and artisan lemon-shaped biscuits labeled “Lago di Como” by Lisa Bakery. Thoughtful travel essentials like eye masks, sunscreen, after-sun cream, and a personalized beach towel that matched the couple’s stationery design were also included. Each bag was placed in the guests’ rooms before arrival, along with a welcome note sharing last wedding tips and curated recommendations for their free time during the weekend. Even the photo and video team was thoughtfully included—with bags customized with their brand names and packed with water and refreshments to keep them energized on the wedding day. This gesture was a beautiful example of how Laura and Michael wanted every person, guest, or vendor to feel genuinely cared for.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

While Laura and Michael were excited to have wedding photography and a video, they didn’t come into the planning process with a clear vision for how those memories would be captured. As planners, we knew their story deserved a keepsake as meaningful and unique as their celebration. With the upcoming renovation of Laura’s grandparents’ house—where the painting would one day hang—we proposed the idea of a live painting during their wedding. We brought in Caridad Barragan, a talented live painter known for her ability to not only portray the couple but also include their guests in an expressive, recognizable way. Laura and Michael immediately fell in love with the concept. They opted for a large, 2 x 2 meter canvas capturing the scene after the ceremony: guests mingling at the Mandarin Oriental’s amphitheater, overlooking the serene lake. With only 25 guests, Caridad was able to incorporate nearly everyone into the artwork. The painting is still in progress and will be sent to Laura and Michael once their renovated home is complete—an heirloom filled with love, laughter, and everyone who mattered most on their wedding day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Laura and Michael wanted to create a true “wow” moment for their guests—and what better way than with a surprise firework display set to music over Lake Como? When they first mentioned wanting fireworks, we reached out to Studio 3. We suggested an elevated version: a synchronized show choreographed to three upbeat, feel-good songs for a full sensory experience. To keep the surprise under wraps, we guests went out to the terrace of the Greenhouse under the pretense of kicking off the party with a champagne tower. As Laura and Michael began to pour the champagne, laughter and cheers filled the air. And just as they neared the final glass, the first notes of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” started, and the sky erupted in color over the lake. With each new song—“Good Feeling” by Flo Rida and “We Found Love” by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris”—guests thought the show had reached its peak, only to be stunned again. Applause, gasps, and pure joy echoed on the terrace. As the final sparkles faded, the band–DJ mix launched the party with high-energy tunes, and the dance floor instantly came alive.

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Photography: Vivid Symphony | Cinematography: Santiago Boceta | Wedding Dress: Oscar De La Renta | Cake: Lisa Bakery | Stationery: Nicnillas Ink | Ceremony Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Lake Como | Groom's Attire: Brioni | Celebrant: Trauredner Giuseppe | Band & DJ: Deb Jones | Beauty: Samantha Pretto | Bridal Shoes: Valentino | Fireworks: Studio 3 | Floral Design, Floristry & Styling: Lake Como Florist | Jewellery: Tiffany & Co. | Live Painter: Caridad Barragan | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Lake Como | Wedding Planning & Wedding Design: Lena Freitag Weddings | Welcome Bags: Plotterhochzeit

Four Celebrations, One Love Story: A Color-Soaked Tuscan Wedding Weekend


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

Every event had a different colour scheme. Mehendi – white, pink, orange and red Welcome dinner – white and red Catholic ceremony – green, black and white Sangeet – shades of pink Muhurtham – pink, white and gold Reception – black and white

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Since the bride is a wedding planner herself-she already had a clear vision of what she wanted. Day 1 was the mehendi and welcome dinner. We wanted to kick off the wedding weekend in the most authentic Italian way possible – with an Aperol spritz and pizza! We suggested the guests wear flowy linen white outfits to fully embrace the Tuscan countryside. We started at the Mehendi, which was Aperol spritz themed. All white decor with pops of bright pinks and oranges. We then had a roaming band serenading the guests and guiding them to the welcome dinner, which was meant to feel (and sound!) like a local pizzeria. The Catholic ceremony was in the Italian garden overlooking the entire village. We wanted to keep it simple, elegant, and romantic. We wanted the Sangeet (that immediately followed the catholic ceremony) to be the total opposite and set the tone for a night of dancing, so the pink shades were loud, bold, and over the top. The Muhurtham ceremony was very traditional. The mandap was built in the middle of a long pathway with nothing but trees and wildlife around. It felt very earthy, calm, and stayed true to the bride’s South Indian roots. We hosted the reception under the open sky, embracing a simple yet elegant black-and-white color scheme. Our goal was to create a timeless atmosphere that allowed the beauty of the night and the stars above to take center stage.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

When Brendan and Reshma decided they wanted to get married, he knew he had a long road ahead. Reshma came from a large, tight-knit joint family with ten aunts and uncles all living under the same roof. Gaining her parents’ blessing was just the beginning; he also needed the approval of an entire household. He often joked that it was the longest, most chaotic interview of his life—nearly two years in the making. But when the time finally came to ask her, that moment was just for the two of them. Brendan had planned a romantic dinner cruise, but his nerves betrayed him all day. Normally, the calmest person in the room, he was jittery and restless, tipping Reshma off that something was up. When they arrived at the beach, she was met with a breathtaking sight—hundreds of white roses scattered in the sand, their favorite song, Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere, playing over the speakers, and a private dinner table set for two with a bottle of champagne waiting. As Brendan got down on one knee, he froze. After all the planning, all the waiting, words failed him. Reshma, too excited to wait, whispered, “I think this is when you ask me to marry you!” In her joy, she jumped up and down—only to trip and twist her ankle. So while she spent the next few days limping, she was floating on cloud nine, officially engaged to the love of her life.

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

For the catholic ceremony, Reshma wore a corseted, basque waist ball gown from Galia Lahav. Made with French guipure lace, it also has a cat-eye plunging neckline. For the ceremony, she added its matching bolero jacket and a 10-foot lace-trimmed veil with “Forever’s gotta start somewhere” text embroidered at the bottom (the same lyrics from the song playing when Brendan proposed). Brendan wore a custom black and white tux. For the muhurtham, Reshma wore a traditional south indian gold Kanchipuram silk sari. The blouse had tiny pink flowers embroidered on it that matched the flowers on the mandap. It was designed and stitched by designer Bhuvi Kilpady. They added a 60-foot veil to match. Brendan wore a custom dhoti and kurta – a traditional South Indian outfit.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The bridesmaids wore mismatched black floor-length gowns. The only instruction they were given: “Think drama!”

