Morgan and Trent’s wedding at Villa Balbiano was a magical celebration of love, elegance, and whimsical beauty. With the stunning backdrop of Lake Como, the couple added a personal touch by incorporating butterfly-themed decor. The bride chose this theme to honor her grandmother and symbolize the soul, immortality, and rebirth.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Elegant, classic, fairytale
Time of planning: 11 months
Number of guests: 98
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Morgan and Trent have been together for ten years, and their love has only grown stronger, even through distance challenges. They grew up in different states of the US but shared similar family values and religious beliefs. While swapping childhood memories, they discovered a lovely coincidence — their families spent summers in South Florida, where their grandparents had raspberry bushes. The taste of those berries remains a fond memory for them, a symbol of the roots that have always connected them.
After a decade together, their journey culminated in a beautiful wedding in Italy, beginning with a joyful welcome day.
Welcome Day
The couple decided to double the joy for their guests by organizing a lively and eventful Welcome Day before the wedding. On that day, Trent, his friends, and Morgan’s father enjoyed a relaxed morning at a scenic golf club in the mountains overlooking Lake Como, soaking in the picturesque views and friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, the bride and her bridesmaids spent a peaceful morning at the spa, taking a moment to unwind before the big day.
The nearly-wedded couple also made time for an exhilarating ride on a luxurious yacht, speeding across the waters of Lake Como. They enjoyed a special photoshoot, capturing the thrill and joy of their last day as fiancés, making unforgettable memories together.
That evening, the couple hosted a vibrant welcome party at Lido Beach in Lenno, where guests enjoyed Aperol Spritz, pizza, and traditional Italian appetizers. With laughter and a stunning sunset by the lake, the evening set the perfect tone for the celebrations to follow.
The Location & Vision
Morgan and Trent’s wedding at the iconic Villa Balbiano on Lake Como was a breathtaking celebration that seamlessly blended timeless elegance with personal touches. With the help of talented team at WOW Wedding, the couple transformed the villa into a fairytale setting for their 98 guests.
Inspired by their shared memories and love for nature, they incorporated quaint butterfly decor as a tribute to the bride’s grandmother, adding depth and meaning to their celebration’s enchanting atmosphere.
Bridal Look
Morgan looked perfect in a Galia Lahav wedding dress, paired with Amina Muaddi shoes and a Maria Elena tiara, embodying her fairytale dream. For the after-party, she stunned the guests once more with a Berta mini dress and leggings, showcasing her more playful side as the festivities continued well into the night.
Ceremony
The ceremony was nothing short of classic elegance, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Como. The iconic Villa Balbiano, with its grandeur and natural beauty, served as the perfect venue. The couple exchanged vows under a white floral arch masterfully crafted by Lake Como Florist. This was not just any arch; it was a floral masterpiece that left everyone in awe, with its cascading white blooms and lush greenery creating a mesmerizing scene that took your breath away. The arch framed the shimmering lake and the majestic mountains in the background, providing a picture-perfect setting that made the moment feel almost dreamlike.
The guests, dressed in chic and sophisticated outfits, added an extra layer of luxury to the wedding. As they gathered by the couple’s side, it was clear that this was a day meant to be remembered not only for its love and romance but for the elegance and refinement that surrounded it.
In a unique and playful twist, instead of traditional flower petals, the groom’s friends handed out mini bottles of limoncello to the guests. This personal and fun touch infused an authentic Italian flavor to the day, giving guests a refreshing treat as they awaited the couple’s grand entrance.
At the culmination of the ceremony, Morgan and Trent released white doves into the sky. The doves, a symbol of peace, love, and new beginnings, represented the purity of their union and the journey they were about to embark on together. This small yet meaningful gesture enhanced the magic of the moment, making the ceremony genuinely unforgettable.
Cocktail Hour
After the heartfelt ceremony, guests gathered in Villa Balbiano’s lush garden to enjoy a sophisticated cocktail hour. With Aperol Spritz and a selection of light appetizers in hand, they shared laughter and compliments on the day’s beautiful moments.
This cocktail hour became the highlight of the evening, standing out with its garden intimacy, a perfect contrast to both the grandeur of the ceremony and the elegance of the upcoming reception.
Moment Alone
While guests mingled over refreshing cocktails and shared their heartfelt impressions after the beautiful ceremony, the newlyweds stole away for an intimate moment, exploring the enchanting villa and capturing breathtaking photos that would forever remind them of their unforgettable wedding day.
Morgan and Trent strolled through the lush, vibrant gardens that enveloped every corner of Balbiano. This brief, peaceful moment alone with each other was a striking contrast to the lively celebrations taking place just nearby.
Decor & Setting
The reception was a stunning reflection of creativity and individuality, perfectly orchestrated by WOW Wedding. The beautiful greenhouse provided by Privitera Eventi, with its transparent walls and lush greenery, made for a truly magical setting. Each floral arrangement was unique, with colors that never repeated, making every table feel special. Guests were welcomed with playful butterfly-shaped seating cards, adding a personal and meaningful touch to the vivid, whimsical atmosphere.
The raspberry-toned decor, a nod to the couple’s shared childhood memories, tied everything together beautifully. A particularly touching detail was the portrait of their beloved Siberian Husky, Apollo, featured on the monogrammed napkins. Although their loyal friend couldn’t attend the wedding, he was still a part of the celebration, symbolically present with every guest and, most importantly, close to Morgan and Trent.
Reception
The reception began with the newlyweds making a grand entrance to the applause of guests eagerly awaiting them. Everything that evening was perfect, from the delicious signature dishes to the heartfelt toasts and dancing. Laughter and smiles filled the air, and it truly felt like a fairytale come to life, with a prince and princess at the center of it all.
One of the highlights of the evening was the cake-cutting ceremony in front of a stunning archway. Instead of a traditional multi-tiered wedding cake, Morgan and Trent chose a gorgeous Italian fruit tart decorated with layers of fresh berries.
As the night unfolded, the celebration only became more lively. TFM Production handled sound and lighting flawlessly, while an energetic live band from London kept guests on their feet.
Later, a saxophonist and DJ duo took over, carrying the party late into the night. Guests were in stitches, dancing and laughing until the early hours, creating an unforgettable and fun-filled celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• Take time to have a cocktail alone with your spouse because this day is about the two of you, and it goes by
in the blink of an eye. No matter how hard you try to stay together, everyone wants your attention. Taking 5-10 minutes alone in a private area to be in the moment with your spouse is so important.
PLANNER WOW Wedding | PHOTOGRAPHER Julia Kaptelova | VIDEOGRAPHER Waterfall Visuals | VENUE Villa Balbiano | FLORALS Lake Como Florist | MUAH Studio Como | WELCOME DRESS Alexia Maria | CEREMONY DRESS Galia Lahav | SECOND DRESS Berta | CATERING Class Eventi | SOUND & LIGHT TFM Production | DJ & SAX Taste’n’Sax | MC Steven Wright | BAND Candy Apple Blue | STRING QUARTET Quartetto Effe | STATIONERY Momental | DANCEFLOOR & GREENHOUSE Privitera Eventi | RENTALS Latini Design
