Christina and Anthony


Two Canadian hearts got a blessing by the lake waters in Cernobbio

After two years of waiting for this event to take place - postponed by the pandemic - we were finally able to bring Christina and Anthony's dream wedding to life in the somptuous frame of Villa Erba, by the lake shore in Como.

Circled by their families and the people they loved the most, this delightful couple all the way from Toronto, Canada made it their mission to go back to the land of their ancestors and exchange their vows in front of one of the most heavenly scenery there is, the enchanting Lake Como.

Get to know the behind the scenes of this flawless weekend.

L'emplacement


The vision


Christina and Anthony's wedding notes

We had been preparing ourselves for quite some time, so the schedule and wedding plan were super clear, and so were all the details and inspirational moodboards which we saved and safely passed on to our collaborators for this two-day event coming up.

Christina had expressed her intention well ahead, that she had eyed the majestic venue of Grand Hotel Imperiale di Moltrasio for the Welcome dinner on Day 1. We followed through, and booked it. The theme for the night was 'impeccable elegance', and the decorations would be bright and colourful. The four round tables would be set indoors, in a big room opening up to the lake but the pre-dinner aperitif time had been agreed on the outside terrace - to better enjoy the sunset colours on the water.

For Day 2, we noted down a very early start for all preparations, considering that the ceremony would only be at 4 in the afternoon. Both bride and groom seemed to want the time to focus on the photos with their big families, and the traditional pre-wedding bridal party shoot. They didn't want any rush, but to enjoy the day and be absolute ready for the ceremony, and on time. 

A whole squad of minivan would be driving the guests around, from their accommodations in multiple establishments around the lake, to the venues, and then back, for the whole weekend.

The five deal breakers for Christina and Anthony

Location: Lake Como

Venue: Welcome dinner at Grand Hotel Imperiale di Moltrasio 

Reception: clean aesthetics, very elegant

Guests: 115 

Side notes: midnight snacks on the wedding night, with pizza and Italian pasta aglio e olio

placehold

The action plan


How did we pull it off

Christina's princess-like bridal gown by designer Monique Lhullier looked absolutely magical as she walked to 'I believe' by Bocelli and Jenkins, down the famous escalier of the villa and then past the rows of clear-glass chairs, reaching the lakefront. Right by the floral wreath decorated with lots of beautiful fresh flowers was her soon-to-be husband, anxiously waiting. The ceremony was tasteful, and felt very familiar since it was officiated by a family friend.

The table setting for dinner was nothing short of spectacular. We were so happy to deliver Christina's original idea of clean elegance by overusing tall, glass candle holders, add more floral elements in white and shining silverware, which reflected the lights of the big hanging chandeliers.

The voice of three tenors singing in between courses ensured the gala dinner was even more spectacular, and irresistibly Italian.

The first dances took place in a different area of the villa, called atrio, a very classical space on the first floor with big balconies on each side. We enjoyed some lovely moments then, watching Christina and her husband dance to 'Never Enough' by Loren Allred from the Greatest Showman soundtrack, with a whole choreo especially designed to fit their first dance. After the father-daughter and then mother-son dances, we staged a little break in a small room nextdoor with the dessert buffet and the traditional cutting of the cake.

At the end of the night, rain started falling - the perfect timing to a perfect day.