Location: Lake Como, Italy
Setting: Villa Erba
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 85
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
Wedding theme/style: A fairytale glam.
Tatiana and Benedict, unconventional accountants, thrive on adding excitement to their lives through planned spontaneity. While their paths initially intersected on a dating app, Ben humorously contends that they met through mutual friends. Their love story quickly blossomed, and they have remained inseparable ever since, traversing life’s journey hand in hand.
Their first international trip together took them to the breathtaking Lake Como, where Tatiana couldn’t help but envision her dream wedding. Little did Ben know, she had already confided in her friends that he was the one she would marry, even though they had only been dating for three months. However, their journey to happily ever after encountered an unexpected hurdle – the arrival of the COVID pandemic. Like many couples, Ben had to make a bold move and join Tatiana as they navigated through uncertain times together.
Months later, Ben planned to propose during a trip to Dubai, but unforeseen circumstances led to multiple failed attempts. Determined, he sought alternative options and eventually found themselves in Lisbon, where Ben first told he loved Tatiana. Despite facing obstacles, such as the closure of Castelo de S. Jorge, Ben took matters into his own hands, scaling the fence, and amidst the radiant cityscape, he proposed to Tatiana.
Tatiana and Benedict’s wedding was a dream come true, with their three main wishes perfectly fulfilled. First and foremost, they longed for a picturesque location that would set the stage for their vows, creating an unforgettable backdrop. Secondly, they envisioned a vibrant dancefloor where their loved ones could celebrate, conveniently connected to a lively bar. Lastly, they wanted to ensure their loved ones were comfortably seated and treated to a delightful culinary experience.
To capture every moment of their special day, they entrusted the talented videographer Leo Payne from Together We Go. With his impeccable skills and a keen eye for detail, the videographer skillfully documented the entire essence of Tatiana and Benedict’s wedding. Through his artistry, Leo managed to reflect the couple’s sincere emotions, embody the overall atmosphere of love and joy, and preserve cherished memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Tucked away in the picturesque Lake Como town of Cernobbio lies the exquisite Villa Erba, a stunning 19th-century villa that served as the enchanting backdrop for Tatiana and Benedict’s wedding. With its graceful architecture and timeless charm, Villa Erba provided an extraordinary setting for the couple’s special day. When guests set foot on its grounds, they were transported to a world of elegance and romance, where every corner exuded an air of refined beauty. Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the lake and the captivating aura of history, Tatiana and Benedict’s wedding at Villa Erba was a true fairytale.
Tatiana experienced a truly magical wedding morning as she entrusted her makeup and hair to the immensely talented Irina Pandey, renowned for her work in high fashion shoots in Milan. Supported by her bridesmaids, who filled the room with cheer and encouragement, Tatiana embarked on her journey toward an unforgettable wedding day.
Tatiana’s wedding morning was an unforgettable experience, as she enjoyed breathtaking views of Lake Como. The enchanting atmosphere set the perfect tone for her special day.
Tatiana made a dazzling choice for her wedding dress – a breathtaking Berta gown that flawlessly reflected her personality and accentuated her natural beauty. With her loving family by her side, they shared precious moments as they prepared for the highly anticipated first look with her beloved, Ben.
On the other side, Ben was also surrounded by his closest friends and family, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with laughter as everyone prepared for this beautiful and special day.
With meticulous attention to detail, wedding planners Happy Moments Collector brought the couple’s wedding vision to life, curating an event that exceeded all expectations. Adding an extra touch of romance, the stunning floral arrangements by Rattiflora set the stage, creating a truly magical atmosphere that enveloped the entire celebration.
As Tatiana took her graceful steps down the aisle, all eyes were fixed upon her, captivated by the sheer beauty of the moment. The ceremony was a truly unique and unforgettable experience, with a picturesque wedding arch as the backdrop.
Amidst the emotional backdrop, there were also lighthearted and amusing moments, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of love, laughter, and cherished memories. In celebrating diversity, Tatiana and Ben incorporated traditions from four distinct cultures – British, Russian, Jewish, and Italian. Grounded in the sanctity of the Anglican Church, the ceremony featured wedding vows that symbolize everlasting commitment. To further enhance the ceremony, readings from Ben’s sister and their son added a personal touch.
