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With Lake Como as their backdrop, Jacklyn and Justin envisioned a wedding that was equal parts elegance and experience. They wanted something intimate, unique, and memorable — a celebration that would make their guests feel part of something special. With the expert guidance of White Emotion, they brought that vision to life in a springtime affair that danced between refinement and fun. Even the rain added to the charm, pausing just in time for the ceremony and returning after, like nature itself had blessed their moment without spoiling a thing.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Minimalistic, Sophisticated, Elegant
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 130
Setting: Villa
Season: Spring
Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Jacklyn works in tech sales, while Justin manages a family-run business. Their shared love of travel, family, and good food shaped their vision for the wedding: a destination that felt both meaningful and bucket list-worthy. They chose Lake Como for its natural beauty and classic romance, giving their guests a reason to travel and experience something new together.
Location & Planning
Set at the historic Villa Pizzo on the shores of Lake Como, the wedding unfolded in one of Italy’s most iconic and romantic destinations. The couple spent a year planning every detail, prioritizing food, music, and design. Their goal was to keep guests engaged from start to finish, creating a full-day experience filled with beauty and surprise.
Working alongside local experts, including the team at White Emotion, the planning process was smooth, thoughtful, and creatively rich. The black-tie dress code contrasted beautifully with unexpected elements, live rock music, casino tables, and stunning decor, bringing energy and contrast to the refined Italian setting.
Welcome Day
Before the wedding day, Jacklyn and Justin took time to explore Lake Como together, walking along the lake, capturing film and digital portraits, and enjoying quiet moments just the two of them. In the evening, they hosted an intimate dinner with close friends and family at a local restaurant. It was relaxed and warm, an invitation to slow down, settle in, and share the joy that was to come.
Getting Ready Moments
The morning of the wedding began with laughter, music, and champagne. Jacklyn and her bridesmaids got ready together in the hotel suite, where they snacked on pizza and clinked glasses.
Then they stepped outside for a sunlit walk through the quiet streets of Lake Como, soaking in the morning warmth. Their stroll led them to a nearby coffee shop, where they shared a round of iconic Italian espresso — an easy, joy-filled ritual that added a perfect pause before the festivities began.
Fashion
Jacklyn’s dress by Lihi Hod came after a long search: over 15 bridal shops in LA, Chicago, Charlotte, Cleveland, and New York, and nearly 100 gowns. She finally found the one: a flowing, semi-sheer design that felt romantic yet modern. She paired it with vintage heirloom jewelry, a bouquet of soft white blooms and delicate greenery, and subtle, soft-toned makeup by The Studio Como.
Justin wore a classic tuxedo by Boglioli, tailored and timeless. Together, they embodied effortless sophistication.
Ceremony
The ceremony was planned on the Darsena terrace at Villa Pizzo, offering sweeping views of the lake, but with rain looming all day, a backup plan was needed. White Emotion coordinated two settings: an indoor option with velvet seating, a regal huppah, and a simpler, elegant outdoor setup. Just in time, the skies cleared, allowing the couple to say their vows outside in front of family and friends. Florals by Figli dei Fiori featured hydrangea, lisianthus, roses, and carnations in soft, romantic tones, perfectly framing the setting without overpowering it.
The ceremony itself was a heartfelt Jewish interfaith celebration that honored both of their families’ backgrounds. Under the huppah, Jacklyn and Justin included traditional blessings, the breaking of the glass, and other symbolic moments that made the ceremony not only emotional but rich in meaning.
Five minutes after the ceremony ended, the rain returned, leaving everyone in awe of the perfect timing.
Cocktail Hour
Guests moved to the garden terrace for cocktail hour, where sophistication met spontaneity. Bottega della Musica provided live music, while guests sipped drinks and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from AFM Banqueting. Casino tables for blackjack and roulette added an unexpected and playful twist to the black-tie atmosphere. “It was sooo much fun,” shared the couple.
Private Moment
Later, Jacklyn and Justin slipped away for a private moment together: just the two of them, away from the buzz of the party. They wandered through the villa’s gardens and along the lakeside, pausing for a glass of champagne and simply soaking in the day. The sky was soft and overcast, the air was quiet, and the connection between them was unmistakable.
The result was a stunning series of portraits by Kristin Piteo, captured on both film and digital, so the couple could relive those quiet, beautiful moments again and again.
Intimate, cinematic, and full of joy.
Decor & Setting
For the reception, Jacklyn wanted to let the natural beauty of the venue speak for itself and kept the decor light and balanced. With White Emotion and Figli dei Fiori, she created a modern yet minimal setting. Tables were adorned with asymmetrical flower compositions in white ceramics, clear glass solifleurs, and gold candlesticks in blush, ivory, and taupe.
A portion of the ceremony florals was repurposed into a cozy photo booth corner, complete with vintage frames, candles, and a velvet sofa. Inside the marquee, chandeliers and suspended greenery added height and warmth. Rentals by Sofi Design complemented the natural tones of the villa.
Reception
The dinner by AFM Banqueting was elegant and flavorful, served at long candlelit tables. Toasts brought laughter and tears, and the dance floor opened with the couple’s first dance to “Ready for Love” by Bad Company.
The cake cutting turned into a full mini-show: a millefoglie cake was assembled live by pastry chefs and cut to the beat of “6’s to 9’s” by Big Wild. As Jacklyn and Justin popped open a bottle of champagne, golden sparks lit up in the background, adding a celebratory glow to one of the most vibrant moments of the night.
Later, Jacklyn jumped on a table, a flower in hand and a glass raised high, while guests cheered around her. Justin joined in, champagne flying. The night surged forward with nonstop dancing, a hora that lifted the couple high above the crowd, and the sparkle of pure joy.
Watch the film by Roma Vera and you’ll feel the pulse of the day — its tenderness, electricity, and style. From misty morning light to the firelit party, Roma Vera’s lens captured the story with beauty and emotional depth.
PLANNER White Emotion | PHOTOGRAPHER Kristin Piteo | VIDEOGRAPHER Roma Vera Films | VENUE Villa Pizzo | DRESS Lihi Hod | SUIT Boglioli | FLORALS Figli dei Fiori | MUAH The Studio Como | CATERING AFM Banqueting | MUSIC Bottega della Musica | RENTALS Sofi Design | STATIONERY GrigioCielo Studio, Nicety Studio
