Some places need no introduction, and Lake Como is one of them. Its glittering waters, dramatic villas, and lush mountains have long been a dream setting for couples chasing romance. For Mia and Zarko, the choice felt effortless. They brought their love story to the legendary Villa del Balbianello, where every step, every kiss, and every glance turned into a frame-worthy moment.
Concept & Iconic Location
The idea was never about grandeur for grandeur’s sake. Instead, it was about presence, being able to soak in a place that carries centuries of history while making it feel personal. Villa del Balbianello provided the stage with its ivy-clad walls, manicured gardens, and sweeping lake views. From quiet walks through the villa grounds to embracing beneath its stone arches, the couple became part of the landscape.
This concept of intimacy in iconic places is at the heart of the shoot. It’s proof that a wedding or elopement in Italy doesn’t need a guest list of hundreds to feel extraordinary.
For Anastasia Woolmington of Serenity Photography, it was an opportunity to showcase what makes Lake Como so captivating. “Balbianello is a living fairytale, and every corner reveals a new angle that looks straight out of a Vogue spread, ” she shared. Anastasia perfectly captured the grandeur of the villa while preserving the unfiltered chemistry of a couple lost in their own story.
Fashion
Mia, a finalist of Miss Universe Australia 2024, embodied modern bridal glamour in a gown by Muse by Berta. The dress, sourced through Kayrouz Bridal, was made for movement with its thigh-high slit, layers of airy tulle, and a corseted bodice that shimmered in the Italian sun. It struck the perfect balance of sensuality and elegance, just as fitting for stepping into a boat as it was for walking through Balbianello’s ornate corridors.
Accessories completed the look with refinement: delicate earrings by Lola Knight, heels from Harlo, and details from The White Collection. Hair was styled down, loose and wind-kissed, giving a nod to the relaxed charm of the lake. Makeup emphasized glowing skin and softly defined eyes, designed to last through both the summer heat and the endless smiles.
Zarko’s choice was timeless: a black tuxedo paired with a bow tie. Sharp tailoring and understated elegance made him the perfect counterpart to Mia’s high-fashion gown, reinforcing the classic-meets-modern dynamic that carried through the entire shoot.
Boat Road
No trip to Lake Como feels complete without stepping onto a wooden boat, and this shoot leaned fully into that tradition. Out on the water, the golden light danced across the lake as Mia and Zarko toasted with champagne. The gown’s split and flowing layers made for natural movement, catching the breeze in a way that only emphasized the couple’s chemistry.
For Serenity Photography, it was the most technically demanding part of the day. Shooting on a moving boat under the July sun while maintaining the artistry of every frame is no small feat. Yet the results speak for themselves: images that carry both glamour and spontaneity, as if pulled from a cinematic love story.
Shoot’s Highlights
What made this shoot stand out was the balance between history and modernity. Villa del Balbianello, with its ornate stonework and sweeping terraces, has hosted centuries of stories. Yet when paired with the daring cut of a Muse by Berta gown and a couple unafraid to embrace the moment, the result felt fresh and timeless all at once.
Highlights included portraits framed by the villa’s famous ivy archways, candid laughter as the couple shared a private joke, and those boat images that could only be captured in Como. The fusion of editorial fashion, genuine intimacy, and world-class scenery made the gallery one of those rare combinations where every frame feels iconic.
PHOTOGRAPHER Serenity Photography | VENUE Villa del Balbianello | DRESS Muse by Berta | BRIDAL SALON Kayrouz Bridal | SHOES Harlo | EARRINGS Lola Knight | ACCESSORIES The White Collection