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen wore matching black tuxes from SuitShop[/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

For the welcome party “pizzera”, Il Borro provided wood-fired ovens where guests could request fresh pizza with their favorite toppings, a pasta station with cheese wheels, and a gelato cart. For the Muhurtham, we wanted to honor tradition with a classic South Indian “Ele Oota”—a traditional meal where guests are served a variety of South Indian dishes on fresh banana leaves. Each leaf was carefully arranged with an assortment of rice, curries, vegetable sides, chutneys, and sweets, creating a well-balanced and flavorful meal. Guests sat in long rows as servers moved through, adding fresh portions, making it a communal and festive experience.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

For the Aperol Spritz-themed mehendi, the main color was white, with pops of pink and orange flowers adding some color. Striped pink umbrellas kept things casual, and matching pillows with the monogram gave it a personalized touch. There was also an illustrator painting custom hand fans and straw hats for guests, while a mehendi artist did henna on the women’s hands. The welcome dinner: To capture the charm of a local pizzeria, Il Giardino Delle Fate set wooden tables with a simple yet inviting tablescape. Pops of red flowers, fresh vegetables, and moody mini lamps added warmth and character, creating an intimate, rustic ambiance. The pizza was served in custom mini boxes designed by Letterink, featuring a charming cartoon illustration of the couple on the front. The Catholic ceremony took place in the lush Italian garden, with a breathtaking view of the medieval village. We kept the decor simple and timeless, while incorporating a personal touch by using the white roses Brendan had used when he proposed to Reshma. The altar was beautifully framed with white roses. The Sangeet was all about pink—everywhere. Letterink designed custom tablecloths, a dance floor, and bar fronts. Il Giardino Delle Fate added tall floral arrangements with cascading pink flowers that made the space feel grand. Each table featured a different shade, starting from the lightest pink, creating a subtle ombre effect that tied the whole room together. For the Hindu ceremony, the mandap was set along a long walkway with a breathtaking view of the mountains in the background. Since the scenery was already stunning, we kept the mandap design understated. We chose pale pink flowers to match the ones we had seen naturally blooming in the village during our summer site visit, and of course, we had to include white roses as a meaningful touch. The reception took place under the night sky, with mirror-top tables reflecting the glow of countless candles and arrangements of white roses. As a personal touch, Brendan and Reshma wrote handwritten thank-you cards for each of their 162 guests, which doubled as their place cards.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Being in Italy, they chose to forgo a traditional wedding cake and fully embrace the Millefoglie, a classic Italian pastry. In front of the guests, a chef rolled out a table and, step by step, layer by layer, assembled the cake, alternating delicate, flaky puff pastry with rich, velvety pastry cream. Once complete, the cake was dusted with powdered sugar and adorned with fresh berries, creating a stunning, rustic masterpiece. Served with a crisp Prosecco, it was the perfect sweet ending to their celebration.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]A string quartet played “Can’t help falling in love” as the groom and wedding party walked down the aisle.
One of Reshma’s bridesmaids sang alongside the string quartet to “Until I found you” as Reshma and her father walked down the aisle.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

The day Brendan and Reshma met, she was wearing a blue and white polka dotted dress. Reshma’s maid of honor cut up a part of this dress and stitched it into a little heart and pinned it onto Reshma’s wedding gown – becoming her “something blue”.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

On the sangeet, Reshma’s mom surprised everyone with an emotional performance-dancing to “Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]On October 1st, anyone checking the weather forecast for the month would have seen clear, sunny skies every single day—except for October 18th, 19th, and 20th. The exact three days of Brendan and Reshma’s wedding. Just their luck!

The entire weekend was gloomy and rainy, forcing them to pivot to Plan B for almost every event. But despite the unexpected weather, they were in Italy, surrounded by their closest friends and family. What more could they have asked for? And after all, they say rain on your wedding day is a sign of good luck![/field]
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Photography: Rossini Photography | Videography: The Wedding Valley | Coordination: Bianco Bouquet Weddings | Event Planning: Resh & Co. | Floral Design: Il Giardino Delle Fate | Wedding Dress: Galia Lahav | Invitations: Inquisited | Stationary: LetterInk | DJ: Kudos Music | Wedding Venue: Il Borro | Beauty: Silvia Gerzeli | Content Creator: Socially Michelle | Rentals: Sofi Design | Rentals: Kaleydo

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Bold and Beautifully Symbolic Wedding Inspired by Renaissance Art and Modern Love


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Our main color palette was inspired by William Kilburn’s textile. The florals are light blue and light pink, with some white and yellow, over a dark background. We were quite flexible with the palette as long as the concept of “sin” came through. In some cases, that meant light colors over a dark background. In other cases, we went with a more luxurious burgundy and gold combination.

The villa was first built in the 1200s. It is filled with furniture and art from the 1600s-1700s, and is covered in Renaissance-style frescos, the kind that often depict religious themes. But we are not religious, and our taste in fashion and general aesthetic is extremely modern. Eventually, we landed on the idea of “sin”. That one word connects religious themes with what it’s like to be a gay couple getting married in Italy. We explored different directions in which we could take the word, like abstract concepts like transgression, and related religious ideas like the “original sin”. The “original sin” – Eve’s bite of the apple – led us to the Garden of Eden, which became the inspiration for our fashion choices and our graphic design. We were especially inspired by a textile design by William Kilburn, a British illustrator from the 1700s. It is floral and pretty, but it has something dark and sinister about it. From there, we arrived at the seven deadly sins. Each sin would label a separate area or activity on the wedding day. “Gluttony” for the dinner, “sloth” for the lounge area, “pride” for the ceremony, “envy” for the photo booth, “lust” for the dance floor, etc…. We chose a Renaissance painting to illustrate each theme and further connect the theme to the venue.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

From Stefano: I always knew James wanted to propose. I also knew the proposal had to be special, and I would often catch James watching proposal videos on YouTube. My biggest challenge was that James is a planner. An extremely talented one. If planning were in the Olympics, James would have multiple gold medals. He plans our weekends and our vacations to the minute. And he plans months – sometimes years. I couldn’t plan a walk to the neighborhood coffee shop without consulting with him for an opening in our schedule. A surprise proposal was out of the question. His 30th birthday provided me with an opportunity! As a treat to himself, he tasked me with planning his 30th birthday. He wanted to be “whisked away”. I knew this would be my only chance. I decided on a retreat in Bali where I would propose on the night of his 30th birthday. We flew to Indonesia with the ring hidden in my luggage. I wanted to propose over a private dinner, but unfortunately, all meals were communal. The incredibly accommodating staff planned a dinner on our terrace, which was, thankfully, very private and secluded. They lit candles and spread rose petals on the dining table. I did a lot of research for inspiration in creating just the right speech. My favorite was from Chandler to Monica on Friends. The speech turned into more of a dialogue because I don’t think James understood what was coming until I said, “for the rest of my life”. When he said, “Yes,” it sounded more like “Duh”. From James: I was completely caught off guard by the whole proposal. I had no idea that he’d been planning this for the 6 months leading up to this trip, consulting with some of our closest friends who also didn’t leak the surprise! I remember in that moment, interrupting him, as if we were having a conversation over dinner for my birthday, reminiscing about our relationship. I had no idea it was all part of his speech! In retrospect, I’m so glad I had no idea, because it made the moment so much more memorable for us. I don’t remember a lot of it because I blacked out after that, but I’ll always remember the feeling of finally realizing what was going on and being completely impressed with his execution. It was perfect. Nothing I would have ever imagined, which is always the best way to surprise someone.

