And then Elizabeth saw a YouTube video. It had everything – from the location to the decor, from the bride’s morning to the dinner with guests – perfect! It was our wedding that we organized in 2023 at Villa Bonomi. This is how it happens – you start dreaming, and the Universe already has the answer and good organizers for you.

Elizabeth and Dmitry had a church wedding in Russia. For many reasons, not all their loved ones could join them for this celebration, so it was important to gather everyone in an atmospheric place. The couple wanted their wedding in Italy to be remembered by everyone for its beautiful views and delicious, varied food.

The day before the wedding, guests began arriving from Europe, America, Russia, and Ukraine. The pre-wedding dinner was organized at the Grand Hotel Imperiale. Traditionally, they started with an aperitif on the open terrace with a view of the lake. It was an incredible feeling when people you haven’t seen and missed for a long time gradually gather in one place. The last to arrive were the groom Dmitry and his mother. Their flight was delayed, and their arrival was truly anticipated.

The wedding day began with the arrival of florists, caterers, and musicians. As soon as the guests had breakfast on the lawn, everyone needed to head to their festive duties. The bride and her bridesmaids were prepared for the photoshoot by three stylists. The young people were swimming in the pool, while the groom devoted himself to his favorite morning ritual – doing yoga with an amazing view of Como. Villa Bonomi and its luxurious interiors are perfect for any activity.

At Villa Bonomi 20 people were accommodated, half of the invited guests. The others began arriving after lunch. They were greeted with welcome drinks and seated in the ceremony area.

Today, the newlyweds are the main characters, so a small podium decorated with white hydrangeas was organized for them. First, the groom Dmitry walked down the aisle with his mother, then the bride’s niece scattered petals along the walkway. And then, the touching moment – the father leads his daughter Elizabeth to the altar. The ceremony passed in an instant. The final words are spoken, and to the song Sugar by Maroon 5, guests congratulate the newlyweds.

What’s a wedding with guests on Lake Como without a boat ride? While the newlyweds were cruising and taking photos, an aperitif was organized for the guests on the lawn. To the sound of the saxophone, they tasted various appetizers. Not only did they order Aperol spritz, but they also watched a full bar show. They wrote postcards, left audio congratulations, and simply socialized.

It was time for dinner. The tables were filled with flowers, and candles were lit. The host gave the floor to the guests, and during breaks between congratulations, he charmed everyone with his voice – singing songs for the newlyweds in Italian, the language of love.

When it got dark, the guests returned to the lawn where the ceremony took place. There, the cake was waiting for them. The evening ended with a performance by the music band and dancing.

Feedback from brides is always pleasant, but such words from the MOTHER of the bride are doubly delightful! After all, mothers always want the best for their daughters:

I landed in Moscow at night, and being so far from our fairy tale, I saw once again WHERE we were and what we were part of!Thank you so much, without you this villa wouldn’t have been able to surprise us so much, despite its luxury. Everything was organized at the highest level and with style (in Russian).

Marina, you clearly understood the task and idea and brilliantly implemented it with the help of your assistants!!! Huge thanks to everyone.

Viktoria, Elizabeth’s mother

Wedding Concept and Preparation

Kristina and Andrey share a deep passion for theater and opera. And so the concept of the wedding came naturally – Opera d’Amore: an opera of love, combining various art forms – music, singing, ballet, painting. For Kristina and Andrey’s wedding, the team personally selected ballerinas, some of whom had performed at the Bolshoi Theatre!

Much attention was also given to the musical accompaniment. Singers and musicians, with their songs and melodies, were meant to set the overall romantic tone for the celebration.

Wedding decorations also matched the overall concept. On the lawn of Villa Bonomi with a view of Lake Como, a podium was set up with an arch decorated with white flowers. The special feature of the podium was a mirrored aisle, and the entire setup resembled a stage where the main characters of the wedding performance – the bride and groom – would shine.

It took 3 days to set up the decorations and install all the necessary equipment. Meticulous preparation and careful organization – the team did everything to ensure Kristina and Andrey’s celebration went at the highest level and was worthy of the loudest applause!

The Day Before the Wedding

The day before the wedding, Kristina and Andrey and their guests checked into Villa Bonomi. In the evening, a pre-wedding dinner took place at the fashionable restaurant il Gatto Nero. This restaurant, located in Cernobbio, offers exquisite dishes accompanied by Italian wines and a stunning view of Lake Como.

