A Secret Garden Wedding Amidst Lake Como’s Charm

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Location: Tremezzina, Province of Como, Italy
Setting: Villa
Season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 2 years
Number of guests: 70
Wedding theme/style: Elegant, intimate, whimsical.

Robbie and Katie met through a setup by mutual friends, and despite a rocky first date where he was jokingly accused of standing Katie up, they clicked and enjoyed a memorable evening. Their relationship blossomed as they traveled together and bonded with each other’s families. A trip to Lake Como deepened their connection, surrounded by its enchanting scenery.

The magic continued when Robbie arranged a trip to Santorini. There, during a private sunset dinner, he proposed to Katie, who was moved to tears. He had even sought blessings from her brothers and mother beforehand, showcasing his deep respect for her family values, which Katie cherished deeply.

Robbie and Katie got married in their 30s, which gave them the freedom to design a wedding that felt truly personal. They decided against a large traditional wedding in their hometowns and chose the enchanting Lake Como as their venue, eager to share its beauty with their close family and friends.

The planning process abroad initially brought some anxiety for Katie, especially since she was still grieving her father’s passing. Everything changed when she met Gemma Aurelius, the founder of My Lake Como Wedding. Katie remarked, “Gemma the Great,” as she fondly called her: “She became my calming source, a center of gravity, and my friend.”

Robbie and Katie approach our life as a true partnership, which was reflected in their process of wedding planning. They wanted their special day to celebrate their joint journey rather than focusing solely on one person’s desires. Katie appreciated Robbie’s involvement, saying, “I’m thankful Robbie embraced this, actively participating in every decision—from the flowers and menu to the invitations and band.” The only element Katie kept a surprise was her wedding dress, revealed only on the wedding day.

At the pre-wedding dinner, Katie wore a bespoke red dress by Milan-based Esme Vie, paired with yellow Jimmy Choo sandals. Robbie looked dashing in a custom Ralph Lauren ivory silk tuxedo jacket paired with navy pants, a navy tie, and a pocket square.

For the wedding day, the bride wanted to strike a balance between classic and avant-garde. On a friend’s recommendation, she visited Phillipa Lepley in Chelsea, London. Their first meeting solidified Katie’s choice, and over the next year, through numerous fittings and consultations, Phillipa crafted a gown that left Katie in awe of her talent. “When I set out to find a dress, I never imagined I would come to love a gown so very much,” Katie shared. A touching detail included by Phillipa was the embroidery of Katie’s father’s initials inside her dress collar, a tribute that remained close to her heart throughout her wedding day.

An unexpected connection emerged when Katie learned the Italian Duchess Satin for her dress came from Lake Como—the very place she was to be married. Phillipa’s design also featured subtle embroidery inspired by her own garden, adding a unique touch Katie desired. She complemented her look with ivory Manolo Blahnik slingbacks and emerald and diamond earrings—a precious gift from her grandmother.

Katie requested a Lily of the Valley bouquet, a challenging choice for a fall wedding, which was beautifully completed by Sophia from Il Profumo dei Fiori, making it a dream come true for Katie to carry it down the aisle. The beauty expert Sinem Yavsaner kept Katie feeling beautiful and relaxed, handling her hair and makeup with a soothing presence.

Robbie opted for a custom tuxedo and velvet slippers by Manolo Blahnik, joking about their “his and hers” wedding shoes. His boutonniere matched Katie’s bouquet, enhancing the cohesion of their wedding looks.

On the day of their wedding, the couple met downstairs at the hotel in the early morning to see the sun rise over the lake and eat a peaceful breakfast together. While there was a lot of excitement throughout the day, Robbie and Katie both felt a sense of calm when they had a “first look” moment that afternoon and took a private boat to reach the ceremony: “We felt calm once we saw each other, and are so thankful that we could enjoy the boat ride over from our hotel to the villa together.”

At the ceremony, Katie’s brothers, Alex and Ryan walked her down the aisle. The officiant, Fabio, personalized the ceremony, making it intimate and memorable for everyone present. The setting was framed by arches entwined with lush greenery and vibrant flowers, overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Como. This picturesque scene was captured by the talented photographer Matteo Coltro, who used his artistic lens to highlight the vivid colors of the event.

Katie, known for her preference for simple colors, shared, “I’m not naturally one to play with different colors. Even my family likes to joke that my entire closet is black.” Despite their initial hesitation towards colorful florals and a deviation from typical choices like roses, their florist Sofia from Il Profumo dei Fiori and wedding planner Gemma helped visualize a theme that was both unique and reflective of their tastes. The result was a stunning monochromatic floral arrangement that enhanced the natural beauty of the venue without overwhelming it. Katie added, “Gemma worked her magic, marrying together the Villa’s space, necessary color, and our unspoken vision beautifully.”

After the ceremony at Villa del Balbianello, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour that perfectly captured the venue’s unique charm. The event unfolded in the lush gardens, where guests mingled under the shade of ancient trees. The setting featured elegantly arranged seating areas with plush green ottomans and wooden tables, surrounded by vibrant arrangements of blue and purple flowers, echoing the colors of Lake Como itself.

Katie and Robbie embraced a theme of lush greenery, creating an enchanting secret garden atmosphere for their day. The villa’s walls draped in ivy and the beautifully manicured surroundings naturally complemented this vision.

Katie wanted the evening to glow, illuminated by countless candles. ‘Candlelight evokes romance and a dreamlike serenity. It’s like the candelabras in Beauty and the Beast,’ she explained, highlighting the classic and striking atmosphere they aimed to achieve.

The reception was brought to life with music and dance, starting with their first dance as a married couple to Sam Cooke’s ‘You Send Me.’ Apollo Music The Showband, whom Katie praised for their incredible talent, learned the song specifically to perform it live, adding a personal touch to the special moment. ‘The band energized the wedding until the very end,’ Katie said.

The evening’s entertainment continued with a surprise for their guests: a spectacular performance by an Italian tenor group. This was followed by a breathtaking fireworks display over the lake, creating a magical spectacle not only for their guests but for all onlookers around the lake.

Advice from the couple:

• Prioritize the family and friends that surround you. We approached each aspect of the weekend through the lens of our nearest and dearest, and we like to believe that it contributed to a wonderful time for all.

• Plan the details that feel comfortable and right for you as a couple. Ultimately, the wedding is your moment to celebrate exactly how you want, without imposition or discomfort.

• While every couple’s timeline is personal and is impacted by numerous factors, we were glad to have a year and a half of engagement to plan the weekend of our dreams. We never felt rushed or stressed to make big decisions in a hurry.

• Importantly, be sure to work with a planner with whom you connect. We spoke with other planners, all of them wonderful, but upon meeting Gemma, it immediately clicked.