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James: Stefano and I have always bonded over our love of fashion. I studied fashion design in college, and one of my earliest influences was Alexander McQueen. When I saw these deconstructed suits from Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton, I immediately knew they were the ones! I loved the way the floral print continued from the suit to the shirt, and it worked out perfectly that they had complementary versions, the ivory and the black. For the evening, we knew we wanted something a little more “glitzy”. We found these gorgeous silver and gold jacquard suits from Dolce & Gabbana. We loved how completely different they felt from our wedding suits, but still had that indulgent, extravagant vibe, with floral elements. The stars of our evening wear, though, were our shoes! Those Giuseppe Zanotti crystal-embellished loafers were all everyone wanted photos of. They were perfect outfits to end the night on, as they had a little bit of stretch to get through the dancing and party. Stefano: When we had our first fitting at the McQueen boutique in New York, we noticed that the staff started whispering to each other, and more and more of them started gathering, until the small crowd spontaneously burst into applause. That’s when it hit me: we had something special with those two matching suits. Like James said, the crystal-studded silver and gold Giuseppe Zanotti loafers were the highlight of the evening. They were also the last thing we found! James wanted to wear heels… so, believe it or not, I had to convince him to settle for these. While everyone loved to take pictures of them, photos don’t do them justice, unfortunately. They looked much more sparkly in real life!

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Stefano: We decided early on that food would be our top priority. We are lovers of fine dining, which typically consists of tasting menus full of creative and unusual small bites. We wanted to share that type of experience with our guests. We would showcase the best ingredients and dishes Italy has to offer, and true to our theme, they’d be presented in their most “sinful”, indulgent, gluttonous preparation, and we needed a great chef to bring our vision to life. We’d previously had a memorable meal at the 3-Michelin-star restaurant Le Calandre, not far from our wedding venue. We found out that its parent company, Alajmo, also does catering for private events! The chef had interpreted our vision perfectly. All the traditional elements were there: parmigiano, ragù, carbonara, pesto, arancini, lardo, truffles, prosciutto, risotto, tiramisù, cannoli, etc. We chose 5 snacks for the aperitif, and 9 dishes for dinner, with a mix of textures, flavors, and regions to showcase. The one dish that I kept for sentimental reasons was the Tuscan crostini with chicken liver paté. It is from my hometown, and it was my favorite dish my mom would make while I was growing up. We offered the Alajmo Spritz as our signature cocktail for the Aperitif, with a flower for garnish, something we picked up at one of our favorite restaurants in San Francisco. To accompany the cocktail, we had a selection of small bites: Crispy polenta sandwich with creamed salt cod (Veneto), Quail egg with bottarga (Sardegna), Fried olive in the style of Ascoli (Marche,) Crispy black rice basket with raw seafood and lobster cream (Venet,o) Crispy Parmesan Chip with Mushroom Powder (Emilia)

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

We imagined high-contrast flowers intertwined with dark green vines, weeds, and branches. We wanted “sinful” flowers – flowers that are unusual-looking, with thorns, or long, wild weeds, and branches, when put together, create a little bit of tension in their color and aesthetic combinations. We wanted to stay away from anything too cute or pretty or delicate. However, we also wanted to stay away from luscious, dark, velvety violets/purples/reds (too old-fashioned, predictable). Instead of a dark color scheme, we were looking for lighter colos, with dark undertones. Inviting, but also enchanting, mysterious, unusual, even ugly. A very fine, tricky balance!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

James: We didn’t have a cake or anything that resembled a cake. I ate cakes at weddings, they are never *that* good, or worth the calories. Instead, we went with a selection of three chocolate bites, a nod to Stefano’s chocolate sweet tooth. And to keep the night going, we also offered a chocolate ball filled with an espresso shot inside, that exploded into your mouth when you bit into it. A one-bite kind of dessert! Guests had fun with this! Stefano: The chocolate ball was inspired by “Pocket Coffee”, a chocolate candy filled with liquid coffee that’s quite popular in Italy. I’m proud to say it was our idea. I’m glad that, even though we worked with an award-winning catering company, James and I were still able to contribute a few great ideas!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Stefano: I wrote the script for the ceremony myself. I kept it quite straightforward – just enough to make the moment feel significant. Choosing the song for the ceremony was difficult. Inspired by “Crazy Rich Asians”, we agreed we wanted a cover of a beautiful love song, performed live by our singer, Josmil. But there are precious few love songs that we both have a sentimental connection to. I wanted “In My Life” by the Beatles. James wanted “Make Me Feel My Love” – which I thought was too sad – or “I Can’t Help Falling in Love” – which I thought would be too blatant a reference to “Crazy Rich Asians”. At one point, we were so desperate that we considered “I See The Light” from the Disney movie “Tangled”, because it’s the only love song we both knew that had a bright, optimistic, sweet feel to it. Eventually, we settled on “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. A safe choice, but it worked out great. There wasn’t a dry eye in the garden as we walked down the aisle.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

  Stefano: I have a background in graphic design, so I designed the original save-the-date website, and briefly considered doing the print design myself. However, the theme was heavily based on floral illustrations, which would have been way beyond my comfort zone. Plus, I haven’t worked with printers in decades. So we set out to find a designer whose portfolio would match what we had in mind. That’s how we found Jill Ryder of Shindig Bespoke, who immediately understood the vision. We gave her a lot of direction initially – moodboards, mind maps, color palettes, etc. – but instead of feeling stifled, she was inspired by it. She designed a beautiful custom illustration for us, and also made us a custom monogram based on the S of Stefano wrapping like a snake around the J for James. Jill came up with the idea of a fabric-bound booklet for the invitations. The elements she created formed the basis for everything else. She designed a welcome booklet for all our guests. Inspired by an Italian passport, we picked a burgundy cover with a gold monogram. I also quickly made a wedding website based on her work. It took me less than a day!

