Set on the breathtaking shores of Lake Como, Andreea and Joe’s wedding at the iconic Villa Erba was a celebration of timeless elegance and heartfelt love. Surrounded by family and friends, their day unfolded in a series of unforgettable moments, all captured beautifully by the talented team at Grabazei Photography. The magic of the day was brought to life through a minimalist aesthetic featuring elegant white calla lilies, emotional highlights, and a setting as enchanting as their story.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Fairytale, romantic, elegant
Time of planning: 2 years
Number of guests: 80
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Andreea and Joe’s journey began in the winter of 2021 when they met through mutual friends in Portugal. What started as a chance encounter quickly blossomed into a deep connection. Their story took a beautifully unconventional path. By the spring of 2022, their bond was solidified with the birth of their son, Demian. Later that year, the couple celebrated a small civil ceremony in Milan, setting the stage for their dream wedding. Joe’s proposal was straight out of a fairy tale — on a boat, under a glowing sunset. Their wedding at Villa Erba was the perfect culmination of their one-of-a-kind journey, full of life, love, and a touch of glam.
Bridal Morning
Andreea’s bridal preparations were filled with excitement and emotion. She wore a romantic Lazaro gown with a structured bodice and flowing skirt, classic Saint Laurent heels, and a vintage pearl necklace. Her fresh, glowing makeup, beautifully done by Miki Ianovici, and her elegant ballerina bun styled by Giorgio Tarantini completed the look.
Adding a timeless touch, her bouquet of calla lilies — a seamless continuation of the wedding’s minimalist aesthetic — was artfully created by Figli dei Fiori. To finish her ensemble, Andreea chose an exquisite fragrance by Maison Francis Kurkdjian, which added an air of understated luxury. Every detail of her preparation exuded sophistication and grace.
Groom's Fashion
Joe’s outfit choices were equally refined. He wore a custom-made Tom Ford suit, complemented by a Prada shirt and Saint Laurent shoes. Accessories included a Cartier boutonnière and Vava sunglasses, adding a personal flair to his classic attire. His look reflected both his excitement and the importance of the day, setting the tone for their stylish celebration.
Ceremony
The couple’s ceremony took place in the elegant Sala Camino at Villa Erba. Initially planned for the outdoor gardens, strong winds brought the celebration indoors, creating an intimate and magical atmosphere. “Sometimes the unexpected makes the day even more unforgettable!” shared Irina at Grabazei Photography.
The setting was a perfect mix of natural beauty and refined elegance, adorned with lush calla lilies and monstera leaves. A particularly moving moment was when their son, Demian, walked down the aisle carrying the wedding rings, evoking tears of joy from guests.
“The emotions were beyond words — an indescribable moment of pure, heartfelt joy,” added the bride.
"Their wedding vows were simple yet profound. No matter where life might take them, they promised to remain true to themselves and each other, to face every challenge with honesty, unwavering support, and love that would never fade. It was a promise that set their story apart, rooted in a bond deeper than any tradition or cliché."
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour on the villa’s picturesque terrace. The scenic views of Lake Como and the villa’s historic architecture created a stunning backdrop for mingling and capturing candid moments. Signature cocktails and light bites prepared by Class Eventi delighted attendees as they anticipated the evening’s festivities.
Private Moment
Amidst the day’s joy, Andreea and Joe stole a quiet moment together. It wasn’t just about the photos, though Grabazei Photography was there to capture every perfect shot. It was about pausing during the celebration, sharing a moment of stillness to take it all in. The photos reflect their love — natural, effortless, and completely timeless. Grabazei’s style combined candid charm with just the right touch of artistry. These serene interludes became some of the most cherished memories of their wedding day.
"Capturing the love and elegance of Andreea and Joe was a true honor."
Decor & Setting
The reception decor was a masterpiece of understated elegance. Long tables were draped with cascading greenery and white calla lilies, hanging gracefully like nature’s chandelier. Figli dei Fiori reflected the couple’s vision of timeless sophistication. The grandeur of the Sala Feste, with its ornate ceilings and sparkling chandeliers, felt even cozier with the warm glow of countless candles scattered throughout, making everything feel magical and inviting.
Reception
The evening’s celebrations were filled with unforgettable moments. Heartfelt toasts from close friends brought laughter and tears, while the couple’s first dance to Lucio Dalla’s “Caruso” set a romantic tone. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dining experience by Class Eventi, culminating in cutting a stunning white wedding cake by Mami Louise, adorned with intricate pearl details.
As night fell, the villa’s terrace became the stage for a dazzling fireworks display, lighting up the Lake Como sky and leaving guests in awe. The party then moved indoors, where Andreea changed into a playful, short white dress that allowed her to dance the night away. Entertainment by Gold Singers and Antonio Fabrizi kept the energy high, ensuring the celebration ended on a joyful and vibrant note.
Advice from the couple:
• Have the best photo-video team to capture your moments – the day goes fast, and you don’t want to forget even a minute!
PHOTOGRAPHER Grabazei Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Art and Roses Films | VENUE Villa Erba | FLORALS Figli dei Fiori Como | MAKEUP Miki Ianovici | HAIR Giorgio Tarantini | CATERING Class Eventi | CAKE Mami Louise | DESIGN & RENTALS Latini Design | ENTERTAINMENT Gold Singers, Antonio Fabrizi | TECH, LIGHTS & FIREWORKS Blunotte Eventi | LOGISTICS Melior Travel