Tatiana shares: “At the end of the ceremony, Ben broke the glass, which demonstrates that marriage holds sorrow as well as joy and is a representation of the commitment to stand by one another even in hard times (the alternative interpretation being that the number of pieces that the glass breaks into represents the number of happy years you will spend together – we are all good on that front as the glass absolutely shattered!).”
Alongside the talented videographer Together We Go, who perfectly filmed every wedding moment, the amazing photographer Andrew Bayda skillfully documented this fantastic event. His stunning photos beautifully encapsulate the love and joy that filled the air on Tatiana and Ben’s special day. From candid shots of laughter and tears to breathtaking portraits against the backdrop of Lake Como, Andrew Bayda’s photography truly captures the essence of this magical wedding.
In a joyous display of cultural traditions, the couple incorporated the korovai ritual into their wedding ceremony. This age-old tradition holds great significance; as tradition dictates, the one who ends up with the larger slice while taking a bite is believed to become the head of the household. The victory went to Ben, as he emerged with the larger portion of the bread.
Overflowing with sheer happiness, Tatiana and Ben’s eyes locked in an enchanting gaze, brimming with an immense and undeniable love.
Tatiana made a dazzling choice for her wedding dress – a breathtaking Berta gown that flawlessly reflected her personality and accentuated her natural beauty. With her loving family by her side, they shared precious moments as they prepared for the highly anticipated first look with her beloved, Ben.
The couple didn’t have a specific theme in mind for their wedding, but as they planned and organized everything, it gradually transformed into a magnificent fairytale glam celebration. The venue’s stunning villa and picturesque backdrops heavily influenced the overall aesthetic. The floral installations and custom-made artisan structures were carefully selected and tastefully incorporated into the decor to accentuate and harmonize with the exquisite surroundings and the bride’s dress.
The reception of Tatiana and Ben was unforgettable. Set in a picturesque location overseas, it provided the perfect opportunity for the couple to create cherished memories with their loved ones. One highlight of the evening was the heartfelt speech delivered by the bride’s father. Filled with an irresistible blend of sweetness, humor, and endearing jokes, his words captivated the audience and left no eye dry. It was a truly unforgettable moment that added an extra touch of emotion to the already magical atmosphere.
A particularly memorable aspect of the wedding was the cake. Delighting everyone’s senses, the couple opted for a traditional Italian Millefoglie wedding cake. What made this confection truly extraordinary was the showmanship involved in its presentation. The cake was skillfully assembled right before the eyes of the guests. A talented chef wheeled out a large table and constructed each layer with artistic flair. The cake boasted alternating tiers of velvety Chantilly cream, delicate puff pastry, and luscious fresh berries. The combination of flavors and the visual spectacle of its creation made this culinary masterpiece an unforgettable part of the celebration.
Adding to the festive traditions, the bride gracefully prepared to throw her bouquet while the groom eagerly readied the bride’s wedding garter. As part of the timeless tradition, these symbolic gestures aimed to determine who among the attendees would be the next ones to embark on the journey of matrimony.
The reception continued with abundant joyful dancing as everyone let loose and had a great time. One particular highlight of the celebration was the Horah dance, a beloved tradition that added an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. As music filled the air, guests enthusiastically joined in the energetic and spirited dance, creating a joyous and lively atmosphere that the newlyweds and their loved ones will forever cherish.
Tatiana shares: “At the end of the ceremony, Ben broke the glass, which demonstrates that marriage holds sorrow as well as joy and is a representation of the commitment to stand by one another even in hard times (the alternative interpretation being that the number of pieces that the glass breaks into represents the number of happy years you will spend together – we are all good on that front as the glass absolutely shattered!).”
VIDEOGRAPHER Together We Go | MAIN PHOTOGRAPHER (THESE PHOTOS) Andrew Bayda | SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER Nata Lia | PLANNING & CONCEPT Happy Moments Collector | VENUE Villa Erba | FLORALS Rattiflora | MUAH Irina Pandey | DRESS Berta | STATIONERY Letter B | HOST Novikov Konstantin | MUSIC Blunotte Eventi | CATERING Sunlake Catering | RENTAL Latini Design