The pre-wedding dinner is a good tradition, allowing the future newlyweds and their guests to gather together the night before the wedding day. It’s an opportunity to chat in a warm, informal atmosphere and set a joyful, anticipatory tone for the main event.

Wedding Day. Anticipating the Ceremony

September 8, 2023. A date that will forever be woven into the story of Kristina and Andrey. A special day to celebrate their love and shared happiness!

The morning at Villa Bonomi began with the traditional preparations for the bride and groom. In the morning photoshoot amidst the luxurious historical interiors of the villa, Kristina looked charming and playful in her white suit.

The bridesmaids wore the same suits, but in champagne tones, and joined Kristina. The bachelorette party was full of smiles, light conversations, and refreshing sparkling wine. The girls had fun, chatted, and relaxed in a casual atmosphere by the pool.

Andrey’s friends also gathered for the bachelor party to share the joy of the upcoming event with the groom. The day promised to be hot, and indeed, the weather for the second week of September was pleasantly warm. A glass of whiskey with ice was just what was needed to refresh the male guests before the ceremony.

Guests at the Wedding

About 30 guests attended Kristina and Andrey’s wedding, including friends, family, and loved ones. Accommodation, transfer, aperitifs, snacks, and entertainment were organized for the guests during the wait for the newlyweds’ photoshoot. Makeup and hairstyling by a professional stylist were provided not only for the bride but for all the guests as well.

The impressions of the guests were just as important as the audience’s reactions to a performance, and the team made sure to surround everyone with care and attention.

Wedding Ceremony

Every detail was carefully planned to reflect the bride and groom’s passion for theatrical arts and to support the overall concept of the wedding.

An hour before the ceremony, ballerinas and violinists in white costumes greeted the guests in the “foyer” at the entrance to the venue. Guests were handed invites to the “Opera of Love,” with a seating arrangement like a theater ticket.

While waiting for the ceremony, guests enjoyed an aperitif and a light entertainment program hosted by a Russian-speaking MC, with opportunities to take photos with the ballerinas or in the retro car salon.

The theater is full; the boxes are shining; the stalls and chairs are bubbling…

“Eugene Onegin,” A.S. Pushkin

Everyone was of course waiting for the main event of the day. Three bells, as in a theater, signaled the start of the ceremony. The third bell rang, and all the guests gathered in the “auditorium.” Each guest had a fan on their chair – a tribute not only to theater tradition, as it was indeed a hot +30-degree day.

The backdrop for the ceremony was the best decoration that could exist – Lake Como itself. The groom, already standing at the arch and anticipating the appearance of his bride, was of course the most nervous. Soon both of them would play new roles – husband and wife.

And then she appeared – Kristina. Dazzlingly, stunningly beautiful in her wedding dress!

The bride walked arm in arm with her brother, with her train and dress helped by the ballerinas. The ceremony was conducted by two MCs in two languages – Russian and Italian, the language of love. The bride and groom exchanged rings and vows, sealing them with a kiss. When Kristina and Andrey, now together as husband and wife, walked down the mirrored aisle, the guests, in Italian tradition, showered them with rose petals.

After the Ceremony. Newlyweds Photoshoot and Entertainment Program for Guests

Intermission! After the ceremony, the newlyweds and guests were greeted by a “champagne tower,” with sparkling wine pouring like a waterfall. And here, the WowItaly team prepared their first surprise for Kristina and Andrey. The Italian MC turned out to be not just an MC, but a real tenor singer! He dedicated his song in Italian to the newlyweds and their love.

The newlyweds went on a photoshoot to capture memories of the day – just the two of them now. The classic combination: a retro car and a boat ride on Lake Como. But what could be better than elegant classics? Any theater lover will tell you this when choosing a classic play over an avant-garde production.

While waiting for Kristina and Andrey’s return from the photoshoot, guests relaxed on the green lawn, enjoying the views of Lake Como, sparkling wine, and appetizers. A light entertainment program was organized for them. A musician sang songs on the guitar, a caricaturist drew amusing portraits of the guests, and ballerinas posed for photos with anyone wishing to experience the atmosphere of the Bolshoi Theatre on Lake Como.

A photo zone was set up where everyone could take photos with a Polaroid and take their picture home. A “love mail” was available with pre-prepared envelopes, postcards, and stamps: guests could send congratulations to Kristina and Andrey or even send a “hello” to themselves from sunny Italy.

