Set against the enchanting backdrop of Lake Maggiore, this wedding was a cinematic celebration of romance and refined elegance. A historic villa became the stage for an unforgettable day, where a heartfelt ceremony unfolded beneath a century-old tree, and an ethereal glasshouse reception glowed with candlelight. Thoughtfully curated details—delicate floral arrangements, nostalgic fashion, and a signature cocktail bar—created an atmosphere that felt both intimate and grand.
Location: Stresa, Italy
Style: Ethereal, sophisticated, cinematic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 120
Setting: Villa
Season: Fall
Diletta and Simone had known each other for years, their lives moving in parallel without ever truly aligning—until one August evening when Simone finally asked Diletta to dinner, never expecting her to say yes. That simple moment sparked a love story that grew stronger with time, leading to an unforgettable proposal. Simone chose a place where beauty feels suspended in time and, with the help of his best friend, orchestrated the perfect surprise. Under the soft evening glow, Diletta found herself in the most unexpected moment of her life, overwhelmed with emotion as Simone asked her to spend forever by his side.
Location & Planning
Nestled in the picturesque town of Stresa, overlooking the serene Lake Maggiore, Villa Frua was the perfect setting for this wedding. The couple envisioned a celebration that was more than just an event—it was an experience, rich in emotion and filled with details that reflected their love story. From the moment they stepped onto the villa’s grounds, with its manicured gardens, historic façade, and breathtaking views, they knew it was meant to be. The dream of an ethereal, sophisticated wedding came to life under the expert guidance of Carlotta Zoffoli, who meticulously curated every element, ensuring the day felt as effortless as it was extraordinary.
Bridal Morning
The morning unfolded in an atmosphere of quiet anticipation, surrounded by soft fabrics, muted tones, and the warmth of lifelong friendships. Diletta prepared for the day in a luxurious suite at the villa with her bridesmaids dressed in silky blue robes matching their ceremony dresses. Every detail was intentional—the dresses elegantly displayed, delicate accessories carefully chosen, and a scent created just for her by Opificio Olfattivo, gifted by her bridesmaids.
Her wedding look was a mix of nostalgia and contemporary sophistication. She wore a Danielle Frankel dress, a vision of structured fluidity, while her second look for the reception, designed by Art Dealer, reflected a modern aesthetic. Pearl and diamond earrings, a cherished heirloom passed down from her grandmother, added sentimental depth. For footwear, she alternated between Jimmy Choo and Bottega Veneta, ensuring elegance at every step. Her makeup was understated yet striking, enhancing her natural beauty, while her hair, styled into a sleek low ponytail, framed her face with effortless refinement. “A kind of happiness never felt before—a euphorically bittersweet joy,” she said.
Groom's Fashion
Simone embraced timeless elegance in a Giorgio Armani tuxedo, paired with classic black shoes and refined cufflinks. His only accessory—a Rolex from the 1920s, a treasured heirloom passed down from his grandfather—added a meaningful touch to his look. He shared laughter and a celebratory toast with his closest friends before stepping into a day he would never forget.
Ceremony
For the ceremony, a towering century-old tree, draped in delicate blooms by Oui Fleurs, became the heart of the setting, its sprawling branches forming a natural canopy over the couple. The floral arrangements combined soft, romantic hues with wild, organic textures, mirroring the untamed elegance of the surroundings.
With the enchanting sounds of One Orchestra, a harp made its solo appearance during Diletta’s entrance, making the moment unforgettable. The couple opted for a symbolic ceremony, ensuring an intimate and deeply personal exchange of vows. Heartfelt speeches from family and friends added to the emotional weight of the moment, their words carrying through the air as guests held back tears. As the couple sealed their promises, a shower of delicate petals fell from above, a surprise touch that added a poetic ending to the ceremony.
“I was happy, in the purest sense of the word."
Private Moment
The couple’s planner, Carlotta Zoffoli ensured the couple had a quiet moment just for themselves, away from the guests and the festivities. Diletta and Simone wandered along the lake, taking in the magnitude of the day. The air was filled with the soft rustling of the breeze, the distant hum of laughter, and the gentle lapping of the water. Holding hands, they embraced the stillness, letting the emotions of the day settle.
"Carlotta is a dream maker! If we could, we would relive that day a hundred times over."
Decor & Setting
After their quiet moment on the lake, Diletta and Simone took a first look at their reception space—an ethereal glasshouse transformed into a dreamlike setting. Suspended chandeliers and draped white fabrics softened the structure, while lush floral arrangements in delicate shades of blue, lilac, and blush, weaving them through the tables and ceiling.
The tables, set with elegant blue-and-white china, crystal glassware, and soft candlelight, reflected the timeless sophistication they envisioned. Natural wooden chairs added warmth, complementing the surrounding greenery that peeked through the glass walls.
"No detail was overlooked. It all whispered romance, every moment felt like poetry."
Reception
As guests took their seats inside the glasshouse, the atmosphere shifted from refined elegance to warm celebration. T’a Milano curated an exquisite menu that reflected Simone’s passion for fine cuisine, blending traditional flavors with contemporary presentation. Toasts filled the air, laughter echoed through the space, and the couple was welcomed with an energetic napkin wave—an Italian tradition that started the joyful evening.
The night continued outside, where the couple cut their stunning multi-tiered cake, wrapped in delicate sugar petals and framed by lush floral arrangements. As they sliced into the masterpiece, sparklers illuminated the moment, adding a cinematic glow to the celebration. With the first notes of their dance playing, they stepped onto the gravel courtyard for their first dance, surrounded by flickering candlelight. Diletta’s silk dress shimmered as they moved, lost in the moment, with the world around them fading into the background.
Party
As the night unfolded, the energy shifted into full celebration mode. Diletta changed into a playful feather-trimmed dress by Art Dealer, paired with Jimmy Choo heels and heart-shaped party glasses, ready to dance until dawn. The villa’s halls transformed into a dance floor, filled with flashing lights, uninhibited moves, and pure joy. It was a night of unforgettable moments, where every beat, every laugh, and every twirl told the story of a celebration that no one wanted to end.
"The most meaningful moment of the wedding day? It was the realization that every emotion Simone and I had longed for—each and every one—was felt in its entirety, and it was truly unforgettable."
Advice from the couple:
• Savor every moment. Don’t overthink, just live.
PLANNING & DESIGN Carlotta Zoffoli | VENUE Villa Frua | PHOTOGRAPHY Doart Photography | VIDEOGRAPHY Enrico Marzico | FLORALS Oui Fleurs | MUAH Paola Bianchera Hair & Makeup | FIRST DRESS Danielle Frankel | PARTY DRESS Art Dealer | SHOES Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta | SUIT Giorgio Armani | CATERING T’a Milano | BAR Be Barman Eventi | STATIONERY Tipografia Pezzini | FURNITURE & RENTALS Sofi Design | MUSIC One Orchestra | ICE CREAM Felice Milano
