A Rain-or-shine Elegant Wedding in Italy

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Beneath the soft glow of the Italian sun, Elizabeth and Keith exchanged vows in the enchanting town of Stresa, nestled on the shores of Lake Maggiore. Their wedding was a celebration of elegance and romance, with 120 loved ones gathered to witness a day filled with timeless beauty and heartfelt moments, perfectly capturing the essence of their love story.

Location: Stresa, Lake Maggiore, Italy
Style: Elegant, glamorous, sophisticated
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Ballroom
Season: Spring

Fate brought the future newlyweds together in 2015. On a five-month work assignment in Hong Kong, Elizabeth (Libby) met Keith during an evening out with friends. Keith, a Hong Kong native, was instantly captivated. “I’m going to marry that girl,” he boldly told his friends.

Seven years later, his prediction came true when he proposed at the iconic Hong Kong Peninsula Hotel. Their love story came full circle in May 2024 as they celebrated their union with family and friends by the shores of Lake Maggiore, a place that held special meaning for them as one of Italy’s best-kept secrets.

Bridal Morning

Elizabeth’s wedding morning was nothing short of regal. Staying in the luxurious Hemingway Suite of the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées, she prepared for a special day surrounded by her closest friends and family. She wore a custom-designed A-line ballgown from Hong Kong with a breathtaking 4-meter train. Complementing her dress, she styled it with custom jewelry from her sister and “something blue” Jimmy Choo shoes while carrying a stunning bouquet of white roses.

For the reception, she swapped her formal ballgown for an elegant фтв playful short dress with a deep V-neckline and light, airy sleeves. This chic dress added a modern twist to her bridal look, bringing a sense of lightness and charm.

Her bridal makeup was expertly crafted by Gail Lacsina, a talented artist specializing in soft glam, who perfectly balanced sophistication, and elegance while honoring Elizabeth’s style. The makeup featured a flawless, bronzed, and glowy finish, enhancing her natural beauty without being overdone. Using high-end products like Chanel and Dior, Gail created soft, smoky eyes that added a touch of timeless grace to Elizabeth’s look.

To complete her ensemble, Elizabeth chose Miss Dior as her signature fragrance, adding the perfect finishing touch. On this unforgettable day, she truly felt (and looked) like royalty.

Groom's Fashion

Keith opted for a custom-made ivory pearl jacket tuxedo from his trusted Hong Kong tailor. His strong look was detailed with initials embroidered on his shirt, freshly polished shoes, and classic Dunhill coin cufflinks.

He surprised guests with an outfit change for the reception — swapping his tuxedo for a dazzling silver sequin and black silk jacket. His two-fold look reflected his sophistication and playful side, a perfect fit for the grand occasion.

First Look

Elizabeth and Keith shared a touching first look inside the elegant hotel. As soon as they saw each other, they couldn’t hold back their feelings, and tears welled up from the overwhelming joy of the moment. This emotional exchange set the tone for the day, adding another layer of magic to their special bond.

Ceremony

The couple had initially planned an outdoor classic lakeside ceremony with the stunning backdrop of Lake Maggiore and the surrounding mountains. However, an unexpected rain shower prompted a last-minute change.

Thanks to the seamless work of their planner, Mara Cirillo from White Notes, the ceremony was swiftly relocated indoors to one of the Grand Hotel’s beautiful ballrooms, creating a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Despite the shift in plans, the indoor setting turned out to be an enchanting alternative, which Keith and Elizabeth embraced, seeing the rain as a sign of good luck.

They also added to the spontaneity of the day by writing their vows at the last minute. Despite not coordinating beforehand, their vows were perfectly in sync, combining humor and heartfelt reflections of their personalities, much to the delight of their guests. The indoor ceremony allowed for perfect acoustics, ensuring that every word of their vows was heard clearly, further deepening the intimacy of the moment.

Reception & Decor

The grandeur of the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromées provided the perfect backdrop for the wedding’s elegant decor. Pink, Elizabeth’s favorite color, was woven throughout the wedding theme — from the florals to the guests’ attire, bringing a vibrant yet refined atmosphere to the day.

The ballroom was adorned with stunning pink floral arrangements of varying dimensions and heights, complemented by gold accents and tall candles that created a romantic, timeless ambiance.

The reception unfolded in a lively and elegant atmosphere, where guests enjoyed an open bar and were treated to spectacular entertainment by Britpops. This band kept the energy high and the dance floor busy throughout the night.

The evening truly came to life with a touching father-daughter dance, as Elizabeth and her father shared a special moment to the tune of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York,” setting a joyful tone for the rest of the night.

A highlight of the reception was the exquisite wedding cake — a multi-tiered masterpiece that looked stunning and was an absolute hit with its variety of flavors.

Even after a day filled with emotional moments, happy tears, and endless smiles, Elizabeth’s makeup by Gail Lacsina remained flawless, enhancing her natural radiance well into the night.

The couple’s thoughtful attention to detail was evident throughout the event, from the personalized limoncello thank-you gifts, which doubled as a seating chart, to the grand finale.

As the evening progressed, Elizabeth and Keith changed into more relaxed, party-ready outfits and danced the night away with their guests in the hotel’s private nightclub, where the celebration continued into the early morning hours.