Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Pizzo in Lake Como, Jennifer and Stanislav’s wedding was a romantic and timeless celebration infused with Italian glamour. Their intimate affair embraced the region’s old-world charm, blending classic elegance with modern sophistication. Thoughtfully designed details, from the whimsical floral arrangements to the candlelit reception in a glass greenhouse overlooking the lake, created a dreamlike atmosphere. Every moment, from the growing aisle of blooms at the ceremony to the captivating live entertainment during the reception, reflected the couple’s desire for an unforgettable experience filled with beauty, music, and exceptional cuisine.
Location: Villa Pizzo, Lake Como, Italy
Style: Sophisticated, timeless, Italian glam
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 60
Setting: Villa
Season: Fall
Jennifer and Stanislav, both tech entrepreneurs, found each other on Hinge during the height of the pandemic. Their first date, a home-cooked dinner at Stan’s house during lockdown, felt unexpectedly natural—marking the start of their forever. After two years together, Stan proposed during his birthday weekend in San Miguel de Allende. At Quince Rooftop, surrounded by red rose petals and overlooking the city, Jennifer told him, “I would take a bullet for you,” and at that moment, he knew it was time. Dropping to one knee before sunset, he asked her to marry him, and she said yes—while the entire restaurant erupted in cheers.
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner unfolded on the lush lawn of Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with Lake Como’s breathtaking views and towering palm trees creating a magical Italian Riviera setting. Strung café lights cast a warm glow as guests gathered at a long table draped in crisp white linen. Vibrant floral arrangements of dahlias, alstroemeria, and cosmos in shades of orange, yellow, and magenta brought a playful burst of color, accented by bowls of fresh kumquats, strawberries, and citrus. Striped yellow and white seat cushions added a whimsical touch, while clusters of candlelight softened the ambiance, setting the scene for an unforgettable evening of joy and celebration.
Jennifer dazzled in a gold, hand-embroidered gown from Rahul Mishra’s “Tree of Life” couture collection, a masterpiece adorned with layers of shimmering, feather-like embroidery. The dress, with its plunging neckline and flowing silhouette, captured the evening’s elegance while reflecting her personal symbolism—“Feathers have a special meaning to me, as they symbolize flight and freedom.” Soft waves and subtle makeup framed her radiant smile, complemented by Valentino earrings and platform heels.
Stanislav looked sharp in a custom ivory tuxedo jacket and black trousers by J. Hilburn, paired with sleek black Fendi loafers—his effortlessly sophisticated style matching the evening’s chic, yet relaxed vibe.
"During my introductory meeting with Jessica, our amazing wedding photographer, I voiced that my dream wedding would be in Italy, and after the meeting, she sent me recommendations for wedding venues in Italy and that’s when I knew I had to have the wedding there."
Dinner was a lively affair with an abundance of laughter, toasts, and heartfelt moments. Guests, dressed in light and neutral tones, raised their glasses beneath the café lights as a curated Italian feast was served, with wood-fired pizza making a charming addition to the meal. Wine flowed freely as conversations blended with the soft sounds of Lake Como in the background. Jennifer and Stanislav remained at the heart of the evening, sharing stories, laughter, and toasts with their closest family and friends. As the sun dipped below the mountains, the night became a celebration of togetherness—an intimate prelude to the grand wedding day to come.
Bridal Morning
Jennifer began her wedding morning with a serene photoshoot by the lake, where the calm waters and towering mountains provided a breathtaking backdrop. She wore a dreamy sheer robe adorned with soft tulle ruffles, which floated effortlessly with the breeze, creating a romantic, ethereal look. Her makeup, done by Beauty Livery, featured a luminous complexion, warm bronze eyes, and a soft peachy lip, highlighting her natural beauty. Her hair, styled into a sophisticated twisted bun, added a touch of classic elegance.
She then changed into her stunning Reem Acra gown from the Fall 2023 “Sweet Dreams” collection—a masterpiece of floral appliqué with a high neckline and a delicate sheer cape that cascaded gracefully behind her. The gown’s intricate lace blooms and illusion sleeves blended old-world charm with modern sophistication. She completed the look with sparkling Jennifer Behr drop earrings and champagne Jimmy Choo mules. Every detail of her bridal ensemble reflected elegance, curated with the artistic direction of Jessica, her photographer, who styled each moment to perfection.
Soon after, Jennifer shared a joyful first look with her bridesmaids, who welcomed her with hugs and excitement. Each bridesmaid wore a gown showcasing a harmonious palette of soft lilac, pastel green, and lavender—some from designers like Mac Duggal, Ronny Kobo, and Atsu. Their dresses featured layers of tulle, delicate embroidery, and flowing fabrics, creating a romantic, effortlessly elevated look that echoed the wedding’s color palette. The bridesmaids carried lush bouquets of blush and lavender garden roses, sweet peas, and delicate delphiniums.
"Jessica, my photographer, played a significant role in curating and styling my different looks, as she has a keen eye for composition, color, and aesthetics, which allowed her to help create visually striking outfits and looks."
Groom's Fashion
Stanislav looked sharp and sophisticated in a custom black tuxedo by J. Hilburn, paired with a classic black bow tie and polished Christian Louboutin shoes. His tuxedo featured a sleek shawl lapel and was tailored to perfection, offering a timeless and elegant silhouette. A crisp white pocket square completed his look, adding a touch of refinement. Walking alongside his groomsmen, who were dressed in coordinating black suits, Stanislav exuded confidence and style against the stunning backdrop of Lake Como’s gardens.
