Tiffany and Alex’s wedding on the shores of Lake Como was a celebration five years in the making — filled with emotion, elegance, and unforgettable moments. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, they brought together two cultures, a decade-long love story, and the joy of the family they’ve built along the way.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Timeless, elegant, chic
Time of planning: 5 years
Number of guests: 50
Setting: Lakeside villa
Season: Summer
Some love stories are worth the wait. Tiffany and Alex were set to say “I do” in June 2020, but life had other plans. When the world paused, so did their wedding — postponed for nearly four years. In that time, something even more beautiful blossomed: the arrival of their son, who would later walk down the aisle as the sweetest little ring bearer in their long-awaited celebration of love.
After five years of waiting, the day finally arrived — a joyful, emotional gathering filled with friends and family who had been eagerly holding space for this moment. Though Tiffany and Alex come from different worlds, there’s an unmistakable ease between them, a sense of home that radiated through every detail of the day.
Welcome Dinner
The magic of Tiffany and Alex’s wedding, thoughtfully brought to life by Chic & Co., began to unfold during the welcome dinner at Aqua Dolce restaurant. Inspired by the warmth and charm of Italian summers, the planners crafted a traditional tablescape rich in Mediterranean details — bright lemons, whimsical head vases, vintage candelabras, and florals in a palette of crisp white, soft blue, and vibrant yellow. Guests were invited to dress in all-white attire, creating the relaxed and stylish atmosphere of a chic summer holiday party.
The real highlight was the interactive wedding favor experience. Rather than simply offering pre-packed gifts, the couple wanted to make it a memorable part of the evening. As guests arrived, they each received a custom-made woven caba and were invited to wander through a beautifully styled Italian market stall, curated just for them. Filled with fresh fruits, flowers, and local delicacies — Limoncello, Aperol, truffle chips, vintage maps of Lake Como, and more — it was an engaging, playful way for everyone to mingle and settle into the festive spirit.
This beautiful setting was the perfect backdrop for the magic of the wedding day that was about to unfold. As the sun began to set and the waters of Lake Como shimmered in the golden light, everything felt like it was falling into place — the atmosphere, the anticipation, and above all, the profound love shared between Tiffany and Alex.
Wedding Day
Tea Ceremony
The wedding day began with a traditional Chinese tea ceremony held in the opulent halls of the villa. Even though the celebration took place in Italy, it was deeply important to Tiffany and Alex to honor this meaningful tradition. Surrounded by their closest family members, the couple received symbolic red packets and heirloom jewelry, a gesture rich with love, respect, and blessings for their future together.
Couple's Fashion
Tiffany wore a sculptural strapless gown featuring impeccable draping and a flowing train. The dress radiated understated luxury and modern grace — perfectly suited to the romantic setting. Her accessories were equally striking: she chose dazzling pointed-toe heels with crystal sunburst embellishments, adding just the right touch of sparkle and glam. To complete her bridal look, Tiffany opted for a natural, glowing makeup and soft, elegant low-bun.
Alex chose a custom-made ivory dinner jacket designed by a local Shanghai tailor. Paired with classic black trousers and a crisp white shirt by Giorgio Armani, the ensemble struck a refined balance between tradition and modern sophistication. Adding a meaningful detail to his outfit, Alex wore a Rolex watch gifted by the bride’s parents, a cherished symbol of family connection and lasting legacy.
Ceremony
As the guests were staying at a hotel in downtown Como, the planning team transformed their transfer into a memorable part of the experience. A private boat was chartered to bring everyone to Villa Balbiano, allowing guests to enjoy a scenic tour across the lake and take in the stunning beauty of Lake Como. Upon arrival, they passed through the villa’s historic gates and were greeted with a glass of chilled Prosecco. From there, they made their way through the opulent interiors of the villa, eventually arriving at the lakeside garden where the ceremony was about to unfold in a truly picturesque setting.
Guests also received hand fans and parasols to keep cool in the Italian sun. The ceremony seating was arranged in the garden, framed by lush floral borders in soft, romantic tones, perfectly complementing the classic white chairs and manicured greenery. A beautifully styled welcome sign framed in gold and florals greeted guests as they entered, adding a personal and refined touch. The ceremony itself took place by the lake, with a low, circular floral arch by Figli Dei Fiori that surrounded the couple in blooms without obstructing the panoramic view Tiffany had dreamed of.