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Stefano: My favorite moment was our entrance for dinner after we changed into our second outfit. Our guests stood up for us and applauded. It felt genuine and heartfelt. The setting looked beautiful, and so did our guests. I’ve always dreamed of having a Beyoncé moment, and that felt like one. :)

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

For the welcome basket that was waiting in each of the guestrooms was some local snacks and water for in between meals, plug-in insect repellent for sleeping soundly, and a custom welcome booklet that we worked with Jill from Shindig Bespoke on that had the wedding schedule and local information of the town to serve as a guide. One last thing we sent guests home with was more personal. Stefano’s family owns and runs their private olive oil farm, not for sale, just for family consumption. Every time we visit, they always send us home with bottles full of this silky, delicious oil. So we asked if they could bottle some for our guests, and they were happy to. We created custom labels for them and included them at the dinner table in case guests wanted to try them on the spot. Most stashed them in their bags to take home as a memory of the trip to enjoy later.

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Photography: Francesco Spighi | Event Planning: Kelly Hayes The Italian Wedding Planner | Floral Design: Ivana Arsic - Ivy Flower Design | Invitations: Shindig Bespoke | Rings: Saturo | Catering: La Serra di H-Farm | Make Up: Letizia Maestri | Hair Stylist: Letizia Cordella | Grooms' Attire (Ceremony): Alexander McQueen | Grooms' Attire (Dinner & Party): Dolce & Gabbanna | Grooms' Shoes (Ceremony): Christian Louboutin | Grooms' Shoes (Dinner & Party): Giuseppe Zanotti | Music: Josmil Neris and Band | Private Villa: Via Castillo 2 | Rentals: Preludio Noleggi

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Harvest Hued Celebration of Love Amid the Vineyards of Villa Petriolo


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

This fall wedding at Villa Petriolo was all about embracing the natural beauty of the season, letting Tuscany’s warm autumn hues shine. Everything about this wedding felt effortless, warm, and beautifully in tune with the season, making for a truly unforgettable celebration in the heart of Tuscany.

The color palette featured rich ambers, golden yellows, deep rusts, and warm corals, creating a cozy yet elegant feel. The styling was understated but refined, with a rustic-chic vibe that felt effortless. Terracotta accents, bundles of golden wheat, and soft candlelight added warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the surrounding vineyards.

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The bride wore a beautiful lace dress—elegant, simple, and timeless, effortlessly fitting the romantic Tuscan setting. Her bridesmaids complemented the fall landscape in jewel-toned dresses, adding richness and depth to the overall aesthetic. The mix of deep greens, burgundy, and mustard tones created a stunning contrast against the warm golden backdrop of the vineyard.

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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The menu celebrated seasonal Tuscan flavors, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests enjoyed handmade pasta, local cheeses, roasted vegetables, and slow-braised meats, all paired with some of the region’s finest wines. The dinner took place outdoors beneath the cypress trees, with the sun setting over the rolling hills—a picture-perfect setting for a truly special meal.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The menu celebrated seasonal Tuscan flavors, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Guests enjoyed handmade pasta, local cheeses, roasted vegetables, and slow-braised meats, all paired with some of the region’s finest wines. The dinner took place outdoors beneath the cypress trees, with the sun setting over the rolling hills—a picture-perfect setting for a truly special meal.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The couple opted for a classic Italian millefoglie-style wedding cake, made fresh on the spot by chefs. This stunning dessert featured layers of crisp pastry, fresh berries, and delicate cream, offering a light yet indulgent ending to the meal. Guests gathered around to watch it being assembled, adding an interactive and joyful element to the evening.

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Event Planning: My Tuscan Wedding | Floral Design: Verdissimo Fiori | Catering: Villa Petriolo | Wedding Venue: Villa Petriolo | Cocktail Music: Lux Music | Gelato: Miss 500 | Photography and Cinematography: Koman Photography | Rentals: Stilnolo

A Color-Forward Celebration with a Fresh Take on Classic Wedding Style at Villa d’Este


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The wedding depicted in the image showcases a vibrant and elegant design, with an emphasis on floral arrangements and intricate details. Here’s an analysis of the wedding colors and design: Color Palette: Bright and Vibrant Colors: The floral arrangements use a combination of vivid colors, including shades of orange, yellow, pink, blue, and lavender. This creates a lively and celebratory atmosphere. Greenery as a Foundation: The lush green lawn and surrounding foliage act as a natural base, enhancing the vibrancy of the flowers and providing a serene backdrop. Neutral Highlights: The bride’s white dress and the groom’s black-and-white attire contrast beautifully against the colorful setting, adding a timeless elegance.

The aisle is lined with densely packed, multi-colored flowers, creating a whimsical and enchanting garden feel. Symmetry: The symmetrical arrangement of flowers on either side of the aisle enhances the formal and organized aesthetic of the ceremony. Dramatic Archway and Statue: The venue features intricate mosaic details and a long, dramatic view leading to a classical statue, tying the floral arrangements into the grandeur of the location.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Madison and Rotimi have known each other for a little over 7 years. They met through a mutual friend at a restaurant in Malibu called Nobu. Rotimi was sitting at the bar with his friends when Madison arrived with a few of her girlfriends. Their first meeting was casual, and they didn’t start dating until many months later. The proposal took place during a vacation in Turks and Caicos! Rotimi popped the question on their last evening. He had pretended that they were supposed to take photos during sunset before heading to a nice dinner together. However, when they walked down to the beach and turned the corner towards the pier, it was lined with red rose petals and candles. Rotimi then asked Madison to spend forever with him, with the waves crashing in the background. It was SO romantic! They then had a candlelit dinner on the beach. It was such a beautiful evening.

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Wedding gown, Dress & veil by Vivienne Westwood. Bride’s shoes by Manolo Blahn.ik Groom’s tuxedo by Ralph lauren Groom’s shoes by Christian Louboutin

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This menu exudes a refined and elegant culinary experience, blending Italian sophistication with seasonal freshness. Each dish highlights high-quality ingredients, from the luxurious Fassone beef fillet to the delicate burrata tortelli, complemented by artisanal touches like truffle and limoncello. Perfect for a wedding that celebrates both timeless tradition and modern gourmet artistry.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

This wedding design blends bold colors with natural elements and classical architecture. The use of vibrant florals contrasts beautifully with the elegance of the venue, creating a perfect balance of extravagance and timeless sophistication

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The millefoglie is chosen for weddings because it embodies the essence of Italian tradition, elegance, and celebration. Its layered structure symbolizes the many layers of a couple’s journey together, filled with sweetness, lightness, and harmony.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
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The ornate columns and intricate detailing of the venue reflect a classical, almost regal style that complements the floral abundance.

