After the proposal, the time of preparation and anticipation began. Anna is one of those brides who has a clear vision of what her wedding should be. She created a moodboard (from English “moodboard”) of inspiring images, where the contours of the future celebration began to take shape.

There was no doubt about the location. Lake Como is the very embodiment of romance and elegance, and couples from all over the world choose it. Another dream – the historic Villa Balbianello, where the famous kissing scene between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala was filmed. For the realization of the dream, Anna turned to WowItaly, a team of professionals based in Italy who have organized many weddings in the most beautiful locations of the Italian “boot”.

All the dates at Villa Balbianello were booked months in advance, and only one suitable free date remained – October 19. Yes, there was a risk of rain, as October is the rainy season in Como. But dreams must come true, regardless of the weather and any other circumstances!

A luxurious five-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo was also booked, offering stunning views of the lake. This is not just an ordinary hotel, but a real palace, built in the early 20th century. The elegant interiors of the hotel were the setting for Anna and Egor’s wedding morning photo session.

Bridal Look

Anna wanted her wedding to be the embodiment of a dream, a bit childish and naive, yet pure and inspiringly beautiful. A dress in which she would feel like a princess – of course, from Vera Wang. Classic “wedding” shoes – from Manolo Blahnik. The second look for the wedding ceremony at the town hall of Bellagio – a stylish pantsuit. The third – a figure-hugging dress, embroidered with pink sequins, in which Anna resembled a mermaid slipping out of the waters of Lake Como.

Wedding Ceremony

The stamps in Anna and Egor’s passports say “Republic of Italy”. On October 19, 2023, they officially became husband and wife at the town hall of Bellagio, in the presence of family and friends. The ceremony was conducted in Italian with a translation into Russian – the couple’s native language.

Anna and Egor listened to excerpts from the Italian family code. The solemn Si! (“Yes”) was spoken to all the questions from the town hall official. The bride and groom vowed to love each other and care for each other “in sickness and in health, in wealth and in poverty”. According to Italian tradition, Anna and Egor kissed the rings before the exchange, and after the ceremony, their friends and family showered them with rice and flower petals – for a long and happy married life.

There was also an unofficial ceremony – that special “touch” that distinguished Anna and Egor’s wedding from others. Perhaps Lake Como had never heard such wedding speeches! Anna’s friend delivered a speech, solemn and pompous, like a registrar with years of experience, sending the “ship of love” on its route to fidelity and happiness. The couple’s friends brought wedding banners with classic wedding slogans. This made everyone laugh and loosen up, as Como is a completely different style of wedding!

Wedding Dinner

For dinner, the couple and their guests returned to the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where they were given a private room with exquisite interiors. Without exaggeration, the decor overwhelmed with luxury and thoughtful details, and the overall atmosphere resembled the royal dinners of French kings.

Anna wrote personal letters to the guests, recalling all the significant moments and thanking them for sharing the joy of this special day with her. The guests couldn’t hold back tears while reading these letters!

The couple’s friends made a wonderful musical gift – a performance by a famous band from San Remo. And the dinner itself was warm and relaxed.

Looking at the photos by renowned photographer Roman Ivanov, who captured the moments of this day at Lake Como, you notice the love, tenderness, and “chemistry” that is present between Anna and Egor. The weather’s caprices prevented them from fully enjoying the outdoor walks and photo session. Nevertheless – this is Anna and Egor’s day, unique and special, just like they are. And it gave them wonderful memories that will stay with them and their loved ones for a lifetime.

And the professional team that will lift your spirits. Thank you for creating such a beautiful celebration for us! Everything was thought out down to the smallest detail! Even heel protectors were provided! Thank you for your help during the event! I never thought that such a celebration could be organized remotely.I’d love to have another wedding!!

Anna’s review of the wedding organization

Shamil just supported his fiancée’s choice. While visiting Verona and Rome and walking through their ancient streets, he was impressed by the grandeur of the ancient architecture and the elegance of Renaissance buildings. There was no doubt – Italy!