Pre-wedding Shoot
The pre-wedding shoot on a classic wooden boat across Lake Como perfectly captured the couple’s joy and elegance. The bride wore a whimsical lilac tulle gown with cascading ruffles, creating a dreamlike contrast against the sparkling water, while the groom paired his white jacket with classic black trousers, exuding timeless charm.
The golden sunlight, gentle waves, and breathtaking mountains framed their intimate moments, from soft embraces to carefree laughter. Jessica Mangia’s masterful photography turned every frame into a piece of art, blending cinematic compositions with natural emotions. She flawlessly balanced wide aerial views that showcased the lake’s grandeur with tender close-ups that highlighted their connection. Her ability to capture the play of light, reflections on the water, and the couple’s candid moments made the shoot feel intimate and timeless. “Working with Jessica was the best thing we could ever do,” the bride shared.
"Jessica had a photo of some lilac wisteria hanging on a porch overlooking the blue water of the Lake Como and that was such a beautiful image that it became the foundation theme color of the wedding day."
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on a grand terrace, offering surreal, uninterrupted views of the Alps and the shimmering lake. A growing aisle of whimsical blooms, including pastel hydrangeas, lisianthus, and delphiniums, created a breathtaking pathway that led to a stunning four-posted floral structure. This abundant arrangement of soft, romantic flowers harmonized beautifully with the colors of the lake, blending nature’s palette with artistic design. Despite the grand 200-person capacity of the venue, the unique layout of the décor made the setting feel intimate and dreamy for the small group of 37 guests, capturing both elegance and warmth.
Accompanied by live classical music, the ceremony felt even more enchanting as the melodies drifted through the air. Jennifer and Stan exchanged vows, surrounded by their closest family and friends. As petals fluttered through the air during their joyful recessional, the couple was immersed in love and celebration.
"Words can’t express how appreciative and blessed I felt during the ceremony. I was marrying the love of my life in the most magical place with the people I cared for the most."
Decor & Setting
In the garden, whimsical performers in pastel-hued floral gowns and wide-brimmed hats brought a playful charm to the reception’s welcome moment. Styled as elegant gardeners, they added a touch of fantasy, interacting with guests while posing beside lush greenery and rattan lounge seating decorated with delicate floral arrangements. The setting felt lively and immersive, blending nature with artistry in a joyful, garden-inspired scene by the lake.
Inside the glass-enclosed reception venue, long tables dressed in soft sky-blue linen were adorned with lush arrangements of lavender, blush roses, and blue delphiniums. Twisted taper candles in tall glass holders added a warm, flickering glow, complemented by romantic fringe chandeliers hanging from above. Gold flatware and ornately patterned chargers completed each place setting, with lilac name cards tucked beside elegantly folded napkins, creating a dreamy tablescape.
"We relied heavily on Jessica and Gionata’s vision. They are a power-duo that have worked together so many times they can just read each other’s mind."
Reception
The reception took place in the villa’s stunning new glass greenhouse, offering breathtaking views of the lake. Inside, the reception space blended old-world charm with contemporary elegance, featuring opulent floral arrangements, glittering chandeliers, and soft candlelight. During dinner, curated by Michelin Star Executive Chef Andrea Brambilla, guests selected their meals tableside, enhancing the luxurious experience. A live string quartet and floral caterers set the stage for a refined evening, celebrating music, beauty, and culinary delights.
The evening’s musical centerpiece was a captivating performance by Bluenotte, whose live band brought an electric and emotional energy to the night. Their music created an unforgettable ambiance that deeply resonated with guests.
For their first dance, Jennifer and Stan performed a choreographed routine to “Walking on a Dream” by Andrew McMahon, a dance they had rehearsed during private lessons. Although the song began playing before they entered, cutting their performance short, the band seamlessly transitioned to “All of Me” by John Legend. In that spontaneous moment, Jennifer and Stan danced together, lost in their own world. The heartfelt dance brought many guests to tears and became one of the evening’s most cherished memories.
As the night continued, entertainment reached its peak with a stunning cake-cutting presentation. Nuart performers returned with a romantic feathered fan dance, dramatically unveiling the wedding cake and adding excitement to the moment. Jennifer and Stan cut into the towering confection, celebrating with joy and laughter. Immediately after, they poured champagne into a cascading tower of coupe glasses, marking the celebration in style. The festivities continued with energetic dancing, live performances, and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Jennifer treasured how the intimate guest list allowed her and Stan to remain present and truly enjoy every magical second of their special night.
"My favorite part of the reception was the ability to stay present and truly enjoy the magnificent food, romantic ambiance, and excellent company."
Advice from the couple:
• Towards the beginning of wedding planning, one of my dad’s colleagues told me that the biggest thing that she and her daughter regretted when planning her daughter’s wedding was how stressed they were. The wedding ended up being “perfect,” and they shouldn’t have been so stressed with all the details. This really resonated with me, and I wouldn’t allow myself to get overly stressed with wedding planning… I wanted it to be a fun experience with a team of incredible people that I could trust to do their jobs. This was a piece of advice invaluable to me, and very grateful for this wisdom.
GROOM MW Photography | PLANNER Julia and Evita | PHOTOGRAPHER Ginger’s Eyes | VIDEOGRAPHER Steo Colombo | VENUE Cavo Ventus Villa | FLOWERS Betty Flowers Santorini | MUAH Julia Popova | DRESS Daniel Perez | SHOES Alexander Wang | SUIT Sereno del Sordo | CATERING Mario Restaurant Catering | RENTALS Maison Trilogue