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Photography: Roman Ivanov Photography | Cinematography: New Life Foto & Video | Event Planning: ILES EVENTS | Floral Design: Riccardo Ciceri Flower Designer | Wedding Dress: Vivienne Westwood | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Men's Attire: Ralph Lauren | Wedding Venue: Villa D'Este | Beauty: Daniela Guanziroli | Content creator: Kristina Belihina | Fireworks: Franco Pozzi Bright Lights | Master of Ceremony: MC Mide Wedding MC | Rentals: Memorable rental

A Jewel-Toned Celebration of Love on the Shores of Lake Como at Villa Aura Del Lago


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The brides chose a color palette inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Como to accentuate the picturesque mountains juxtaposed by the serene lake backdrop of their wedding. The wedding reception had deep velvet green tablecloths to match the verdant mountains, along with deep blue and light blue florals to fade into the waters of Lake Como. The opulent chandeliers that hung above and lit up the couple’s dinner tables were topped with deep red, orange, and light pink florals to capture the stunning sunsets in Lake Como as the sky turned to dusk. Brittany and Amy were inspired by rainbows for equality and wanted to set the hues amongst fall jewel tones for their wedding. This celebration, and everything it stands for, was so important to them!

The brides cast their wedding venue search far and wide, in search of an international destination that featured imposing mountain views, a lakefront setting, and the ability to host the entire wedding outside, complete with dancing under the stars. After choosing Villa Aura del Lago, the couple’s vision was to emphasize the natural beauty of the backdrop of Lake Como, while showcasing the timeless elegance and luxury of Italy. The brides wanted rich, deep colors to capture the passion of their relationship, which was reflected by the luxe fabrics in the velvet lounge sets and tablecloths, gold dinnerware, and their lavish champagne tower. Brittany and Amy knew it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have all of their friends and family from all parts of their lives gathered in one spot, in one moment in time, in what they considered to be the most beautiful location in the world. So, their two primary goals were first, to marry the love of their life, and second, to give their friends and family the most memorable experiences. The couple’s wedding planner, Gather Events, helped them achieve both goals in seamless and stunning three-day wedding events. Brittany and Amy love being on the water and wanted to share that with their guests by hosting a welcome party on a private boat to see the sights of Lake Como, complete with a live saxophone player. The couple’s wedding day was centered around enjoying the beauty of the lake by putting their dance floor and band outdoors with a lakefront view, hosting dinner at two long tables to share an intimate meal on the shores of Lake Como, and ending the weekend with a picnic style farewell event complete with outdoor games from Italian Wedding Games. The brides also wanted larger-than-life experiences for them and their guests, such as their ceremony recessional parade with guests waving rainbow pride flags, their bridal portraits on a classic Riva boat by Cantiere Cadenazzi, and ending the night dancing under fireworks.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Brittany and Amy got to enjoy not one, but two beautiful proposals, tailored perfectly for each of them. Amy surprised Brittany with a trip to the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York, where they stayed in the most beautiful lakefront luxury cabin at Lake Placid Lodge. Amy led Brittany to the balcony of the Lodge, which was adorned with gorgeous flowers, lanterns, and candles, and showed her a video she’d been recording throughout their relationship. Little did Brittany know that Amy’s parents and Brittany’s parents (who flew in from Texas) were standing behind them as a surprise. Amy got down on one knee, and in front of a gorgeous fireplace on one side and a sweeping overlook of mountains and a lake on the other side, asked Brittany to marry her. After Brittany said yes with eyes full of tears, they were whisked away on a wooden boat across Lake Placid to explore the picturesque mountainside with trees turning the most stunning fall colors. To give Amy her own unique experience and special moment, Brittany knew she wanted to propose back. She took Amy on a surprise vacation to Hawaii, which Amy only found out her destination upon boarding. The couple went to Lanai and Kauai, where Brittany proposed on the beach of 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay with an intimate picnic setup surrounded by stunning tropical flowers, a violin player, and, of course, another beautiful mountain backdrop. After Brittany said yes with eyes full of tears, the two then whisked away on a wooden boat across Lake Placid to explore the picturesque mountainside with trees turning the most stunning fall colors. The night ended with a beautiful lake view dinner with their families, stargazing, and s’mores. Then!! As if that wasn’t magical enough, Brittany surprised Amy with a proposal set in beautiful Hawaii.

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Brittany wanted an elegant dress to match the style of the Italian villa where they would be getting married, so she chose a fitted gown with long sleeves and a high collar by Wona Concept from Jaxon James Bridal in Los Angeles. Brittany also wanted to capture the high-fashion luxury vibe that was reflected in their wedding decor, so she had customizations made to fit her design style, including making the gown backless. The ornate, fully beaded gown had a chapel train that was accentuated by the bride’s long veil by Toni Federici. Amy wanted to express her authentic self, confidently wearing a sleek white jumpsuit that was both high-fashion and elegant. Brittany and Amy had timeless wavy curls and makeup done by Lydia of Malino Beauty, which added the perfect touch of femininity and class. Brittany had a purse custom-designed, with embroidery illustrating the wedding venue, the backdrop of Lake Como, the couple’s wedding logo, and even a Riva boat, made by VR Storybook. The couple’s appearances wouldn’t have been complete without the months of hard work they put in with their incredible personal trainer, James King III, who they credit with prepping Amy to effortlessly lift Brittany, while in heels, during their first dance. The three-day celebration was filled with outfit changes to match each occasion. For example, before the guests arrived at the welcome boat party, the couple had a photo shoot with their wedding photographer, Andrew Bayd, at the nearby Villa Melzi. Brittany wore a luxurious toile-patterned blue Mestiza Torrero gown, its intricate design reminiscent of the tapestries in Italian villas. Paired with an artistically inspired Cult Gaia clutch in pearlized white and blue, and delicate toile drop earrings, the ensemble exuded timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Amy wore a custom-made powder blue suit to match Brittany’s gown, perfectly complementing the charm of their Lake Como celebration.

