No seating charts, no speeches, no fuss — just twenty-five people, a villa by the lake, and a couple who knew exactly what they wanted. Ally and Jon’s wedding in Mandello del Lario skipped the script and leaned into feeling. With whimsical blooms, soft music, and delicious Italian food, it flowed gently. Soul Lovers followed with quiet precision, capturing everything from the mood to the smallest gestures. Never forced, always present.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Whimsical, Romantic, Sophisticated
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 25
Setting: Villa
Season: Spring
Ally and Jon’s story began in San Diego, where they first met as coworkers at a public health marketing agency. Bonded by a love for music, the outdoors, and staying active, their relationship evolved naturally: first as friends, then as partners. Their connection only deepened during the pandemic, as lockdowns became a litmus test for closeness.
Once engaged, they knew they wanted a wedding that felt like a reflection of them: low-key, colorful, and romantic. Lake Como, with its cinematic charm, quickly became the obvious choice.
Bridal Fashion
Ally wore a stunning champagne-colored Berta gown, completely covered in beads and rhinestones. The structured bodice, soft tulle skirt, and intricate detailing made the dress feel both dramatic and graceful.
To keep the look grounded, she chose delicate star-shaped rhinestone earrings and hairpins, letting the dress remain the centerpiece. Her shoes, flat, pearl-adorned slippers, were a nod to practicality without sacrificing style.
Bridal makeup was fresh and natural, while long waves and a soft side part added a romantic touch. The bouquet echoed the mood: wild, joyful, and just a little unruly in shades of lilac, soft pink, and white.
Groom’s Look
Jon kept things simple and classic. A rented tuxedo, chosen last-minute, ended up looking perfectly timeless. A boutonniere featuring the same wild blooms as Ally’s bouquet brought a sense of cohesion and ease to his look. Nothing overly styled, just right for a laid-back garden wedding.
Intimate Ceremony
The ceremony took place beneath the arches of an old villa, framed by palms and pastel blooms. It felt calm, personal, and gently emotional. Jon’s brother officiated, while a harpist Sofi played some of the couple’s favorite songs in the background.
Florals by Tonight CS spilled down the stone steps in textured, joyful clusters: bright coral poppies, blush carnations, and soft green hydrangeas. Between the arrangements, flickering candles and scattered limes added an unexpected, playful twist.
After the kiss, guests reached for small paper cones filled with dried flower petals and herbs, tossing them into the air in a shower of color. The atmosphere was warm and unhurried—exactly what Ally and Jon had envisioned.
"It was absolutely perfect for us!"
Boat Ride
Right after the ceremony, Ally and Jon slipped away onto a boat. But what made this moment truly unforgettable was the surprise element: guests initially thought it was just the couple’s escape, but it turned out everyone was invited to join. The lighthearted boat ride became a highlight, offering a moment to soak in the view, the fresh air, and the just-married glow.
Soul Lovers made the most of the setting, capturing some of the most iconic images of the day — joyful, windswept, and framed by the stillness of Lake Como.
Cocktail Hour
Back at the villa, guests gathered for a laid-back cocktail hour with lawn games, Polaroid cameras for spontaneous snapshots, and a caricaturist sketching guests. It was the perfect bridge into the evening.
Decor & Setting
As the sun set, guests moved indoors for dinner, and the atmosphere shifted from garden party to candlelit celebration. Pale green taper candles flickered alongside halved papayas repurposed as floral vessels. Orchids, poppies, and blooming branches lined the tables: natural, textured, and unfussy.
The design, led by Ehi Daisy Events, struck a balance between playful and refined. Fruit details added color and freshness, while the villa’s tall ceilings and soft lighting gave the room warmth and elegance. Everything felt considered but never overdone.
Dinner
During dinner, more of the couple’s favorite details came into focus. Espresso martinis, served in a champagne tower, added a fun twist. There were no formalities: no speeches, no first dance, just music, laughter, and guests drifting between candlelit tables and open doors. The atmosphere stayed relaxed and joyful, exactly as Ally and Jon had imagined.
One of the night’s favorite moments came when Ally served rigatoni straight from a giant Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel — a playful and delicious surprise.
"The food by La Delizie di Valsecchi was absolutely amazing and definitely the highlight of our night. Our caterer went above and beyond, and our guests were raving all night about how delicious everything was."
Later in the evening, a fresh berry tart replaced the traditional cake. It was unfussy, seasonal, and felt distinctly Italian.
As night fell, the energy shifted once more. The music turned up, glow sticks came out, and the party moved into full swing. Guests filled the dance floor, the villa lit by candles and laughter. It was the perfect close to a day that never felt rushed, just full of joy from start to finish.
Advice from the couple:
• Relax, go with the flow, and don’t forget to enjoy each other’s company. We made a conscious effort not to stress over the small things beforehand, and it really helped us stay grounded on the day. Even when little issues came up, like the weather, we were able to stay present and enjoy the time with our guests.
PHOTOGRAPHER Soul Lovers Wedding | PLANNER Ehi Daisy Events | FLORIST Tonight CS | CATERING La Delizie di Valsecchi | VENUE Villa Confalonieri | HARP Sofi Harpist