Wedding Dinner

The newlyweds and their guests gathered again to spend time together at an outdoor dinner. The tables were elegantly decorated with flowers and white tablecloths. The highlight of the wedding décor were the floating crystal chandeliers above the tables, reminiscent of the interiors of theatrical halls with their luxurious chandeliers.

The MC led the program, allowing guests to make toasts and even sing songs in honor of the newlyweds. Throughout the dinner, there was live music, an orchestra played, and singers performed. The ballerinas amazed everyone with their grace and skill, performing well-known ballet numbers from “Swan Lake” and “Carmen.”

Wedding Cake and Culmination of the Day

When the evening came and the lights came on, the guests returned to the lawn where the ceremony took place and where the “wedding stage” with the mirrored aisle had been set up. Cutting the wedding cake marked the culmination of this joyful and eventful day. And again, Kristina and Andrey were in for a delightful surprise. At the moment of cutting the cake, fireworks fountains went off, and glowing butterflies emerged. A fireworks show of emotions in both literal and metaphorical senses!

As in a theater, at the end of the performance, the lights on stage get brighter, and the actors come out for an encore under the applause of the audience, so the heroes of the wedding day – Kristina and Andrey – walked down the mirrored aisle in the glow of sparklers held by their guests. Then, the guests followed the newlyweds with sparklers in their hands. Each received an impressive photo on the mirrored aisle.

According to Italian tradition, gifts (bomboniere) were prepared for the guests: limoncello in a beautiful ceramic vessel and a box of candies – a sweet reminder of this warm day, September 8, 2023. The evening concluded with dancing and merrymaking until late at night.

Kristina and Andrey’s wedding became an unforgettable performance, played to perfection from beginning to end. Each guest experienced a double magic – of art and true love, and the newlyweds shone like stars on stage. The celebration was truly a WOW event, organized by the professional team at WowItaly.

May Kristina and Andrey’s life continue to be filled with light, happiness, bright moments, love, and joyful laughter – just like this day, September 8, 2023!

To make their dream come true, the couple contacted WowItaly. The agency is based in Italy and can coordinate the work of local vendors, handle all the organizational tasks, and give the newlyweds the chance to fully enjoy the moment of happiness on their wedding day.

Venue

The venue chosen was Hotel Villa Cipressi, located near the picturesque town of Varenna.

Villa Cipressi is a historic hotel with stunning views of the central part of Lake Como, known not only for its elegant architecture but also for its lush botanical garden. It is the perfect place for those who prefer a peaceful and quiet atmosphere in nature.

Wedding Style and Color Concept

The couple chose the Old Money style, which embodies the timeless nature of classics and the sophistication of luxury, without the hustle and bustle or chasing fleeting whims of fashion. The Old Money aesthetic implies elegance in every detail, with simple and concise design. Main colors: white, powder, beige, and for men – classic black.

Bride’s look (Dress #1): A voluminous mikado fabric gown with a long train.

Bride’s look (Dress #2): A figure-hugging dress embellished with feathers.

Custom-designed jewelry: OlgaDelice.

Bride’s shoes: Jimmy Choo.

Groom’s look: Henderson tuxedo.

Wedding Ceremony and Photoshoot

The wedding ceremony took place in the botanical garden of Villa Cipressi, with the natural beauty of Lake Como as the backdrop for exchanging vows. The place also stood out for its intimacy, which was perfect for a private event with guests. The ceremony was conducted by a close friend of Nelly and Stas, who chose such touching and heartfelt words that it was hard for the couple to hold back tears.

After the ceremony, Nelly and Stas opened a Prosecco pyramid for the aperitif under the music from “The Great Gatsby.” Following the classic tradition, while the guests relaxed, mingled, and enjoyed the aperitif, the newlyweds went for a photoshoot stroll around the lake.

A Special Detail of the Wedding

The couple added an unexpected bright accent to the restrained Old Money concept. At the end of the evening, Nelly and Stas danced not the classic waltz but a sensual tango. Nelly wore a stunning scarlet figure-hugging dress, while Stas wore a black silk shirt. The dance choreography itself brought Nelly and Stas joy as it included complex elements and lifts.

The wedding day reflected the different facets of this extraordinary and passionately loving couple, which was appreciated by both them and their guests.

This incredible experience showed us that even the boldest dreams are possible!