But where exactly in Italy? Maria and Shamil chose Lake Como – the best option for an elegant and stylish wedding. Many global celebrities and red carpet stars prefer Como with its clear blue waters, lush vegetation, and charming villas scattered along the shoreline. This is a classic that will forever remain timeless and unaffected by fleeting trends. To realize their dream, the couple turned to WowItaly – an agency based in Italy that can coordinate and supervise contractors directly on-site.

How They Met

Maria and Shamil met at university: Maria was the group leader in the class to which Shamil transferred. They started communicating as classmates but soon discovered many things in common beyond university life. Books, TV shows, walks, joint visits to museums and cafes… One of their memorable dates was when they sang “Batareyka” under the guitar at 5 a.m. by Chistye Prudy, and it was incredibly romantic!

Thus, the university crush blossomed into a real and deep love that finally united them on October 10, 2023, at Lake Como.

Wedding Style and Color Concept

The couple chose an elegant and classic wedding style. The decoration followed minimalism and clean lines, with exquisite but not ostentatious decor. At the same time, Maria and Shamil didn’t want the celebration to be too formal. This was a celebration for the couple and their loved ones, so it had to be warm, soulful, and cozy.

The wedding color scheme featured soft pastel tones. The accent color was Maria and Shamil’s favorite blue – the color of trust, wisdom, confidence, and harmony. All these concepts are at the heart of a happy marriage. And blue is also the national color of Italy (along with the colors of the flag), which it adopted after the unification of the country.

Venue

Maria and Shamil’s wedding took place at the four-star boutique hotel Villa Verde. This venue offers everything for a luxurious and elegant wedding with guests: tastefully decorated rooms, an interior fit for the stars (no wonder George and Amal Clooney stay here), a private pool to relax in on a hot day, and a unique feature – four panoramic terraces. Each of them offers an unforgettable view of the lake.

Wedding Ceremony

The terrace at Villa Verde, reminiscent of a green house full of plants and flowers, served as a beautiful backdrop for Maria and Shamil’s wedding ceremony. The couple’s impeccable taste was evident in every detail – roses in soft ivory and pastel pink shades were used to decorate the flower arch, complementing the existing green decor.

Right there, on the lush green terrace, the municipal representative officially married Maria and Shamil according to the laws of the Republic of Italy. Yes, now their passports with the stamp “Lallio”, where the marriage was registered, will become a “family landmark”!

The ceremony itself was incredibly touching and romantic. First, the groom came out to the guests and handed bouquets to the mothers. Then came Shamil’s younger sister, Leia, in a charming deep blue dress. The girl scattered rose petals along the bride’s path. Finally, to the song “Your Song” by Elton John, Maria appeared, stunning in her designer asymmetric dress. The bride was escorted to the altar by her father.

After the official speech from the municipal representative, Leia and Nikita (Maria’s younger brother) carried the rings to the tune of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. Maria and Shamil, not holding back their tears of joy and happiness, exchanged vows and rings to the incredibly gentle and romantic melody “River Flows In You”. Their first dance was to the beloved song of all loving hearts – “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.

The musical accompaniment deserves special mention. Charming young women played classical instruments – the harp and violin, setting a unique tone for the entire ceremony.

Photo Session and Wedding Dinner

In keeping with the classic tradition on Lake Como, the newlyweds and their guests took a boat ride on the lake. Here, they could admire the picturesque surroundings, chat, drink sparkling wine, have fun, and simply enjoy the moment. Very Italian! And Maria and Shamil, of course, enjoyed each other and their happiness, now that they were officially husband and wife.

The wedding dinner was held in a stylish 19th-century boutique hotel. The enchanting views of the opposite shore, the lit-up lights, and their loved ones close by – what more could one need for happiness?

Guests were treated to a light entertainment program with a fun lottery from the newlyweds and, of course, delicious Italian food. A touching moment was the dance – Maria with her father and Shamil with his mother.

At the end of the evening, Maria and Shamil cut the cake, and after the disco, all guests were handed bomboniere, sweet gifts that would remind them of this warm October day.

