Photography: Ksenia Palchuk
Hair & Makeup: Olga Goncharova
Videography: Vladimir Tsar
Venue: Villa Harmonia
Event Planner: @wowitaly_events

The dream of a destination wedding abroad, in Italy, on the legendary Lake Como, is more than just a passing trend. It is a desire to touch eternity, art, and dolce vita — moments that linger in memory forever. With its impeccable aesthetics, rich history, and unmistakable sense of style, Italy possesses a magnetic allure. It draws in those who seek not merely a celebration, but a deep, emotional experience where every frame, every flavor, and every feeling is infused with true romance.

For many, Italy is not just a country, but a palette of sensations — perfectly suited for the most important day of their lives.

And this dream, no matter how distant it may seem, truly deserves to become reality.

Darya and Andrey are both hopeless romantics. They love traveling together and taking long walks with their dog, and they admit that their greatest happiness lies in sharing emotions and experiences with the one they love.

Their journey to the altar began with an unexpected proposal in Shanghai. The choice of city was no coincidence — Darya speaks Chinese fluently and has a deep affection for Chinese culture. At the top of the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, against the backdrop of the glittering мегаполиса, Andrey went down on one knee, giving Darya a moment that would remain in her memory forever as a complete and beautiful surprise.

After that magical “yes,” the couple faced the familiar question: where? At first, they considered a civil ceremony in Moscow followed by an intimate dinner. But it soon became clear that a story like theirs called for something on a different scale. They began exploring destination wedding options, and Georgia was one of the first ideas that came to mind. However, after reviewing proposals from local agencies, they realized that for a similar budget they could create something far more meaningful.

And then fate stepped in once again. When they came across an article about the possibility of having an official wedding in Italy — and on Lake Como, no less — they were instantly transported back to their winter trip to Lombardy five years earlier. Milan, Como — Italy had captivated them with its mild winter, extraordinary cuisine, and a beauty that stayed in their hearts long after the journey ended. Lake Como, in particular, left a lasting impression.

After seeing photographs from one of our weddings at Villa Monastero, Darya and Andrey could no longer imagine their own celebration anywhere else. Only Lake Como.

When the couple reached out to our agency, they were faced with one key question: how could they combine their dream of an official wedding in Italy with a date that held deep personal meaning? For Darya and Andrey, August 29 was not just a date — it marked the 10th anniversary of their first meeting. It was on this symbolic day that they wanted to become husband and wife. And we made it happen: the official ceremony took place on August 29 at the Bellagio Town Hall — the jewel of Lake Como. Ten years after their first encounter, they stood on the threshold of a new chapter of their lives in the place they had always dreamed of.

Their wedding day began with a sense of quiet anticipation. Darya spent the morning getting ready in a calm, intimate atmosphere with her stylist, bridesmaids, and mother. Meanwhile, Andrey shared his pre-wedding hours with friends, enjoying a small bachelor gathering and photoshoot. Later, the guests and the groom made their way to the Bellagio Town Hall, while Darya — accompanied by her bridesmaids and parents — took a serene boat journey across the lake to the ceremony.

Lake Como is known for its unpredictable weather, and that day the forecast promised rain. And rain it did: the first drops began to fall as Darya’s boat approached Bellagio, continuing throughout the ceremony itself. Yet not for a moment did the bride feel disappointed.

In Italy, there is a saying: “A bride who gets wet in the rain is a lucky bride”
(Sposa bagnata – sposa fortunata).

Darya and Andrey embraced it as a good omen. Their radiant smiles, joy, and the warmth of their guests seemed to chase the clouds away. By the time the ceremony came to an end, the sky had cleared, gifting everyone with sunshine.

After the official ceremony, the couple set off on a romantic boat ride across the lake, savoring their first moments as husband and wife. Meanwhile, the guests enjoyed a guided visit to Villa Monastero, one of Lake Como’s most iconic and picturesque villas — a place that had completely captured Darya’s heart. Later, the newlyweds joined them. It was on the villa’s legendary balcony, overlooking the lake, that a series of the most romantic images was created — exactly as Darya had always imagined.

The celebration itself became a true journey. From Villa Monastero, the couple and their guests traveled by boat to Villa Harmonia, where the wedding dinner awaited. On the terrace, accompanied by the sounds of Italian music, heartfelt toasts and warm congratulations were shared. The evening continued with dancing and cocktails.

