Location: Italy, Lake Como
Setting: Gardens of the Villa
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: Around 1 year
The number of guests: 105
Wedding theme/style: Exotic theme: vibrant, cultural, unique.
Laura, originally from China, and Eric, of Italian-American descent, found love in the most modern way—through a dating app. Their first meeting was like something out of a rom-com: a winter evening, both wearing Christmas sweaters gifted by their parents, just like characters from “Bridget Jones’s Diary.” They felt such a strong connection over cocktails at a cozy bar that they decided to delete their dating apps right then and there.
The couple dreamed of a wedding set against the picturesque backdrop of Lake Como, renowned for its stunning views. They wanted to include the cultural details in their wedding, with vibrant details and pops of color. The talented team at Wow-Wedding quickly understood the couple’s desires, planning every detail to create a breathtaking and memorable wedding. From the colorful decor to the carefully curated cultural elements, every aspect of Laura and Eric’s wedding was designed to perfection.
WELCOME DINNER
The lovebirds had a truly magical wedding weekend, beginning with a charming welcome dinner. Their day started with a picturesque boat ride, showcasing breathtaking views of Lake Como and its majestic villas. This enchanting journey created countless special memories for the couple, making their celebration even more unforgettable.
The evening was adorned with elegant details and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Guests were greeted with a beautifully designed drinks menu featuring a variety of beverages, including Aperol Spritz, Sparkling Rose, and Prosecco, each described with delightful details. The attention to personalization was evident with custom welcome bags for each guest, adding a thoughtful touch to the event.
The atmosphere was vibrant and cheerful, with friends and family engaging in lively conversations and laughter. As the sun set, the lakeside terrace provided a perfect spot for the guests to enjoy the stunning views, making the welcome dinner not just a meal but a memorable experience that set the tone for the magical wedding weekend ahead.
THE WEDDING DAY
The wedding morning unfolded in a picturesque villa adorned with exquisite frescoes, setting a magical tone for the day. Surrounded by her bridesmaids, Laura enjoyed a joyful and intimate preparation, making the morning even more unforgettable with laughter and shared moments.
Laura’s wedding dress was custom-made by Yumi Katsura and co-designed by the bride and the designer. The gown featured a dramatic train with ruffles and ostrich feathers, which could be removed for a different look during the reception and after-party. Her hairstyle was a chic, classic low bun, perfectly complementing her elegant appearance. For her jewelry, Laura wore pieces with deep personal significance. A jade bangle from her Chinese heritage graced her wrist, while pearl drop earrings, a cherished heirloom from her mother-in-law, added a touch of timeless elegance.
Eric’s wedding look was a sophisticated blend of classic and contemporary styles. He wore a white tuxedo jacket with black trousers, and he completed his look with a perfectly tied black bow tie and a white dress shirt.
Special attention was given to the stationery, ensuring it perfectly mirrored the wedding’s style and color palette. The design featured a custom monogram of the couple alongside an illustration of their beloved cat. Red, symbolizing happiness in Chinese culture, was prominently used throughout. The seating cards, shaped like ginkgo leaves, added a unique touch, and the combination of Chinese characters with classical calligraphy brought a harmonious blend of tradition and elegance to the overall design.
The ceremony space at Laura and Eric’s wedding was breathtaking. Set against the stunning Lake Como, the location was decorated with a vibrant and exquisite floral arch. The arch featured a mix of pink, red, yellow, and white flowers, perfectly complementing the picturesque lake and mountainous landscape behind it.
The ceremony itself was filled with joy and emotion, with the couple exchanging vows in front of their closest family and friends. The scenic view of Lake Como added a magical touch, making the ceremony both romantic and memorable. As the couple walked down the aisle, they were showered with flower petals by their bridal party, capturing a moment of pure happiness and celebration.
At the end of the ceremony, the couple was surprised by us. We presented them with a bottle of fine wine in a wooden box. The bottle was artistically decorated and adorned with hieroglyphs conveying wishes of happiness and longevity. The couple placed their vows inside the box and will open it on their fifth wedding anniversary to celebrate the milestone and exchange vows once again.
The planners at Wow-Wedding aimed to incorporate important cultural details into the wedding, and they succeeded. The main symbol of the event was the ginkgo tree leaf, representing longevity and family in China. The couple’s warmth and energy captivated everyone immediately and set the tone for a zest for life and positivity. They beautifully blended their diverse cultures, sharing this vibrant mix with everyone around them.
“Initially, the couple approached us with a very classical decor request. However, as we got to know them better, we realized they were open to experimentation. It all started with the bride, who was originally from China, requesting to incorporate the color red into the concept. As a result, we ended up creating a vibrant cocktail of colors and an unexpectedly unique selection of florals,” shared the planners.
The focal point of all the compositions were antique Chinese vases in various shapes and sizes, complemented by vintage wooden chairs. This backdrop made the rich and diverse color palette of the decor stand out, creating a vibrant and appealing atmosphere.
The floral arrangements included roses, lisianthus, chrysanthemums, dahlias, carnations, gerberas, forsythia branches, physalis, orchids, garden bellflowers, and calla lilies. Seating arrangements were uniquely presented on mandarin oranges, symbolizing prosperity and well-being. The seating cards, shaped like ginkgo leaves, incorporated Chinese characters and classical calligraphy, adding a touch of cultural elegance and significance to the celebration.
The reception was lively and joyous, with guests embracing the Italian tradition of twirling napkins in the air for toasts and encouraging the couple’s kisses. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and heartfelt speeches. One of the evening’s highlights was the spectacular Millefoglie cake with fresh berries. This delectable dessert, with its layers of crisp pastry and creamy filling, delighted everyone and added a sweet touch to the celebration. The combination of beautiful traditions, delicious food, and the couple’s love made the reception an unforgettable experience.
The wedding guests radiated the same vibrant and warm energy as the couple. The celebration was filled with joy and excitement, and everyone danced together – the guests, even the one-year-old children, and the musicians themselves.
Advice from the couple:
• We wanted to create a once-in-a-lifetime event for ourselves and our guests, and we prioritized guest experience and comfort, sentimental moments, and gourmet food for our wedding weekend. We wanted to express our love for life with bright colors, from our vivid and expressive florals to pops of red as a nod to the bride’s Chinese heritage. We had the most marvelous weekend and will forever remember our special day.
PLANNING & CONCEPT Wow-Wedding | PHOTOGRAPHY Konstantyn Zakhariy & Gritsak Mariya | LOCATION Villa Pizzo | VIDEO Fotovision Photographers & Marco De Nigris | DECOR Evgenia Dragun & Matisse Floral | LAB Carmencita Film Lab | MUAH: Bride Malino Beauty, Bridal Party Goncharova MUAH & Alla Nevzorova | DJ Stefano Capasso | RENT FURNITURE Privitera Eventi | CATERING AFM Banqueting | SOUND & LIGHTS La Bottega Official | MUSIC Alex Di Rocco & Jamie Burke | CELEBRANT Fabio – Como Lake Celebrant | TENT Tensotend | STATIONERY Sparkles Calligraphy | RINGS BOX Soli Box