And it was truly an amazing day! Full of emotions, bright, magical, and dream-fulfilling! Maria and Shamil’s wedding was exactly what they both dreamed of – solemn and soulful, elegant and familiarly warm. Here’s what Maria herself says about her impressions:

Marina, we’ve seen the photos, and they’re just 🔥 We were right back in the wedding atmosphere, everything was so warm, so soulful, without any flaws❤️ Thank you so much to you and the whole team for creating such a fairy tale for us, it was the wedding of our dreams🥰

Initially, Victoria and Benjamin planned to register their marriage at home and have a beautiful symbolic ceremony in Italy. But when they learned that we would take care of all the paperwork, they decided to marry officially in Como.

The Bride and Groom’s Morning

The couple spent the morning with their loved ones, enjoying the view of the lake from the large balcony and sipping exquisite Italian prosecco.

The weather forecast wasn’t promising, predicting +14 and rain on the wedding day. But fortunately, Italian meteorologists were wrong! May 13th had very comfortable weather for a wedding: not too cold, not too hot, pleasant cloudiness with glimpses of sunshine and no rain.

Official Ceremony

The marriage registration traditionally took place at the town hall of Bellagio. Official wedding ceremonies in Italy are held only in Italian, which is rightfully considered the language of love!

Immediately after the official part, the newlyweds danced right in the courtyard of the town hall to Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran, performed by a violinist. It was magical!

Then came the gift exchange! The couple presented the mayor of Bellagio with a Russian matryoshka doll and chocolates, and in return, they received handmade souvenirs with their initials.

After the marriage registration in Italy, it is recognized as legal in 10 EU countries, and the couple notified Russia on June 13th, exactly one month after their Italian wedding, and they already received their Russian marriage certificate.

Photo Session

Weddings on Lake Como are not rare. Italians themselves often choose this picturesque place for their wedding celebrations. In Italy, where couples do not rush to marry and prefer to simply live together, a wedding is a special celebration because it emphasizes the seriousness of the couple’s feelings and intentions. Therefore, the newlyweds inevitably attract the attention of everyone around. After the registration, when Victoria and Benjamin went for a photo walk around Bellagio, all passersby congratulated the couple, took photos of them with their mobile phones, and asked for photos together, which deeply moved them.

Boat Ride on the Lake

Lake Como must be seen from the water! Therefore, after the photo session at Villa Monastero, our newlyweds, together with their friends, embarked on a boat ride to enjoy the incredibly beautiful water color, the magnificent villas around, and the relaxed Italian atmosphere.

Wedding Dinner at the Villa

At the end of the day, the couple and their loved ones enjoyed an exquisite candlelit dinner at Villa Giulia.

The highlight of the evening was the cake – the famous Italian dessert tiramisu in a large size, decorated with a heart and the newlyweds’ initials.

Honeymoon

After the wedding, our heroes went to explore Italy in a rented car, and later flew to Paris, as their love for travel, good food, and wine is just a small part of what connects them.

Victoria’s Review:

“I look at these photos and still can’t comprehend the magic that was happening with us!”

Official Wedding Ceremony on Como takes place in the municipality of the picturesque town of Bellagio on the shore. But it doesn’t offer a direct view of the lake, and our couple wanted a wedding with the sound of the waves, with a picturesque view of Como right by its shore! So we organized an outdoor ceremony for them at Teresio Olivelli Park in Tremezzo. But, let’s go in order!

For their celebration, Katya and Maxim chose one of the longest (and hottest!) days of the year – June 22! The wedding day began with breakfast and… a glass of prosecco on the balcony with a beautiful view. The couple spent this morning together, discarding any superstitions. However, Maxim didn’t tempt fate too much and left, letting the stylist work her magic on Katya’s look.

The Bride’s Look

Getting ready for the wedding is always a very emotional time! Even if the hairstyle and makeup are rehearsed, and the dress is perfectly fitted, every bride still wonders: “Will I see what I expect in the mirror? Will everything be as I imagined?” But with our magical stylists, such worries are unnecessary! Katya’s look was soft and sensual. She chose an elegant dress with a flowing skirt, a classic long veil, and high-heeled sandals. Maxim added a twist to his classic formal look – an elegant black suit and white shirt – with playful white sneakers.

