Location: Lake Como, Italy
Setting: Villa
Season: Summer
Wedding theme/style: Extravagant, luxurious, theatrical.
Tati and Roman are a Brazilian-American couple whose love story is as enchanting as the settings of their wedding celebration. With a deep appreciation for art, history, and Italian culture, Tati and Roman envisioned a wedding that would be nothing short of a grand theatrical production. Their dream became a reality in the breathtaking three-day celebration at historical estates on the serene shores of Lake Como.
When Tati and Roman planned their fantastic wedding, they relied on a dedicated and international team of highly professional destination wedding planners in Italy. Bespoke Unique Weddings and Events specialize in creating customized weddings with an Italian heritage flair, ideally suited to the couple’s sophisticated tastes and grand vision. The team’s mission was to bring ideas to life by interpreting Tati and Roman’s dreams and creating a grand celebration that reflects their individuality. “No detail is too small, and no request is too large” is the motto of the planning team.
WELCOME DINNER
The wedding celebrations began with an exquisite welcome dinner at the magnificent Villa Pliniana, a historical property that breathes beauty and art. This villa, which has hosted luminaries like Leonardo da Vinci and composer Gioacchino Rossini, offered the couple a cinematic setting brimming with Italian grandeur.
Inspired by La Scala Theatre in Milan, a grand première soirée opened the wedding celebrations with a spectacular series of live performances. Upon arrival by Venetian taxi boats, guests were welcomed by violinists, harpists, and dancers in ball gowns and masks. Trumpeters announcing the boat arrival of the wedding couple, theatrical catering, a living carousel of ballet dancers and opera singers made for an exclusive private theatre event at this lavish villa, which was glamorously decorated for the special occasion.
Tati and Roman, along with their children, were dressed in a coordinated color palette of black, silver, and pink. The cohesive look perfectly complemented the evening’s theme, adding to the visual splendor of the event. Their presence ensured the family was as memorable as the grand soirée.
Certainly, Tati’s attire was worth special attention. It was a masterpiece, combining elegance, glamour, and a romantic flair. The gown featured a shimmering silver bodice with an open back adorned with intricate beadwork. The sheer long sleeves were embellished with lace appliqués and crystal accents. The dress’s focal point was a striking pink bow that flowed down the back into a train.
Her hair and makeup were equally enchanting. Tati’s long, blonde hair was styled in soft, cascading waves, creating a timeless and elegant look. For her makeup, the bride chose a look that accentuated her natural beauty while adding a touch of drama fitting for the grand celebration. Her eyes were highlighted with a subtle brown smokey eye, enhanced by long, fluttering lashes. Her lips were adorned with a soft, rosy hue that perfectly matched the pink accents of her gown, completing the harmonious color palette.
Roman looked sophisticated in a classic black tuxedo, exuding timeless elegance that perfectly complemented Tati’s glamorous attire. The tailored tuxedo highlighted Roman’s stature with its clean lines and impeccable fit. He chose a single-breasted jacket paired with a black dress shirt, exuding confidence and style.
The villa was transformed into a private theater adorned with rich burgundy and gold details, sumptuous velvet fabrics, and custom-made furniture that echoed the grandeur of the past. Soft lighting and drapery enhanced the atmosphere, creating a scene reminiscent of a historical romance. Plush burgundy seating, accentuated with gold details, invited guests to relax in a luxurious ambiance. Rich floral arrangements in deep red hues added a touch of dramatic elegance, perfectly complementing the opulent surroundings.
When night fell, the historic villa’s walls were illuminated with warm red hues, creating an even more mysterious, magical, and theatrical setting. The illumination added depth to the villa’s architecture, enchanting the scene. The theatrical catering turned into an immersive experience. A living carousel of ballet dancers and opera singers entertained the guests of an exclusive theater event.
The evening culminated in a breathtaking display of fireworks, their reflections dancing on the tranquil waters of Lake Como. The spectacular show lit up the night sky, casting a magical glow over the villa and leaving the guests in awe. This stunning finale left the most pleasant impressions, with guests imagining the wonders that awaited them in the following days of celebration.
