Romantic Villa del Balbianello Wedding in Lake Como, Italy
When Karina and Tommy first imagined their wedding day, they thought they would celebrate closer to home in Florida. However, as they began dreaming about what they truly wanted from their wedding, they realized they wanted to create something that felt even more like them. So, instead of a traditional wedding at home, they chose an elegant Villa del Balbianello wedding in Lake Como, Italy. Their vision was about creating an experience filled with beauty, meaning, and plenty of time to simply enjoy being together. With the mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Como as their backdrop, Karina and Tommy created a wedding day that felt incredibly personal from beginning to end. Their Lake Como elopement was such a dream.
A Surprise Proposal
Tommy proposed to Karina during a family vacation in Georgia, taking her completely by surprise. The two had decided to hike together to the top of Amicalola Falls, and there Tommy asked her to be his wife. His entire family already knew what was coming, but Karina had no idea.
He proposed with a ring featuring her favorite flower, a tulip. It was such a thoughtful detail that feels so in line with the way they approached their wedding day, too. Every part of their celebration was planned with intention and meaning.
Getting Ready at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni
Karina and Tommy began their wedding day at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni also along Lake Como, where they each prepared separately in their beautiful suite overlooking the lake. The suite was especially meaningful because of its layout. They could get ready in the same space while still keeping their final looks hidden from one another until their first look.
Karina’s morning was filled with timeless, elegant details. She wore a form-fitting gown with a dramatic silhouette and paired it with a veil gifted to her by her mother. A special embroidered message from her family was also sewn into her dress, which was a sweet reminder of the people who were with her in spirit throughout the day. Her Hollywood-inspired waves and soft-glam makeup completed the look beautifully. Tommy chose a classic tuxedo with a custom interior lining and their wedding date embroidered inside the pocket.
The beauty of Villa Serbelloni made it the perfect place to begin their wedding day. Karina and Tommy were grateful they chose it as their getting ready location. If you’re considering this setting for your own celebration, I also created a complete guide to Villa Serbelloni Weddings, including what makes this historic Lake Como hotel such a special wedding setting.
Before leaving Villa Serbelloni, Karina and Tommy shared their first look before taking portraits around the property. We took advantage of the architecture, lake views, and elegant surroundings before making our way to their ceremony location.
Private Boat Ride to Villa del Balbianello
To get there, we traveled by private boat across the stunning Lake Como toward Villa del Balbianello. The ride gave us the chance to photograph them surrounded by the landscape that brought them all the way to Italy. Seeing the mountains and water all around us, as well as the beautiful architecture of the buildings and villages along the shoreline was magical.
The boat ride also gave Karina and Tommy time to relax, enjoy the moment, and simply be together while taking in the scenery.
Villa del Balbianello Wedding Ceremony
Villa del Balbianello has long been one of the most recognizable locations on Lake Como, and standing there on Karina and Tommy’s wedding day, it was easy to understand why. They offer multiple wedding spaces to choose from, each one offering something different. Their ceremony took place at Loggia Durini, surrounded by the architecture and gardens that make Villa del Balbianello such a distinctive wedding venue.
Karina and Tommy each wrote their own vows and kept them secret from one another until the ceremony. Their celebrant, Fabio, also incorporated some of their favorite memories into the ceremony, which made it extra meaningful.
Although they had written their vows independently, many of the stories and sentiments they shared with one another were remarkably similar. It was a sweet surprise and realization of just how naturally they understand one another and are meant for each other.
Soft, Romantic Wedding Design
Karina and Tommy wanted the design of their wedding to feel connected to its surroundings rather than compete with them. Their color palette of blush, soft blue, and ivory echoed the colors of Lake Como. The overall aesthetic was elegant, romantic, and organic, with every detail carefully chosen to complement the setting.
Florals were especially important to Karina and Tommy, and Della Bella Fiori brought their vision to life with natural, organic arrangements. The bridal bouquet was one of the most distinctive floral elements of the day. White, dusty pink, and a touch of soft blue flowers all came together, while sprigs of greenery were interspersed throughout. Their invitation suite even featured a custom sketch of their ceremony location, Loggia Durini.
Timeless Villa del Balbianello Wedding Photos
Karina and Tommy wanted their photography to feel timeless and romantic while still capturing the natural beauty and charm of their surroundings. For their wedding, I blended candid moments with romantic portraiture and an editorial perspective, photographing both the big moments and the quieter in-between ones. We also incorporated film photography throughout the day, which added another layer of softness to their gallery.
Lake Como is a dream for photography, but what made this day especially meaningful was the opportunity to photograph Karina and Tommy within the experience they had intentionally created. It was such a joy to capture their entire Italian wedding experience.
Lake Como Wedding
One of my favorite things about Karina and Tommy’s day was that they never approached an elopement as an excuse to make their wedding smaller. Instead, it was an opportunity to make it more personal. Their Villa del Balbianello Wedding was elegant and luxurious, but still intimate and incredibly romantic. Every detail was intentional, and their love took center stage.
Planning a Villa del Balbianello Wedding in Lake Como
Villa del Balbianello is one of those places that photographs beautifully from every angle, but planning a wedding here involves much more than choosing a beautiful venue. The timeline, transportation, ceremony location, portraits, boat travel, and surrounding Lake Como experience all become part of the story.
I created a complete Villa del Balbianello Weddings guide for couples considering this iconic Lake Como wedding venue.
As an Italy Wedding Photographer, I especially love helping destination couples think through not only their wedding photography, but how the entire day can flow together. After studying abroad in Italy years ago, I have a deep personal connection to the country, and destination weddings like Karina and Tommy’s are a beautiful way to bring that love for Italy into my work.
If you’re dreaming of a Lake Como Wedding, whether it’s an intimate elopement in Lake Como or a larger Italy wedding, I would love to hear what you’re envisioning and help you capture every moment from your special day. Reach out to book your wedding day here in Italy, back in my home state of Florida, or somewhere else around the world)!
Villa del Balbianello Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Wonders & Weddings
Venue: Villa del Balbianello
Celebrant: Como Lake Celebrant
Photographer: Ruth Terrero Photography
Videographer: Jacob and Pauline
Florals: Della Bella Fiori
Hair & Makeup: The Studio Como
Boat: Lake Como Water Taxi
Calligraphy: Letter Blooms
Bridal gown: Wona Concept
Bridal boutique: Angel Rivera Bridal Atelier
Accessories: Shashi NYC
Bride’s Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Groom’s Tuxedo: Indochino
Groom’s shoes: Nordstrom
Rings: New York Diamond Center
Jewelry: Della Bella Gioielli
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