Lake Como Wedding at Villa Erba

Emily and Stefan held their wedding at Villa Erba on Lake Como with 56 guests. The multi-day celebration was planned by Little Black Book Member Happy Moments Collector.

When rain moved the ceremony indoors, the villa's atrium was lit by clusters of candles along the grand staircase and at the altar. This created an intimate setting. Photographer Julia Kaptelova captured portraits of guests in an indoor studio staged before a grand fireplace.

The Wedding Vision

The couple aimed for a celebration that felt intimate, immersive, and sophisticated. They wanted the natural beauty of Lake Como and the elegance of their venues to be central. Each day of the weekend had a distinct theme and energy.

Guest experience was a top priority. Communication was handled via a wedding website, emailed itineraries, and a group WhatsApp chat with real-time updates from the planners. This allowed guests to relax. Personalized items like custom cocktail napkins with their puppy's image and embroidered pool towels added warmth.

Event Design and Fashion

The welcome party had a playful La Dolce Vita theme aboard the Lady Vittoria boat. Vibrant yellow and blue florals and colorful pillows set a lighthearted tone. The wedding day itself was a black-tie affair designed to be romantic and timeless.

Florist Riccardo Ciceri filled frescoed rooms with white roses and hydrangeas on long ivory tables. Transparent ghost chairs were used to keep the baroque interiors visible. A seated three-course dinner was served, accompanied by opera singers.

For the ceremony, the bride wore a lace ballgown from HOUSE OF GILLES. It featured hand-placed embroidery and a dramatic train. Her shoes were custom Jimmy Choo pumps engraved with "E♡S". She also wore vintage pearl earrings from her mother and a custom diamond tennis bracelet.

For the after-party, she changed into a crystal-encrusted Galia Lahav mermaid gown. The groom wore a bespoke ivory tuxedo by Thom Sweeney for the ceremony. He changed into a burgundy velvet dinner jacket by the same tailor for the evening.

Food, Drink and Finale

The culinary vision blended Italian tradition with personal touches. Signature cocktails were named after investment banking phrases, a nod to how the couple met. Dinner was a formal three-course Italian menu.

The menu included seabass tartare, handmade plin ravioli with truffle, and a medallion of veal tenderloin. A pizza cart was rolled out at midnight. The night ended with fireworks over the lake. The weekend concluded with a relaxed pool party at Lido di Cernobbio, featuring pastel decor, unicorn floaties, and personalized towels.