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The food and drink were impeccable, as one would expect with authentic Italian food. At cocktail hour, guests were served aperol spritzes and the bride’s signature cocktails with custom drink stirrers in the shape of the Riva boat. An elaborate menu of aperitifs consisted of local cuisine, such as Parmesan lollipops and Sicilian arancini. Dinner included squid ink ravioli, scottona fillet, sea bass, and dessert featured creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and tiramisu.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Nicole from Fiore Quotidiani was a dream to work with! She wove Brittany and Amy’s jewel-toned rainbow throughout every area of the event in whimsical florals. The focus on color and texture truly complemented these beautiful brides and their chosen location for celebration. Italian busts were adorned with lush, contemporary flowers like ranunculus, adding a touch of sophistication and vibrancy. The couple’s seating chart, a floating sign reading “Olive Our Favorite People,” was a whimsical focal point, with tags displaying guests’ names and table numbers attached to bottles of olive oil. Surrounding the seating chart and bar were clusters of blue baby’s breath, complemented by pops of jewel-toned florals.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Not only are two proposals better than one, but so are two wedding cakes! The brides had an oversized traditional Italian mille feuille, with custard in between perfectly crispy layers, topped with fresh raspberries and blueberries. It was also important to the brides to honor the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate their pride by having their cake, with its organic natural edges and brushed gold accents, feature rainbow-colored layers inside.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

Brittany and Amy had their hearts set on their favorite Italian band, Daudia, before they even chose their wedding venue. The only problem, Daudia was already booked on their wedding date. During the couple’s year of wedding planning, they searched for an alternate option for the music, but nothing felt right. In what the brides truly believe to be fate, Daudia emailed them just a couple of weeks before their wedding, letting them know that the event they originally booked on the couple’s wedding date was cancelled, so Daudia immediately thought of Brittany and Amy and asked if they could still perform at their wedding. Daudia performed a heartfelt, acoustic version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley as the bride walked down the aisle. The couple also chose specific songs throughout the night to reflect the feelings they wanted to invoke in those special moments, from “Higher Love (Remix)” by Whitney Houston and Kygo for the brides’ grand entrance and champagne tower, to ending the evening with “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay for the fireworks display finale. One of Brittany and Amy’s favorite moments was performing their masterfully choreographed first dance to “Wild Love” by James Bay. The brides took dance lessons from Danse L’Amour to perfect the lifts, dips, and spins.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Pre-wedding Photo Shoot at Grand Hotel Tremezzo: Upon arriving in Italy for their wedding, Brittany and Amy captured the excitement of the moment with a pre-wedding photo shoot at the iconic Grand Hotel Tremezzo. Against the backdrop of the hotel’s signature orange and white umbrellas, the brides wore sleek black ensembles—a dress and a jumpsuit—that stood out beautifully against the vibrant colors of the setting. The shoot was an elegant celebration of the anticipation and joy leading up to their special day. Rainbow Flag Recessional Parade: As the couple exited their wedding ceremony at Villa Aura del Lago, a vibrant parade of wedding guests waving rainbow pride flags filled the grounds with joy and celebration. Walking hand in hand, the brides led the procession through the villa’s stunning gardens, the flags honoring the LGBTQ+ community and the significance of being the first lesbian couple to marry at this iconic Lake Como venue. The parade continued down to the pier, where cheers echoed as the couple stepped onto a classic Riva boat for their grand exit. Surrounded by love, the shimmering lake, and a sea of rainbow colors, it was a moment of pride, unity, and pure magic.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Grandparents’ Surprise Speech: After dinner, heartfelt speeches followed, with the highlight a surprise Brittany had kept secret—a recorded message from Amy’s grandparents, captured by a videographer Brittany had sent to upstate New York. Amy’s 101-year-old grandfather, not knowing he would pass away just two weeks before the wedding, shared a heartfelt message alongside her grandmother, calling themselves “the world’s proudest grandparents” as they offered their love and blessings. As their voices echoed off the shores of Lake Como, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Fireworks: At their wedding planner’s great advice to keep at least one thing a secret from their guests (including their bridal party and parents), the brides surprised all of their wedding guests with a fireworks display to end the night. Brilliant colors danced across the water, illuminating the faces of the newlyweds and their guests. Seeing the guests’ faces light up with pure awe as the sky over Lake Como erupted in a breathtaking display of fireworks made the secret more than worth it, ending the celebration with absolute magic. Welcome Bags: The welcome guest bags were a thoughtful touch, each adorned with a hand-drawn illustration of the venue. Inside each tote, guests found baseball hats featuring the couple’s wedding logo and a Riva boat, along with a lemon-shaped cookie made by Leila’s Delights, delicately decorated with an imprint of the words “Lake Como.” The invitation, designed by their talented planner, Gather Events, was a work of art, featuring a drawing of the villa and a sleek, transparent film overlay.

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Photography: Andrew Bayda | Cinematography: sergio eblo | Event Planning: GATHER Events | Floral Design: Fiori Quotidiani | Ceremony Venue: Villa Aura Del Lago | Reception Venue: Villa Aura Del Lago | Catering: Class Catering | Lighting: Croval Service | Transportation: Lario Bus | Acrylic Bar Sign: Coppice and Crafts | Beauty: Lidija Malinovskaia | Boat: Cantiere Cadenazzi | Custom Embroidered Clutch: VR Handmade | Fireworks: Franco Pozzi Bright Lights | Getting Ready PJs: Blush Brides Co | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Menus + Escort Cards: Minimal Moon Paperie | Music: Daudia | Rentals: Rosso di Sera

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Blending Italian Charm With Modern Elements at Villa Medicea Di Lilliano in Florence


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White, cream, green and hints of blush tones.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

When designing this wedding, we blended Italian charm with modern elements. We used local greenery, soft coloured floral, and vintage European tableware paired with a modern dining chair and string lights for a contemporary ambiance.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Paolo proposed to me on his birthday at our house – I was not expecting it at all. After four years together, we had just recently purchased and moved into our first home, we were only living together 5for five days! When I asked him the week before what he wanted for his birthday, all he had said was that he wanted to go to dinner, the two of us, and have our family over for cake to show off our new place. I didn’t think anything of it. While we were out for dinner, his mom was texting me that she was going by our house early to “decorate for his birthday” since I was at work all day, and we went straight to dinner, again, I didn’t think anything of it and said Sure! When we arrived at home, you could see the kitchen decorated with birthday banners, a cake, and our family there; I thought everyone was waiting for him, it was his birthday, of course, so I made him go upstairs first. When I walked up the stairs behind him, I noticed rose petals on the floor, balloons with pictures we took throughout the years hanging from the ceiling, and on our dining table, le in lights, said “marry me”. I was in complete shock, and I think it took a few minutes for me to register what was going on.

