For Kaylee and Tyler this Lake Como elopement felt truly special, rich in beauty, and meaning. From a quiet morning sipping coffee at the villa, overlooking lush gardens and shimmering waters, to a peaceful stroll through the historic grounds, every part of the day was intentional and heartfelt. With private vows and a dreamy sunset boat tour, they created a celebration that was deeply personal and unforgettable.
Location: Lake Como, Italy
Style: Vintage, romantic, cinematic, artful
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: Microwedding
Setting: Luxury hotel
Season: Fall
Kaylee and Tyler met one quiet night in Lubbock, Texas, bonding over their shared dislike for the University of Texas while waiting outside Mesquites. She jokingly nicknamed him “Baseball Boy,” but he was soon off to spring training with the Atlanta Braves, while she stayed at Texas Tech. They kept in touch, but it wasn’t until the pandemic, that they truly reconnected. Despite living in different cities, they spent that summer together. Over the next years, they made Fort Worth home, traveled for baseball, and even did long distance. Along the way, they learned that their best adventures are the ones they share, just like their magical elopment in Italy.
Location & Planning
As a graphic designer with a sharp eye for detail, the bride approached her Lake Como elopement the same way she would craft a brand identity, making it thoughtfully curated and visually cohesive. Inspired by Old World European romance, vintage glamour, and the sun-drenched beauty of Lake Como, she wove together textures, tones, and timeless aesthetics like pieces of a design puzzle.
Kaylee’s vision boards, filled with vintage lace, gilded accents, and cinematic shots, became the blueprint for everything from her perfect antique-inspired gown to the ideal photography team who could capture the soft, golden light of the lake. With the help of travel designer Kaela Trussell, and inspired by the elegance of historic Italian villas and her own creative instincts, the bride created a wedding that felt like stepping into a romantic masterpiece.
Though the couple chose to keep their celebration private, their families were wholeheartedly supportive and understood their wish for an intimate, deeply personal day. Despite not being there in person, their loved ones felt deeply connected through the thoughtful details and the love that surrounded every moment.
Couple's Morning
The couple was absolutely enchanted by their choice of Passalacqua Lake Como as their elopement destination. For them, this place felt like a dream come true, secluded, intimate, and rich with the elegance of Italian culture. With its breathtaking views, lush gardens, and serene lakefront, the villa offered the perfect setting for their charming wedding.
Getting ready together made the morning feel especially intimate, as Kaylee and Tyler shared a quiet moment over coffee, taking in the breathtaking view of the lake. There was no rush, just a peaceful sense of calm and anticipation as they slowly prepared to say their vows.
The hotel room itself felt like a scene from a classic film, bathed in soft, golden light filtering through tall windows, with antique mirrors and luxurious fabrics creating an atmosphere of old-world romance. Adding a nostalgic touch to the moment, Tyler captured his bride on an 8mm camera, turning their morning into a timeless, dreamy reel of memories.
Bride's Look
Kaylee’s attire embodied vintage elegance with a modern touch. She wore a stunning gown from Gossamer Vintage in shimmering fabric adorned with intricate floral embellishments. The charming design featured a soft champagne hues, while a feather-trimmed neckline added a touch of modern luxury. Before stepping into her gown, she prepared for the day in a breathtaking vintage lace Dior robe.
For accessories, Kaylee chose vintage earrings passed down from her grandmother, a heartfelt tribute to family. Completing the look, she wore pearl-embellished Jimmy Choo heels. The hair was kept in cascading waves that framed her face beautifully, while the makeup was simple yet radiant, enhancing the natural features with a soft, dewy complexion.
Groom's Fashion
Tyler opted for a tailored black tuxedo, exuding timeless charm and elegance. The sharp lines of his suit created a striking contrast to the soft details of the bride’s gown. A crisp white dress shirt and sleek black bow tie completed the polished look. Together the couple’s styles harmonized beautifully, blending old-world elegance with a modern edge.
Ceremony
Surrounded by majestic mountains, glistening lake waters, and lush gardens, the couple exchanged private vows in a moment of pure intimacy. On the villa’s grand terrace, with only the breathtaking scenery as their witness, they embraced the simplicity and significance of their promises. Free from distractions, their words were heartfelt and deeply personal, a quiet, unforgettable declaration against Lake Como.
"For them, it wasn’t just about the location; it was about creating a memory in a place that held a sense of magic and timelessness, something they could look back on for years to come."
Boat Ride
Instead of a traditional reception, Kaylee and Tyler chose a private boat tour with Taxi Boat Varenna on Lake Como. Gliding across the shimmering waters, they sipped champagne and soaked in the beauty of the Italian countryside, charming villas draped in autumnal ivy, towering cypress trees, and the golden glow of the setting sun casting reflections across the lake. The quiet hum of the boat and the gentle ripples in the water made the moment feel dreamlike.
MGM Moments captured the couple’s day with the magic and emotion they had envisioned. Blending intimacy with artistry, the photographer crafted breathtaking visuals that felt truly alive. From film to digital, every frame radiated the couple’s joy, transforming their elopement into a cinematic masterpiece. Each shot was like a scene from a romantic movie, captivating and undeniably stunning.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the day came when the photographer, hoping for a heartfelt answer, asked Tyler what he would say to his future children. Without hesitation, he simply smiled and said, “Ciao.” The unexpected response sent laughter echoing across the lake, perfectly capturing the couple’s playful, easygoing spirit. It was a reminder that, beyond the grand beauty of the setting, the true magic of the day is found in the simple, unscripted moments.
Dinner
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Kaylee and Tyler returned to the villa for a private dinner, a quiet and intimate finale to their unforgettable day. Seated beneath the soft light, they toasted to their new chapter, savoring the stillness, the romance, and the beauty of the moment.
Without the distractions of a large celebration, the couple was able to fully immerse themselves in every moment, from exchanging private vows to strolling through the villa’s gardens, making each detail feel more meaningful. For Kaylee and Tyler, their elopement was not just about saying “I do,” but about creating a day that was entirely and unapologetically theirs.
Advice from the couple:
• Savor every moment — especially the ones that aren’t planned or scripted. Those are often the most unforgettable. From the morning coffee with a view to the spontaneous laughter on the boat, it’s the little moments that become the lasting memories.
PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER MGM Moments | VENUE Passalacqua Lake Como | DRESS Gossamer Vintage | SHOES Jimmy Choo | ROBE Dior | TRAVEL DESIGNER Kaela Trussell | BOAT Taxi Boat Varenna