Nelly

What could a wedding be like for a couple that travels a lot? Is there a way to surprise people who have visited the most diverse countries in both the East and the West? Both Karina and Sergey appreciate restraint and elegance, and they like light shades in the interior, clothing, and the surrounding world. Big and noisy weddings are not their style.

The choice was obvious. Lake Como! This place is the embodiment of elegance and sophistication. A rich history, amazing cuisine, sparkling prosecco, and of course, nature that makes hearts stop…

I knew I wanted a wedding for two on Lake Como. Period. No guests, no fuss, no years of preparation. Just us, the beauty around, and a small support team. Based on these requests, I found @wowitaly_events.

Karina

On September 27, 2023, Karina and Sergey spent the day in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The bride and groom greeted the morning of their wedding at Villa Armonia. This elegant 19th-century family villa is located near the town of Lecco.

Without hustle or rush, the bride began to prepare for the upcoming event, trusting herself to the caring hands of stylist Anastasia. After all the preparations, it was time for the meeting on the villa’s terrace with Sergey, who couldn’t take his eyes off his beautiful bride. Karina sparkled like a diamond in its setting, in her exquisite dress, which highlighted her slender figure.

The symbolic ceremony, with the exchange of rings and vows, took place right there, on the terrace, overlooking Lake Como, seemingly meant only for the two of them.

The newlyweds shone with happiness. And as a complement to this radiance – Karina’s sparkling dress and the sparkling prosecco in their glasses.

After the ceremony, Karina and Sergey went to Villa Monastero. Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, this ancient villa, which dates back 9 centuries, is the epitome of romance and elegance. Its feature is the lush botanical garden and exquisite architecture. The wedding photoshoot here allows capturing love and happiness in a truly beautiful and special place.

Afterward, Karina and Sergey went on a photoshoot by boat on Lake Como. Gliding over the azure waters, the newlyweds admired the surrounding views and simply enjoyed each other and the day. The gentle splash of the waves and the warm embrace of the sun created that feeling of unity with nature – in calmness and absolute happiness.

The day wouldn’t have been so special without little adventures. As Karina herself describes, her wedding dress survived several flights and car trips. In one plane, a foul-smelling liquid was spilled on the shelf where the dress was, in another, the cover and even part of the hem got torn. A quiet wedding nearby suddenly turned into a techno music disco. But in the end, nothing could affect how this day went for Karina and Sergey. In harmony, happiness, calmness, and exactly as they wanted.

The emotions of the bride herself speak louder than anything else. And somehow, it’s better not to say it:

Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful day, we are absolutely thrilled❤️ The team is the best! Just wow 😯 Amazing photos. I can’t stop looking at them) I keep rewatching them 🥰

Karina’s review of the wedding day organization on 27.09.2023

The couple’s morning began at a hotel in Varenna, Yana and Petr wanted to spend this day together without rush or chaos, so they enjoyed a slow breakfast, rested, and only then began getting ready for the ceremony.

When the couple headed towards Villa Monastero, unexpectedly, it started to rain. But in Italy, as in Russia, rain on the wedding day is considered a good omen. “Sposa bagniata, sposa fortunata” – Italians say, which translates to “Wet bride, lucky bride.” Therefore, it was no surprise that all passersby were smiling and congratulating Yana and Petr.

Fortunately, by the time the ceremony began, the clouds dispersed and the sun came out. The couple wanted to spend the day as relaxed as possible and avoid the usual wedding bustle, so they didn’t even write their wedding vows – neither of them doubted the sincerity of their feelings for each other. We took care of that for them, and our surprise vows caused a storm of emotions.

After the photo session, the newlyweds acted like true Italians and headed for an aperitif to celebrate their union with the most Italian drink of all – the Aperol Spritz cocktail. Here, they were met with a surprise – a mini-quiz with questions about their couple, the goal of which was to open a mysterious cryptex with a message.

Next on the agenda was a two-hour boat ride on Lake Como, for which Yana and Petr changed out of their wedding outfits into more casual attire. Yana chose classic style for the lake ride – a little black dress, and Petr wore light pants and a black t-shirt.

The day ended with a dinner at the seafood restaurant La Veranda dei Pescatori on the shores of Como.

Quietly, without haste, noise, or unnecessary fuss, by the shores of one of Italy’s most beautiful lakes, enjoying the beauty of the landscape, delicious food, and each other – their special day went exactly as they had wished.

Read about Yana and Petr’s wedding on the WeddyWood portal: WeddyWood!