Darya and Andrey wanted this day to be perfect not only for their guests, but also for themselves — with moments of privacy and the freedom to truly savor every minute. And they succeeded. A private boat ride, an intimate photoshoot at Villa Monastero — every detail was thoughtfully planned to strike the perfect balance between joyful celebration and quiet togetherness.

Here is what the couple themselves had to say about their wedding day:

“We truly appreciate everything you did for us. All of our guests — and they came from seven different countries — were absolutely thrilled and kept telling us throughout the evening that they had never been to a wedding that felt so much like a movie.

We are incredibly grateful and know for certain that without your dedication and the immense amount of work behind the scenes, this day simply would not have happened. All we had to do was enjoy the moment — which we happily did 😀
Everyone we worked with throughout the day was wonderful and highly professional. It felt amazing knowing everything was under control and done with such heart. We will remember this day forever — light, beautiful, and joyful — all thanks to you.”

Darya and Andrey’s story is an inspiring reminder that true love can cross any distance and bring even the boldest dreams to life. Don’t settle for options that feel easier if they don’t spark something in your heart. Your wedding is more than just a single day — it is the beginning of your shared story. Don’t postpone dreams of a fairytale, especially when it comes to such a meaningful moment.

If you dream of a destination wedding, a celebration in Italy, or the magic of Lake Como, know that this is not just a fantasy. It is a reality waiting for you. We are here to guide you along the way and turn your dream into an unforgettable day — one that will shine as brightly as the sun over an Italian lake after the happiest rain.

Feel free to message or call us +39 334 840 20 86 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) / hello@wowitaly-weddings.com

wowitaly_events

Распишем официально в Италии🇮🇹
ENG @wowitaly_weddings
С вами на всех этапах: от документов до где вкусно поесть
С 2015 работаем в Италии

Свадьба бывает раз в жизни,

Мечты должны сбываться, ина

Это не кино, но как в кино 🤍

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Photography: Ksenia Palchuk
MUAH: Alina Agafon
Flowers & Decor: Evgeniya Kasyanenko
Event Planner: @wowitaly_events

Italy is not just a point on the map — it is a state of mind. It stirs the imagination long before you ever set foot on its land. We fall in love with this country through scenes from Fellini’s films, through the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, through the poetry of great minds like Dante and Shakespeare. For many, Italy becomes the ultimate dream, a timeless symbol of beauty and romance. That is why an “Italian-style wedding” remains one of the most popular requests worldwide. We try to recreate this atmosphere through décor and cuisine.

But what if, instead of imitating the dream, you could actually live it?

Eliza and Ilnaz began planning their wedding in their hometown of Kazan. At first, the idea was to host an “Italian-style” celebration at home. But as the preparations went on, they realized something was missing. That was when Eliza started to explore another possibility: what if they did it for real?

After discovering our website, the couple understood that their dream of an authentic Italian wedding was absolutely achievable. They chose an official marriage registration so that an Italian town would forever be written into the story of their family. Lake Como, once just an image saved for inspiration, became the place where their celebration unfolded. Remarkably, it was the first trip to Italy for both of them. They were traveling to a country they knew only through books and films, entrusting it with one of the most important days of their lives.

For Eliza and Ilnaz, the wedding became more than a ceremony — it marked the beginning of a grand adventure: a honeymoon that led them through Venice and the Alps. They dreamed not just of a celebration, but of complete immersion — tasting that authentic lasagna and sipping their very first “proper” Aperol Spritz under the warm Italian sun.

Their morning began at a hotel perched above the lake, near its true jewel — the town of Bellagio. From the balcony, an impossible-to-measure view unfolded: the deep blue of Lake Como and misty mountains in the distance. It was a morning of complete calm and relaxation. Before slipping into her wedding dress, Eliza chose a look for her morning photoshoot inspired by Monica Bellucci — a little black dress that подчеркed the elegance and cinematic mood of the moment.

Ilnaz did not see the wedding dress until their first meeting, which took place right there, in the hotel garden. After that, the couple headed to the Bellagio town hall, where the ceremonial words were spoken and, by Italian law, they officially became husband and wife.