WEDDING DAY
The wedding celebrations took place at the exclusive Villa Balbiano. The morning of the wedding day was full of excitement and elegance. Tati’s bridal suite was buzzing with anticipation as she unwrapped her carefully selected bridal items from the world’s most luxurious fashion houses, setting the stage for the lavish day ahead. These included bridal heels, jewelry, perfume, and the highlight of the morning—the unveiling of Tati’s wedding dress.
Carefully encased in layers of fine tissue paper, the dress was a masterpiece by Dolce & Gabbana. The design sketch accompanying the gown detailed the vision of elegance and romance, perfectly brought to life in the fabric and form of the dress. As she lifted the gown from its box, the room was filled with awe.
The dress’s bodice was intricately detailed with delicate lace to create a stunning visual effect. It also featured subtle pleats that added texture and depth, complementing the overall design. The lacework extended to the straps, framing Tati’s shoulders with an elegant and feminine touch.
The dress cinched at the waist, emphasizing the bride’s silhouette before flowing into a voluminous skirt. The skirt was a spectacular display of layers and textures, combining soft tulle with intricate floral appliqués. Each flower was meticulously crafted and sewn onto the fabric, creating a three-dimensional effect that added movement and life to the gown. The fullness of the skirt, with its cascading layers, gave the dress a dramatic and regal presence. The train extended gracefully, creating an ethereal and majestic look.
Tati’s hair and makeup complemented the sophistication of her gown. Her blonde locks were styled in a chic updo, with loose strands framing her face. Her makeup was kept elegant and timeless, focusing on accentuating her natural beauty.
The bridesmaids wore stunning beige gowns that perfectly complemented the grandeur of the wedding day. The choice of beige as the unifying color palette added elegance and enhanced the overall aesthetic of the celebration. Each bridesmaid’s gown was unique yet harmonized beautifully, creating a cohesive and stylish ensemble.
Tati’s bridal look was taken to a new level with a stunning veil, an exquisite piece made with the finest traditions of Italian craftsmanship. The hand-drawn design that adorned its edges set this veil apart. The intricate artwork featured delicate floral motifs and ornate patterns, echoing the elegance and sophistication of the bride’s gown.
The same wonderful ornate adorned the groom’s lapels. He opted for a white tuxedo that radiated elegance and sophistication. Roman’s choice of attire was complemented perfectly by his groomsmen, adorned in beige suits and peach ties, adding a soft, romantic touch to their look.
The wedding ceremony took place by the lakeside, right in front of the stunning facade of Villa Balbiano, where the dark tones of the welcome dinner made way for a light and colorful palette, including hot pinks and blush shades in the thousands of flowers that adorned the rich garden-style ceremony. It was truly breathtaking!
The aisle was decorated with beautiful floral arrangements in soft pastel hues, leading to a magnificent floral arch at the altar, framing the lake and distant mountains. The guests were seated in rows of white chairs decorated with floral accents. The aerial view revealed meticulous planning by Bespoke Unique Weddings and Events, with the villa’s historic architecture and pristine gardens providing a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony.
The combination of elegant decorations, a serene lake, and majestic mountains created an unforgettable and intimate setting for Tati and Roman’s vows.
As Tati and Roman shared their first kiss as newlyweds, a breathtaking spectacle unfolded over the waters of Lake Como. Vibrant daytime fireworks erupted from barges on the lake, filling the sky with brilliant reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Guests watched in awe as the colorful plumes reflected on the shimmering surface of the water, creating a magical and unforgettable scene.
The cocktail hour was a scene of enchanted elegance amidst lush greenery. Guests relaxed on white and plush pink sofas, surrounded by floral cushions and delicate blooms. Ballet dancers, dressed in ethereal pink tutus, moved gracefully through the garden like nymphs, captivating everyone with their elegant movements and enhancing the fairytale-like ambiance. Classical music played in the background, and guests enjoyed exquisite cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served by attentive staff.