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[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

My gown was a custom dress made by Lee Grebenau and Powder Boutique. I had gone to Powder knowing that Lee was having a trunk show; there were 2 gowns that I had seen on her Instagram page from the newest collection that I was dying to “get out of my head”. I only tried on 8 dresses at the boutique, and once I tried on the “Glow” gown, I knew it was the one. We had made modifications to the neckline, and Powder made custom straps and a cape that connected at the back of my dress. I didn’t see myself as a veil person, and thought a cape was a unique and elegant but modern touch to tie the look together.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

When it came to bridesmaids, the most important thing for me was for them to look and feel their best. I gave them total freedom to choose whatever dress they wanted at whatever price point they felt comfortable with. The only ask was for the colour range to be in the off white, creams, golds, and beige tones. All girls ended up getting their dresses from different places, and I couldn’t have been happier with what dresses they chose. Although they were all SO different, all of them together looked amazing.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

We adopted the same mentality with the groomsmen as we did for the bridesmaids, I mean, how many black suits can one have? Paolo, his dad, my dad, my brother, and his best man all got custom suits made from a local tailor, Domenic Calabretta, who has been a family friend to both Paolo and my Dad for years! He has made suits for everyone from Andrea Bocelli to TV shows like Suits. He is an amazing tailor who really understands Paolo’s vision and has a keen eye for detail and style.

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Emilia and Paolo’s wedding was filled with Tuscan tradition. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a traditional apéritif overlooking Florence with food stations, passed delicacies, and traditional cocktails from the region. Following Apertif, guests enjoyed a black tie sit-down dinner that included 4 courses with local ingredients.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Delicate, locally sourced florals were used throughout Emilia’s design to seamlessly complement the beautiful setting. Varieties such as the Emma Woodhouse garden rose, Playa Blanca roses, blush spray roses, and seasonal peonies created weightiness and anchored the design. Chocolate lisianthus, scabiosa, and white orlaya brought playfulness and movement to the design while local foliages created loose edges to finish it off. The ceremony’s floral structure was created as if growing up the historical stone wall. Loose foliage and an undone floral looped around the front of the fountain and climbed up the wall on either side. The floral tabletop at the reception followed the design of the ceremony, with loose and airy flowers lining the lengths of the tables. Slim candles were used throughout, creating a romantic transition into the evening as the sun sank over the Tuscan horizon.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The wedding cake was a traditional Mille-feuille which involves layers of puff pastry and vanilla custard and mascarpone cream with hints of strawberry and chocolate chips, per the bride’s request! It was prepared before guests by a pastry chef, with the help of the bride and groom of course. This traditional live cake event took place amidst a backdrop of fireworks.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

Our parents (both sides on separate occasions) had reached out to our wedding planner, Michelle had surprised us with an over-the-top, amazing fireworks show. It was the highlight of the evening, and we were completely shocked. I remember looking at Paolo when they started going off and saying to him, that’s not for us, I swear I didn’t pay for it!” Our guests are still talking about the fireworks, and how it was a better show than what you would see for any national holiday.

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Our Wedding planner, Michell, and her assistant Francesca deserve all the credit for our amazing day. I really couldn’t have done it without them. Michelle went above and beyond to make sure that not only I was taken care of, but all our guests as well. At one point, just before the ceremony started, it started to rain when rain wasn’t at all in the forecast. Michelle and the team sprinted into action and ensured that every guest had an umbrella, and the whole setup outside was covered. She also knew how important it was to me to be able to have cocktail hour on the terrace, despite the heavy recommendations from vendors against having the food out on the terrace due to heat, the weather thankfully cooperated, and Michelle made my vision come to life; I can’t thank her enough, she has become a life long friend throughout the process. She is a true expert and creative visionary.

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Photography: 515 Photo Co | Videography: Alte Vedute | Stationery: So Pretty In Print | Catering: Delizia Ricevimenti | Hair and Makeup: Giulia Cresci | Officiant: TUSCANPLEDGES | Transportation: Poggi Bus | Wedding Venue: Villa Medicea di Lilliano | Audio/Visual/Entertainment: Alma Project | Event Planner & Designer: Sincerely Yours Events | Floral and Decor: Rachel A. Clingen Wedding & Event Design

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Seasonal Blooms at This Spring Wedding Blended Beautifully With La Foce’s Opulent Grounds


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Blue, purple, yellow[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Classic with a modern pop

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]North Carolina locals Hayden and Robert embarked on a love-filled journey, culminating in a mesmerising union within the enchanting confines of La Foce in Tuscany. With a shared passion for exploration, delectable cuisine, and exquisite wines, their nuptials became an indelible chapter in their life story. Infusing a dash of whimsy through Hayden’s affiliation with the Greenbriar, their vision was to transform the innate splendour of the venue into a captivating fairytale. Collaborating with their wedding designer, they harmoniously incorporated freshly bloomed flowers that encapsulated the very essence of their special day. The result was a spellbinding stage, radiating a magical, daring, and everlasting ambience. This grand union, poised to captivate hearts far and wide, narrates a tale as old as time, speaking volumes to all who revel in the luxuries of love and the allure of timeless romance.[/field]
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Hayden’s off-the-shoulder dress by Monique Lhuillier was chosen at Alexia’s Bridal in Raleigh, NC.

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Robert wore a tuxedo from my Polo Ralph Lauren.

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The bride and groom selected Guidi Lenci, a renowned and historic Florentine catering company, to create a memorable dining experience for their wedding. The menu featured authentic Tuscan flavors, including classic pici pasta with cacio e pepe sauce, topped with freshly shaved truffles. Guests were also treated to pear and pecorino ravioli, inspired by the couple’s favorite Florentine restaurant, Trattoria 4 Leoni, nestled in Piazza della Passera. For the main course, a tender beef filet paired with a rich Brunello wine reduction delighted the attendees. Hayden and Robert’s love for Tuscany was evident in their choice of wine. During a visit to the region to explore venues, they fell in love with the scenic beauty and exceptional wines of the Conte Costanti winery. It was only fitting that they selected Conti Costanti Brunello di Montalcino to perfectly complement their meal. The celebration continued with an incredible cocktail hour and afterparty hosted by Guidi Lenci. Guests enjoyed an open bar featuring creative drinks, including Aperol Spritz cocktails served with a dramatic touch of dry ice.

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Violamalva Decor and Tuscan Wedding

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Dessert was equally stunning, with a two-tier white fondant wedding cake crafted by local artisan bakery CakeLab. The cake was beautifully framed by a floral masterpiece created by Violamalva, adding a touch of elegance to the presentation.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The party started off with a bang. Hayden changed into her party dress and was met by DJ Belmondo from DJ Lorenzo Zanobetti’s crew. The Matteo Bialanchini arrived and played the couple’s favorite songs on his saxophone. Mid-party, Uncle Jay took over the DJ booth and played a few songs.

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All flowers in the wedding were in bloom at the venue at the time of the wedding.

