Against the enchanting backdrop of Lake Maggiore, Erika and Myles celebrated their love at Villa Rusconi Clerici, where classic elegance met Italian tradition. What began as a serendipitous meeting at a Boston happy hour blossomed into a sophisticated celebration, where personal touches and timeless details created an unforgettable experience for their guests. With the expert guidance of Elleffevents, every moment unfolded seamlessly, from the welcome dinner on a historic island to the live Millefoglie-making finale.
Location: Verbania, Italy
Style: Classic, elegant, timeless
Time of planning: 1.5 years
Number of guests: 95
Setting: Villa
Season: Fall
Erika and Myles’ journey began in 2016 at a popular happy hour spot in Boston, Massachusetts. As young professionals found their way into the city, they discovered a charming coincidence – their offices were directly across the street from each other. This discovery led to countless coffee dates and lunch breaks, laying the foundation for their future together.
Years later, Myles chose to bring their story full circle, proposing in the park in front of the very restaurant where they first met. This pattern of meaningful locations would eventually inspire their choice of wedding destination – the stunning Lake Maggiore, which held special significance for Erika’s family in nearby Torino.
Location & Planning
The couple worked closely with Elleffevents to find the perfect setting for their celebration. Their vision came to life at Villa Rusconi Clerici, where the historic architecture and breathtaking lake views created an atmosphere of timeless romance.
The celebration began with a welcome dinner on Isola Bella, one of Lake Maggiore’s jewels. Guests explored the island’s stunning palace and gardens, experiencing the beauty that had captivated Erika and Myles firsthand. The quaint town of Verbania proved perfect for their intimate gathering, with the hotel, villa, and town center all within walking distance, creating an immersive Italian experience for their guests.
Bridal Look
Erika chose a Jenny Yoo gown that embodied elegant versatility. The flared silhouette and sleek strapless neckline created a timeless foundation for two distinct looks. For the ceremony, she wore an attached shrug and opted for a sophisticated, elegant bun by Alena Trigolosova. Later, she transformed her look for the reception by removing the shrug and letting her hair cascade in voluminous curls.
Her Badgley Mischka stilettos featured a unique detail – stacked pearls adorning the heel. The finishing touch was her bouquet, a stunning asymmetrical arrangement created by La Da Fiori, perfectly complementing the day’s elegant aesthetic.
Groom's Fashion
Myles looked distinguished in a custom-fitted tuxedo from Suit Supply, chosen for its perfect classic style and modern cut blend. The morning of the wedding, he opened a special gift from Erika – cufflinks engraved with “E-M-Z”, including their beloved dog Zitti’s initial, and “Va Bene,” their favorite Italian phrase meaning “all is well.” This thoughtful touch perfectly captured the personal and cultural elements of their celebration.
First Look
In a still interlude before the ceremony and reception, Erika and Myles wandered the cobblestone paths of the villa’s garden. Alina Indi captured their intimate moments among blooming flowers and ancient stone walls as the late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over Lake Maggiore. With the lake sparkling in the distance and the Italian breeze carrying the scent of the gardens, they savored these precious minutes together before joining their guests for the celebration.
"With the lake sparkling in the distance and the Italian breeze carrying the scent of the gardens, we had a chance to just be present with each other before joining our guests for the celebration."
Ceremony
Under the Italian Fall sun, with Lake Maggiore as their backdrop, Erika and Myles exchanged vows in the villa’s enchanting gardens. La Da Fiori transformed the space with elegant white floral arrangements that framed the couple without competing with the natural beauty of the setting.
The couple personalized the ceremony with elements of their Boston roots and love for Italian culture. They incorporated readings in both English and Italian while carefully chosen music drifted across the gardens, mixing with the gentle sounds of the lake breeze.
Decor & Setting
The villa’s natural beauty provided the perfect canvas for the couple’s vision of timeless elegance. Elleffevents created an atmosphere that enhanced rather than competed with the venue’s inherent charm. The greenhouse and gardens were transformed with thoughtful floral arrangements and careful lighting, creating an intimate atmosphere that evolved from day to night.
Le Muse Banqueting crafted a menu that celebrated Italian cuisine while catering to their international guest list. Every detail, from the table settings to the carefully curated cocktail hour, reflected the couple’s desire to create an experience that felt both elevated and warmly welcoming.
Captured Moments
Throughout the day, Alina Indi and Films Diary worked in perfect harmony to document every meaningful moment. From intimate exchanges to grand celebrations, their ability to capture both the subtle emotions and sweeping scenes created a beautiful narrative of the day. The result was a collection of images that celebrated not just the couple, but the coming together of two families in one of Italy’s most picturesque settings.
"While the setting, decor, and all of our vendors helped make the night incredible - our guests really made the wedding what it was!"
Moment Alone
In a peaceful interlude between ceremony and reception, the newlyweds found themselves on the grand stone staircase of Villa Rusconi Clerici. Erika’s gown cascaded elegantly down the stairs while the villa’s timeworn walls provided a stunning backdrop that seemed to whisper centuries of love stories.
Reception
The celebration continued in the villa’s stunning gardens and greenhouse. The couple’s first dance set the tone for the evening – a choreographed performance of Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September” that perfectly balanced sophistication with joy. Clara in Jazz kept the energy high throughout the evening, creating a perfect blend of Italian romance and celebratory spirit.
One of the evening’s highlights was the couple’s unique take on the traditional cake cutting. Instead of a standard wedding cake, Erika and Myles participated in making a Millefoglie cake live in front of their guests, embracing a beloved Italian tradition that added an interactive and memorable element to their celebration.
"The guests loved hitting the dance floor and described it as 'lasting one minute' because it felt like time flew by and they wanted to dance all night."
Advice from the couple:
• Trust your vendors! Having a destination wedding is stressful if you need to micromanage every detail. Your vendors are highly experienced and have the expertise you need to have your wedding go smoothly. Allow them to do their jobs and enjoy yourself!
PLANNER Elleffevents | VENUE Villa Rusconi Clerici | CATERING Le Muse Banqueting | FLORALS La Da Fiori | PHOTOGRAPHER Alina Indi | VIDEOGRAPHER Films Diary | MUSIC Clara in Jazz | MUAH Alena | DRESS Jenny Yoo | SHOES Badgley Mischka | SUIT Suit Supply | STATIONERY Esme Studio