The reception area featured custom-made marble flooring and table tops, exuding refinement and timeless beauty. Each table was adorned with glamorous tableware, carefully selected to complement the elegant decor. The ambiance was further enhanced by hanging single-piece Murano chandeliers, their intricate glasswork casting a warm, enchanting glow over the proceedings. These chandeliers alternated with cloud-like floral decorations, creating a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere that captivated the guests.
The customized furniture and accessories added personal touches that reflected the couple’s unique style. Hand-painted bottles of Cristal champagne were a standout feature, each a piece of art. Thought and care went into every aspect of the reception’s design. Even the ice cubes bore the couple’s logo, a testament to their attention to detail.
Tati wore three stunning dresses on her wedding day, each carefully chosen for different parts of the celebration. For the party, she opted for a spectacular Zuhair Murad dress, exuding glamour. It was adorned with intricate beadwork and sparkling crystals, catching the lights of the night. Tati’s graceful figure was highlighted by a high neckline, delicate cap sleeves, and a form-fitting silhouette. The most striking aspect of the party dress was its dramatic fringe details. The short length allowed Tati to dance freely, making it the perfect choice for the lively evening celebration.
The bride completed her look with silver heels that echoed the sparkle of her dress. Her hair, styled in an elegant updo, framed her face beautifully, while her makeup featured a touch of glamour to match the night’s festivities.
The reception’s musical experience continued with an international party band that engaged guests with vibrant tunes. As the night progressed, a world-famous DJ took over, setting the tone for a dancing party celebration that lasted well into the night. The energy remained high, and the dance floor was always full.
POST-WEDDING BRUNCH
Instead of a traditional farewell brunch, the planning team surprised the couple’s guests once again with a colorful and fun gathering in the gardens of Villa Pliniana. They organized an Italian-themed event inspired by Dolce & Gabbana, featuring customized market stands offering traditional Italian delicacies such as fresh pizza, live pasta making, handmade mozzarella, and gelato. The setting resembled a lively Italian fair filled with the aromas and flavors of classic Italian cuisine. To add to the festive atmosphere, Dolce Vita-inspired performers entertained guests with traditional dances and vibrant costumes, evoking Fellini movie scenes.
The after-wedding brunch was a feast for the eyes as much as for the palate. Tati and Roman, along with their guests, embraced vibrant and Italian-inspired looks that captured the essence of La Dolce Vita.
The bride wore a stunning turquoise gown adorned with intricate floral appliqués. The dress featured a delicate sheer bodice and a full tulle skirt, creating a whimsical and elegant silhouette. Roman opted for a custom-designed ensemble featuring intricate prints of Italian landscapes and architecture. With a stylish belt cinching at the waist and rich in texture fabric, his outfit stood out as a unique blend of art and fashion. Their guests also dazzled in various stunning ensembles, from colorful printed dresses to chic accessories.
Every outfit filled out the lively atmosphere of the brunch, where the beauty of the Italian landscape mixed with the simple and joyful Italian way of life, which is the essence of La Dolce Vita and what a destination wedding in Italy is about.
PLANNING, DESIGN & PRODUCTION Bespoke Unique Weddings & Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Bottega53 | VIDEOGRAPHER Marcoabba | VENUES Welcome Dinner, Post-Wedding Brunch: Villa Pliniana, Wedding day: Villa Balbiano | RENTALS Sofi Design, Latini Design | FLORALS Anthea Studio | STATIONERY Letterink | FLOORING Privitera Eventi | A/V SERVICE Blunotte Eventi | CHANDELIER Sogni Di Cristallo | ENTERTAINMENT NuArt Events | CATERING Classeventi | CAKE Pasticceria Ramperti | BAND Inspiration | DJ Alok | DRESSES Ceremony: Dolce&Gabbana, Reception: Givenchy, Party: Zuhair Murad | MUAH Rodrigo Ramas | SUIT Dolce&Gabbana | ASSISTANT Kellen Lauxen | BOATS Como Classic Boats