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Photography: Lace & Luce | Event Design: Tuscan Wedding | Floral Design: Violamalva | Reception Venue: La Foce | Catering: Guidi Lenci | DJ: Wedding Music And Lights

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
A Sophisticated Wedding to Remember at Villa Erba on Lake Como


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]A harmonious blend of gold, soft beige, crisp white, and delicate pastel tones, creating a timeless and sophisticated ambiance.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]What happens when Italian heritage meets vibrant energy? Hawa and Stefano’s wedding at Villa Erba was the perfect answer. Known for its serene elegance and timeless charm, the villa was carefully chosen not just for its logistical advantages—Stefano’s Italian roots and a guest list that was half local—but also for its striking blend of grandeur and intimacy. The couple, with their shared love for bold aesthetics and majestic architecture, fell in love with Villa Erba at first sight during their site inspection.

This wedding embodied their spirit: a harmonious mix of classic sophistication and vibrant energy. Their ceremony felt like stepping into a timeless film—the gentle lapping of the lake, the whispers of violins, and the radiant bride gliding down a pristine white aisle. As the day transitioned into night, the atmosphere transformed into something electric, with Afro-inspired rhythms and lively music filling the air. Guests celebrated a love story that felt deeply personal and unapologetically joyful.[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]We had planned a family vacation to Paris to celebrate New Year’s Eve, and Stefano suggested organizing a professional photo shoot while we were there. I thought it was a lovely idea and didn’t suspect a thing.

As we stood in front of the Eiffel Tower, our daughter, Avery, held up a sign that read, “Will you marry me?” For a moment, I was completely speechless, overwhelmed by the romance of it all. Stefano got down on one knee, and I realized this was a moment I’d cherish forever. It was truly magical—I never saw it coming.[/field]
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[field title=”Food & Drink”]The culinary experience at Hava and Stefano’s wedding was nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the essence of Italian gastronomy with every bite. Signature cocktails at the open bar were tailored to reflect the couple’s vibrant personalities, including an Italian Spicy Margarita—a bold blend of jalapeño tequila, Aperol, and fresh lime—and the Solelyna, a sparkling concoction of Campari, prosecco, and club soda, garnished with a slice of orange.

Guests indulged in an artisanal mozzarella bar featuring the finest Italian cheeses, paired with gnocco fritto, sun-dried tomatoes, taggiasche olives, and freshly baked focaccia and grissini. The show-stopping pizza buffet and salumi corner offered even more authentic flavors to enjoy.

The plated courses were a testament to elegance and taste, with a liquid parmesan soufflé and caramelized Martin Sec pears, a golden saffron risotto, and a tender Piedmontese scottata fillet paired with potato millefeuille and a rich red wine sauce.

To end the night on a sweet note, an Italian dessert buffet offered a variety of decadent treats, while a sumptuous midnight snack ensured guests had the energy to keep dancing under the stars.[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]The décor was as intentional as it was breathtaking. A white floral arch stood as the centerpiece of the ceremony, perfectly framing Lake Como’s tranquil waters. The aisle, equally striking, felt less like a walkway and more like an invitation to step into something extraordinary.

Inside Villa Erba, golden frescoes told their own story, providing a rich backdrop to the reception’s minimalist white florals and glowing candlelight. It was a balance of contrasts: classic yet modern, intimate yet grand. Small, thoughtful details brought everything together, from the soft petals on the tables to the evening’s standout feature—a curated lineup of live music that carried guests from heartfelt vows to joyous dancing.[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]The centerpiece of the evening was the traditional Italian wedding cake, adorned with fresh berries. Its classic simplicity and vibrant flavors perfectly mirrored the couple’s timeless style.
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Photography: Nora Photography | Cinematography: AG Studio Videography | Event Planning: WOW Wedding | Floral Design: rattiflora | Wedding Dress: Leah Da Gloria | Invitations: Sparkles Calligraphy | Catering: Classeventi | Wedding Venue: Villa Erba | Beauty: Mosh Hair London | Beauty: Edith williams Mua | Rentals: Latini

These Vendors are members of our Little Black Book.
For membership information, click here
Love Blooms at Villa Regina Teodolinda on Lake Como


[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Various shades of green, white and ivory[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Design: The color palette consisted of soft romantic hues like sage green and ivory that complemented the charming outdoor space and garden of Villa Regina Teodolinda with a cozy indoor area for the reception and dance party. Custom watercolor name cards (Sam Allen creates, Etsy) were a special touch for guests that many took home. Vibe: A relaxed, intimate feel. A string duo was a unique and memorable touch for guests during the welcome drink, ceremony, and aperitivo. After dinner was enjoyed overlooking Lake Como, the dance floor was filled thanks to the DJ from Blunotte Eventi. Vision: The couple wished to create a beautiful, heartfelt day that reflected their story and love for each other while ensuring guests felt cherished and included.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]Phil proposed after 4 years together at Cliffside Beach Club in Nantucket, Massachusetts. Just us two. Our little slice of heaven and a favorite vacation spot for us. [/field]
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Bride’s Dress: Martina Liana Bride’s Shoes: Loeffler Randall

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]Bridesmaids Dresses: Reformation, V. Chapman, Azazie[/field]
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Groom’s Tux: Suit Supply Groom’s Shoes: Christian Louboutin Groomsmen: The Black Tux Rental

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Guests enjoyed an aperitivo hour with an impressive Italian Buffet – complete with meats, local cheeses, fruit, and more in addition to passed Aperitivo. For Dinner, A first course of ravioli filled with burrata, fresh tomato sauce, and basil and a second course, Filet wrapped with smoked bacon, Vin Santo (Tuscany wine) sauce, and acacia honey on mixed vegetables. Signature drinks included various spritz (Aperol (the bride’s favorite!), Hugo, and Americano) and Negronis. Wedding favors were engraved olive oil bottles (with the couple’s names and wedding date) from Frantoio Muraglia.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The couple wished to keep the décor simple and clean to complement the natural, serene sitting of Villa Regina Teodolinda, which spoke for itself. Fiorigrapha made their vision come to life with two floral pillars at the altar and ground compositions lining the aisle of the ceremony area. For the reception area, tables were brought to life with Ivory candles and centerpieces consisting of garden roses, white gladioli, limelight hydrangea, and more.

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The most memorable among the guests was the millefoglie wedding cake.

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Photography: Julia Kaptelova Photography | Cinematography: AG Studio Videography | Event Planning: Fairy Italy Wedding | Floral Design: FioriGraphia | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Invitations: Sam Allen Creates | Invitations: Minted | Catering: Sunlake Catering | DJ: Blunotte Eventi | Groom's Attire: Suit Supply | Wedding Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda | Beauty: BLBS Management | Weddings Rings: Indulgence Jewelers