For their photoshoot and the most intimate moment of the day, Eliza and Ilnaz chose Villa Monastero — one of the most beautiful villas on the lake. It was here, on a small balcony with a breathtaking view, that they decided to exchange their wedding vows. This was not part of the official town hall ceremony — it was a moment just for them. No guests, only the two of them and the lake, quietly witnessing their love. In those words, spoken at the very heart of their dream, lay the true essence of their Italian wedding.

Dreaming of Italy and trying to recreate the Italian style is wonderful. But remember: Italy is much closer and more accessible than it may seem. There is no need to build elaborate sets when you can travel to a place where nature itself becomes the décor. Eliza and Ilnaz’s wedding proved that a first trip to Italy can also be the most meaningful one — and that dreams of “that very style” are truly worth living out in real life.

Your story can begin here too. Because if you dream of Italy, it means your heart already speaks a little Italian.

Just write to us or give us a call +39 334 840 20 86 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) / hello@wowitaly-weddings.com

wowitaly_events

Распишем официально в Италии🇮🇹
ENG @wowitaly_weddings
С вами на всех этапах: от документов до где вкусно поесть
С 2015 работаем в Италии

Свадьба бывает раз в жизни,

Мечты должны сбываться, ина

Это не кино, но как в кино 🤍

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Sometimes the line between fiction and reality is erased by a single, accidental frame. Many years ago, Valeria watched Star Wars. The iconic kiss of Anakin Skywalker and Padmé on a balcony, the endless expanse of water, and an atmosphere too perfect to exist beyond a Hollywood set. At the time, Valeria was certain it was masterfully created CGI.

Only later did she discover the truth: that balcony was not imagined. It was real, tangible, and located on one of the most beautiful villas on Lake Como — Villa del Balbianello. What began as a cinematic moment slowly transformed into a personal dream, patiently waiting its time for eight long years.

For eight years, Valeria carried the image of Lake Como in her heart. During that time, she and Alexey met, fell in love, and began building their life together. Their original wedding plan was familiar and traditional: a civil ceremony, guests, and a banquet. Everything was nearly decided—until chance intervened once again.

Valeria discovered our website and learned that Lake Como was not only a place for romantic прогулки, but also a destination for an official wedding ceremony. A dream that had once seemed “just a dream” suddenly became real—and even more desirable. Alexey fully supported his beloved, and the couple made a bold decision: to cancel all their arrangements in Russia in favor of an intimate, truly personal wedding day in Italy.

They chose a hotel right on the waterfront, where wedding preparations felt less like stress and rush, and more like an extension of their holiday. They now had their own little balcony for kisses overlooking Lake Como, and the perfect atmosphere for their first photographs.

October on Lake Como decided to play along. Instead of crisp autumn chill, the couple was greeted by gentle sunshine and pleasant +20°C. Valeria and Alexey walked to the ceremony location—a cozy park right by the water. Their entire “wedding procession” consisted of just two of their closest people: Valeria’s sister and her husband, who became the only witnesses to this intimate moment. For family and friends who remained in Russia, we arranged a live video stream of the ceremony.

The ceremony itself took place on an open balcony, seemingly suspended over the lake. At that moment, reality completely aligned with the cinematic scene that once inspired Valeria: official vows, signatures, and the exchange of rings accompanied by the soft sound of water below. Then came a boat ride, an aperitif, and a course set toward the iconic Villa del Balbianello.

Sailing past views once seen only on screen, Valeria and Alexey were now creating their own story—no longer spectators, but the main characters. The wedding day gently flowed into a stroll through the park and ended with a cozy dinner. In every moment of that day, Valeria felt that her dream had truly become reality.

Looking at Valeria and Alexey’s journey, one thing becomes clear: you should never settle for a “just good” option if your heart longs for something extraordinary. Don’t be afraid to reshape plans and let go of templates. Dreaming small is easy, but only bold, seemingly “impossible” dreams have the power to change your life. Dream big—and we’ll help turn those dreams into real memories.

Simply write to us or call: +39 334 840 20 86 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram) / hello@wowitaly-weddings.com

wowitaly_events

Распишем официально в Италии🇮🇹
ENG @wowitaly_weddings
С вами на всех этапах: от документов до где вкусно поесть
С 2015 работаем в Италии

Свадьба бывает раз в жизни,

Мечты должны сбываться, ина

Это не кино, но как в кино 🤍

Load More Follow on Instagram