How a Dream of an Italian Wedding Became Reality: Why Eliza and Ilnaz Chose Lake Como Over Their Hometown of Kazan

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?

When the dream is closer and more real than we think

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.

A Wedding Day with a View of Lake Como

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 emphasized 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.