Marriage Ceremony

The ceremony took place at Teresio Olivelli Park in Tremezzo. It’s a public park, but it’s never crowded, so we weren’t afraid of any interruptions. From this small platform, there’s an unmatched view of Lake Como, the mountains, and the Melzi Villa across the lake. Would you want to say “Yes!” with such a view, just like Ekaterina and Maxim did?

The couple chose original wedding rings with different designs for him and for her. Watching them, it was hard to believe that they’ve been together for 11 years. There was so much passion and tenderness in their gazes and touches! The ceremony was very emotional, and at the end of it, neither of them could hold back their tears.

The town of Tremezzo is on the list of I Borghi piu belli d’Italia (The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy). One of the main attractions of this lovely “borgo” is the famous Villa Carlotta. Many picturesque towns are scattered around Lake Como, but Tremezzo is one of the most beautiful. So, we chose it for the wedding photoshoot. Afterward, Katya and Maxim enjoyed prosecco in beautiful glasses, posed for the photographer again, and had fun.

Boat Ride

The next item on the wedding program was a boat ride on Lake Como. This was the perfect moment to relax, enjoy each other’s company, and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. And, of course, to give the photographer the chance to capture the happy moments of this day! The newlyweds took off their shoes and snapped a few playful shots against the magnificent backdrop.

The final destination was the famous Villa Monastero – another historic villa with a park right on the shore, where Katya and Maxim, escaping the heat, strolled under the shade of trees, laughed, and happily posed for the photographer.

A few more photos at the Varenna harbor, and the newlyweds were ready to head to the restaurant.

At 6 p.m., Katya and Maxim took the water tram to Bellagio. There, their wedding day ended with a festive dinner on a terrace overlooking Lake Como. They awaited the late sunset of this long and eventful day, which became a new starting point in their relationship.

The couple visited Finland and the Dominican Republic, fell in love with Istanbul, but decided to have their wedding in a country they had never been to before. Italy! This was the place Yulia and Roman had always dreamed of visiting. And this first trip was meant to be special for both of them. Because not only would they get to know Italy for the first time, but they would also officially become husband and wife. They chose Lake Como for the ceremony, which perfectly matched their wedding concept. “Stylish and atmospheric”, they imagined their dream wedding to be in the country of their dreams.

On the morning of September 25, 2023, the couple woke up at Villa Armonia. This elegant 19th-century villa, nestled in greenery on the eastern shore of Lake Como, was the perfect place to begin their wedding day. Without haste, Yulia and Roman woke up and had breakfast with a view of Lake Como.

Then Yulia flew into the caring hands of stylist Olga, only to return to Roman and meet him already in her bridal gown. The groom couldn’t take his eyes off his bride. She looked stunning, like a Hollywood actress in that white dress that hugged her slender figure, with blonde locks cascading down her delicate shoulders.

Yulia and Roman headed to the town of Bellagio, where at the town hall they experienced the event they had been waiting for – an official marriage according to the laws of the Republic of Italy. Despite its formal status, the ceremony was touching, and as tradition dictates, the newlyweds were showered with rice as they left the town hall.

As husband and wife, Yulia and Roman took a walk through Bellagio accompanied by the photographer, then crossed Lake Como on a yacht. The fresh breeze, the sparkling waters of the lake, and the sparkling prosecco tickling their noses, the eyes of their beloved shining with love and happiness – is this not heaven on earth?

Villa Monastero, built over an ancient Cistercian monastery, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Como. It is famous for its magnificent botanical garden and exquisite architecture. This was where the newlyweds headed for their photo session to capture the joyful moments of their day in a beautiful and atmospheric place.

The day concluded with a wedding dinner at Villa Armonia, where Yulia and Roman’s morning had started. The couple dreamed that they would be able to tell their children about the beautiful wedding at the lake in a country with such a rich history. And that’s exactly how it turned out. Ahead lies a lifetime, with many more happy events and stories. But September 25, 2023, will be remembered forever, as it marked the beginning of their new journey as husband and wife.

Hello) We are already back home, everything is great, the vacation was very intense, and we still remember our wedding day and are happy that we contacted you. What amazing photos 😍 I can’t stop looking at them! Ksyusha is a genius! These are the most beautiful works I’ve ever seen, I couldn’t have imagined they would turn out so amazing! 😍😍😍

Review from Yulia