Location: Lake Como, Italy
Setting: Lakefront, privatized area at Hotel Musa
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
The number of guests: 2
Wedding theme/style: Fashion-forward, classic, timeless
Ashleigh and Kyle’s love story began in 2013 when they met through mutual friends. At the time, Ashleigh was finishing up her last semester at New York University, and Kyle was living in the Hudson Valley, New York. Though they felt a strong connection, the distance between them made things challenging. Fast-forward to 2020, and fate brought them back together. This time, their relationship blossomed quickly, and they soon decided to move to Connecticut together, making a fresh start.
On New Year’s Day, Kyle and Ashleigh stopped in Cold Spring during a scenic drive through the Hudson Highlands. They took a leisurely walk along the water, enjoying an unusually warm winter day. In a private, intimate moment by the Hudson River, Kyle asked Ashleigh to spend the rest of their lives together. It was a beautiful and unforgettable moment that marked the beginning of their forever.
Ashleigh and Kyle wished to celebrate their marriage with an intimate and personal event, shared just between the two of them, without sacrificing the elegance and grandeur of a traditional wedding. From the start, Ashleigh and her planner, Billy Folchetti, shared a modern vision with a lot of black-and-white photography, monochrome mood boards, and a concept for something detailed yet “simple” chic—classic and glamorous, paying homage to the past while infused with modern-day influence. The ultimate goal was to create a wedding that looked more like a Taschen coffee table book rather than a typical wedding album, filled with images that would transcend generations.
Having perfect photos for their elopement was important for the couple, and Linas Dambrauskas was the ideal fit for their wedding. His photography beautifully captured the love between Ashleigh and Kyle against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como. From their picturesque boat ride and touching vows to their intimate dinner, he documented every moment with artistry that will ensure these memories are cherished for generations. His talent for blending elegance with emotion created a timeless collection of images, making their elopement unforgettable.
We wanted to feel the vibe of the lake not only through the photos but also the experience the couple had, coffee table book styled photography and juxtaposition for the wedding day decor.
The couple began their special day with a peaceful morning together, enjoying breakfast with a stunning lake view. As the day progressed, they prepared separately for their intimate afternoon ceremony.
The bride looked absolutely radiant in a Berta Couture gown, embodying simple elegance with every detail. She paired her dress with chic Aquazzura shoes, adding a touch of glamour to her look. Her jewelry was a beautiful blend of heirloom pearl earrings, a sparkling diamond necklace, a round solitaire engagement ring, and an oval wedding ring that perfectly complemented her timeless style.
Ashleigh’s makeup was kept simple and natural, enhancing her natural beauty. Her hair was styled down in soft, simple curls, framing her face beautifully and adding to her overall aesthetic of understated elegance. Every element of Ashleigh’s look reflected a sophisticated and modern take on classic bridal elegance, perfectly capturing the couple’s vision for their day.
Kyle wore a custom Sanvenero tuxedo, tailored perfectly to fit and crafted by an Italian designer in Milan, a nod to the couple’s wedding location.
His ensemble was elevated by stylish Louboutin loafers, adding a modern touch to his classic attire. Kyle’s personal touches made his outfit uniquely his own: the custom jacket lining featured his favorite beverage, bourbon, a monogram, and the wedding date embroidered on the collar. Completing his look, Kyle accessorized with elegant Chopard cufflinks and a striking Audemars Piguet watch, adding a layer of timeless luxury.
Ashleigh dreamed of a long aisle to walk down, knowing her stunning dress deserved the grand entrance. At the last minute, the planners decided to add an extra layer of symbolism by having the couple share the aisle. They created a unique ceremony & first-look combo: the groom walked halfway down the aisle, paused, and waited for Ashleigh to tap his shoulder from behind, allowing them to see each other for the first time. From that mid-aisle point, they continued to the altar hand in hand, symbolizing the start of their journey together as husband and wife.
To enhance the moment, live musicians, including a mini baby grand piano and a violin, added a classic touch to their modern ceremony song, “Golden Hour” by JVKE. As the sun set behind them over the water, the scene was perfectly set for their unforgettable vows. Linas Dambrauskas perfectly captured the emotional and touching vows, creating stunning photos of the couple that beautifully documented their special day and the depth of their love.
Following the ceremony, Ashleigh and Kyle took a private boat tour of Lake Como, where they cherished their first moments as a married couple. The serene waters and stunning views provided the perfect backdrop for their intimate celebration. As they sailed along the picturesque lake, they enjoyed the tranquility and beauty of their surroundings, making memories that would last a lifetime.
The couple wanted a Lake Como experience that stood out from the typical social media trends. The wedding styling embraced a “secret garden” theme, drawing inspiration from interior designer Kelly Wearstler. This approach combined modern and old-world elements with rich textures.
They decided to use potted shrubs instead of an abundance of cut flowers to transform the otherwise empty outdoor area near the lake. This choice added volume and vibrant greenery, creating a lush contrast against the all-white floral plan, which included dried amaranthus, roses, succulent-style greens, and baby’s breath. This minimal use of cut flowers also made the wedding more eco-friendly.
After the boat tour, the couple returned to Musa Lago di Como, where the terrace had been transformed into an intimate secret garden dining oasis. They shared their first dance to a live rendition of “All of Me,” setting a romantic tone for the evening. The celebration continued with a tasting menu and wine pairings curated by the team at Roteo Restaurant, featuring exquisite dishes like caviar and vintage bubbles.
A month after their Lake Como elopement, the couple celebrated their marriage with close family and friends in Connecticut. They cherished the intimate nature of their private elopement before sharing their joy with loved ones at a larger event. This allowed them to fully immerse themselves in their wedding day without the pressure of hosting or entertaining guests. Ashleigh recommends this hybrid approach to other couples, as it creates meaningful opportunities to spend quality time together.