The ceremony was a heartfelt and deeply personal moment, made all the more special by the fact that it was conducted by one of the couple’s closest friends. This choice brought a unique intimacy and warmth to the occasion, making every word feel genuine and deeply meaningful. Having been together for ten years, Tiffany and Alex were surrounded by those who had witnessed their journey, dear friends and beloved family members.
For them, it was essential to keep the ceremony simple, sweet, and authentic. With the serene lake as a backdrop, soft music from a classical quartet, and their little son walking in with the rings, the atmosphere was filled with love, laughter, and tender emotion. It wasn’t about grandeur — it was about connection, shared memories, and the quiet power of a love that had already stood the test of time.
Decor & Setting
With only 50 guests in attendance, the couple envisioned a dinner that felt warm, intimate, and deeply personal — like sharing a beautiful evening with friends in your own backyard. To bring this vision to life, the reception was set in the enchanting rose gardens, a space naturally enclosed by blooming trees and lush florals that created a sense of secluded elegance.
A single long table was arranged down the garden path, elegantly lined with soft linens, gold-accented tableware, and delicate blush and ivory florals. Overhead, crystal chandeliers hung from above, entwined with climbing vines, casting a soft glow as the sun began to set. The table was surrounded by lush arrangements and taper candles, creating a magical atmosphere that was both luxurious and deeply welcoming. Every detail — from the handwritten menus to the garden’s floral abundance — was designed to make the evening feel effortlessly romantic and unmistakably personal, turning a grand villa setting into something tender, joyful, and entirely their own.
Given that this wedding had been five years in the making, many of the couple’s friends had welcomed children in the meantime. With a considerable number of little ones in attendance, a dedicated kid’s corner was created. Designed with comfort and fun in mind, the space featured teepees, oversized cushions, soft rugs, and a variety of games — a dreamy play zone that felt just as special as the main event. To ensure the children were not only entertained but cared for, two wonderful nannies were brought in. The kids immediately bonded with them, singing, laughing, and playing happily throughout the evening.
Reception
Before joining their guests for the reception, the couple took a romantic boat ride across Lake Como — a quiet moment for just the two of them to soak in the beauty of the day. Gliding across the shimmering water, it was a cinematic pause between ceremony and celebration, capturing the magic of their surroundings and the joy of finally being husband and wife. The moment was beautifully preserved through the lens of Andy Vox, who throughout the day effortlessly translated emotion and atmosphere into timeless imagery. Alongside him, The Wedding Valley captured the day with equal grace — their cinematic eye turning each glance and gesture into a moving memory.
For the evening celebration, the bride changed into a stunning strapless powder blue gown — a modern yet romantic statement that perfectly captured the relaxed elegance of the reception. The sleek silhouette and structured bodice added a touch of couture drama, while the soft hue offered a playful contrast to her classic ceremony look. With her hair swept up and minimal accessories, the gown took center stage as she joined her husband for dinner and dancing under the stars.
The reception was a joyful continuation of the day’s magic — elegant, heartfelt, and full of surprises. A live band from Blunotte Eventi brought the atmosphere to life with vibrant music, and during dinner, guests were treated to a surprise performance by a tenor, adding a touch of operatic romance to the evening.
The most emotional surprise of the night came when it was revealed that the very same day marked the bride’s parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. To honor the occasion, the bride’s father serenaded his wife with a beautiful song, presenting her with a bouquet of yellow blooms. It was a tender, unforgettable moment that reminded everyone present that love doesn’t just endure — it grows deeper with time.
Later in the evening, everyone gathered at the front of the villa for a sparkling cake-cutting moment, made even sweeter with handmade gelato, Prosecco, and layers of joy. The celebration continued inside the villa for an after-party, where the couple surprised their guests with a choreographed dance alongside their 5-year-old son — a heart-melting moment that symbolized the family they had already built and the future they were stepping into.
Advice from the couple:
• Enjoy the moment and be present with your closest family and friends. The wedding goes by so fast that you want to appreciate each moment and be fully present.
PLANNER & DESIGN Chic & Co. | PHOTOGRAPHER Andy Vox | VIDEOGRAPHER The Wedding Valley | WELCOME DINNER VENUE Aqua Dolce | VENUE Villa Balbiano | FLORALS Figli Dei Fiori | MAKEUP Jiahua | DRESSES Oscar de la Renta & We Couture & Lanvin | SHOES Christian Louboutin & Amina Muaddi & Aquazzura | SHIRT Giorgio Armani | WATCH Rolex | CATERING Sunlake Catering | STATIONERY & FAVORS Chic & Co. | LIGHTING & AUDIO & ENTERTAINMENT Blunotte Eventi
