Lara and Qiao

Where cultures met on the shores of Lake Como, and elegance became a shared language.

Lara & Qiao’s Luxury Destination Wedding on Lake Como at Villa Erba

Some weddings tell a single story. Others unfold like a carefully curated collection of experiences. Lara and Qiao’s wedding in Italy was the latter: three days, three atmospheres, one refined vision, all set against the timeless beauty of Lake Como.

Their destination wedding brought together guests from different cultures and backgrounds, united by a shared desire to experience Italy at its most elegant and expressive. Choosing Cernobbio as the heart of the celebration allowed everyone to stay together in town, creating continuity throughout the weekend and preserving the intimate energy of the group.

The journey began with a welcome dinner inspired by “Night on the Orient”, a tribute to the groom’s Chinese heritage. Hosted in a lakeside villa in the centre of Como, the evening blended Eastern influences with Italian hospitality. From food to stationery and décor, every detail reflected a thoughtful cultural dialogue, setting the tone for a wedding that would celebrate identity through beauty.

The wedding day itself took place at the iconic Villa Erba, one of the most prestigious venues on Lake Como. The experience began earlier, with the couple preparing and sharing their first look at the legendary Villa d’Este, before arriving at Villa Erba for the ceremony and reception. With 120 guests, the celebration felt grand yet impeccably curated, never losing its sense of intimacy.

The following day, the mood shifted entirely. A pool party in a private club in Cernobbio brought a playful, contemporary energy to the weekend, complete with custom party gadgets, champagne moments, personalised towels, and unexpected happenings that kept the atmosphere light and joyful.

This Lake Como destination wedding was not just about beauty. It was about rhythm, balance, and the ability to move seamlessly between cultures, styles, and emotions. The result was an experience that felt sophisticated, immersive, and unforgettable.

Wedding planned by


The vision


Lara and Qiao's notes

Lara and Qiao envisioned a wedding defined by classic elegance, cultural depth, and absolute attention to quality. Their goal was not excess, but refinement. Every element needed to feel intentional, timeless, and elevated.

The aesthetic language of the wedding day embraced a classic palette of white, blush, and touches of gold, chosen to complement the architectural grandeur of Villa Erba. The design never competed with the venue. Instead, it enhanced its presence, allowing the setting to remain the true protagonist.

Emotionally, the vision centred on making guests feel cared for and inspired. From the welcome dinner honouring Chinese tradition to the Italian elegance of the wedding day and the carefree joy of the pool party, each event had its own identity while remaining part of a coherent narrative.

Quality was the guiding principle. From Champagne and fine wines served throughout all three days to the precision of service and timing, excellence was expected and delivered. Guests were meant to feel that every detail, no matter how small, had been thoughtfully curated for them.

This vision speaks to couples dreaming of a luxury wedding in Italy that feels international yet deeply rooted in place. A celebration where cultures meet with respect and elegance becomes an experience rather than a statement.

The five deal breakers:

  • Lakefront setting
  • Three distinct events
  • High-end Champagne and wines
  • Cultural storytelling
  • Exceptional service quality


placehold

The action plan


How did we pull it off

Planning Lara and Qiao’s wedding required a strategic approach capable of supporting multiple events, diverse themes, and a high level of personalisation. The first key decision was keeping all guests based in Cernobbio, ensuring continuity and ease throughout the three days.

The welcome dinner set a strong narrative foundation. The “Night on the Orient” theme required careful coordination across food, décor, stationery, and atmosphere. Each element needed to reference Chinese tradition while remaining aligned with the refined tone of a Lake Como wedding. This balance was achieved through meticulous planning and close collaboration with suppliers.

For the wedding day, logistics were elevated to a cinematic level. Preparations and the first look took place at Villa d’Este, offering an iconic backdrop before the couple arrived at Villa Erba. The ceremony unfolded directly by the lake, creating a moment of pure elegance and emotional impact.

One of the most striking highlights followed the ceremony, when white and glitter smoke bombs accompanied the couple’s first kiss, creating a visual moment that guests will never forget. Later in the evening, the cake cutting was marked by a fireworks display, transforming the night into a true celebration of light and joy.

The reception took place in a single grand hall at Villa Erba, transformed through refined décor featuring custom wallpaper and Murano glass chandeliers. Every detail reinforced the classic, luxurious atmosphere envisioned by the couple.

Between events, time was carved out for moments of pure Italian lifestyle. An iconic Riva boat ride on Lake Como became the setting for the couple’s photoshoot, capturing the essence of elegance and freedom that defined the entire wedding.

The final day’s pool party shifted the mood completely. Personalised towels, party gadgets, champagne moments, and playful interactions allowed guests to celebrate without formality, closing the weekend on a high note.

This is the WeddingItaly method: complex, multi-day experiences executed with precision, creativity, and emotional intelligence, so that everything feels effortless.