This couple embraced the glamour of Italy’s Lake Como with a sophisticated black-tie wedding. There are some destinations in the world that are almost too gorgeous to be real. Italy’s Lake Como is one of them, its mountain views and manicured gardens providing a fairytale setting for Marianna and Trey’s chic black-tie wedding. Won over by the glamorous destination and its elegant Villa del Balbianello years ago on a road trip through northern Italy with friends, the two couldn’t think of a more spectacular location for their special day. “At the time, our friends even joked that we should get married there,” Marianna laughs. It seems the couple’s loved ones were onto something, with postcard ready Lake Como putting on a show for Marianna and Trey’s special day. Waking to perfectly blue skies, the pair kicked off festivities with an exciting pre-ceremony lake cruise. “We sipped Champagne with our bridal party and took in the amazing views,” says Marianna. “It felt like the party had already begun!”
Arriving at Villa del Balbianello’s exquisite Loggia Durini patio in style, the two exchanged vows in front of 30 guests and those heavenly lake views. “We wanted to keep things intimate and share our special day with our closest friends and family,” says Marianna. Enjoying their newly wedded status, Marianna and Trey lapped up the ‘golden hour’ sunshine for a magnificent photo session in the venue’s gardens. As the sun set, the couple settled in for a night of dancing, heartwarming speeches and fine Italian fare. “We worked with the venue’s masterful Biaggio to create a five-course dinner,” says Marianna. “There’s an ongoing debate about which was the standout dish. It was either the green risotto or the cream and truffle pasta.” Raising a glass to the occasion in a toast beneath the stars, the bride and groom celebrated with their loved ones well into the wee hours. “Our friends actually followed us back to our accommodation to eat leftover cake at 2am,” laughs Marianna. The unforgettable affair has made for fabulous memories, not just for the happy couple, but their friends, too. “We loved being surrounded by our friends and family who all made such an effort to be there,” says Marianna. “Everyone said that our wedding was one they’ll never forget. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
The Details:
Wedding date: 11th August, 2018 // Number of guests: 30 // Wedding location: Villa del Balbianello, Lake Como, Italy // Wedding planner: The Lake Como Wedding Planner // Photography: Jules Bower // Dress: Jenny Packham // Honeymoon: Greece
