READING TIME: 4 min 10 sec
PUBLICATION DATE: 02/10/2025
UPDATED: 02/10/2025
For some, wedding planning is a career choice; for Elena Pensini Events, it was a calling discovered through life's unpredictable journey. Born in the Alps, Elena moved to Milan to attend Bocconi University, where she studied Business Administration. Her career began in the Marketing and Communication departments of luxury sectors such as BMW and fine jewelry. Through her work, she gained an eye for design and style, frequently attending corporate events that ignited a deep appreciation for orchestrating grand experiences.
But it was her move to Lake Como, her husband’s birthplace, that revealed the next chapter of her professional story. "The train was passing, and I decided to catch it!" she says. What began as an opportunity to blend her expertise in luxury branding with event planning has now flourished into over 15 years of experience in curating breathtaking weddings and celebrations.
Elena's passion for wedding planning stems from an innate curiosity—not for gossip, but for people. "Each couple is a rich source of different perspectives on life," she explains. "Having the opportunity to enter their lives, even for a short time, offers me the chance to discover something new with every wedding."
Her journey has also unlocked a deep passion for design and aesthetics. While her business background gave her the foundation to structure and manage high-end events, it’s the creative elements—style, details, and ambiance—that fuel her excitement. "Today, I feel strong in these aspects, and they are the most thrilling part of my projects."
When it comes to her services, Elena avoids the term "packages." Instead, she offers a completely personalized, trust-based approach. "I’m here to realize each client's vision and wishes. Most of my clients are looking for overall service, a person to trust on the field able to take care of everything and I become their only referent."
Beyond weddings, Elena also curates private celebrations, anniversaries, birthday parties, and corporate events. Additionally, her concierge services provide exclusive access to the finest experiences Lake Como has to offer.
With a client base that largely hails from the U.S., Elena understands the importance of both structure and adaptability. "I try to give my clients a clear roadmap regarding the milestones of our journey, but flexibility is a must to me and I always try to fine-tune the process to my clients' availabilities." The process typically begins with a "style meeting," where couples share their vision and priorities. She then crafts an overall presentation covering logistics, aesthetics, and flow. From there, the couple takes time to reflect, and when possible, visits Lake Como for tastings and vendor meetings. "If possible they come here some months before the date to do the food tasting, flowers trial, meetings with vendors if they wish... but it also happens that we meet in person for the first time just a few days before the wedding... the power of trust!"
As a local, Elena has an unparalleled understanding of the coveted venues around Lake Como. "You know Lake Como is now a prime destination for high-level weddings and it seems that all the world wants to get married here!" Over the years, she has planned weddings at nearly every venue along the lake. "Probably the venues where I've planned more events in general are Villa d'Este and Villa Pizzo but it all depends on the season."
Elena advises couples to sign contracts and make payments directly with vendors. "I always suggest couples directly sign contracts with vendors and directly pay them; of course, I assist them with contract checks and revisions but it's important that there is a mutual agreement between them and vendors. Important aspects to be checked are payments and cancellation policy." She emphasizes key details like payment schedules and cancellation policies to ensure clarity from the start.
"Let's speak about Plan B immediately and then forget it!!" Elena believes in addressing backup plans early in the process, ensuring that inclement weather won’t become a last-minute stressor. "After that, I just remind my couples that in case on the day it won't be their problem, but mine! Last, I invite my brides to cancel any Weather forecast App they have on their smartphone."
Even the most seasoned planners face challenges. Elena recalls one particularly memorable moment: "It was a big wedding with 220 guests confirmed. The bride and groom managed their own guest lists separately. Two days before the wedding, they informed me about an unexpected change: 20 guests disappeared from their lists, so the final confirmed number was 240! I didn't sleep that night."
With her background in business and finance, Elena helps couples allocate their budgets wisely. "Couple has to give me a clear indications on their priorities and preferably a budget range at the beginning." Her golden rule? Balance. "I'm always very clear and consistent with these aspects. Step by step we'll decide together the best splitting. In general, what should lead any couple regarding the budget is "Equilibrium"...I mean it doesn't make sense to spend 80% of the budget for the villa rental and have no budget for decorations…"
A timeline must be consistent and designed from each vendor’s perspective. Quality takes time, and ensuring that each vendor has the right amount of it is essential. Equally important is having the right team size for each task. her job is to orchestrate a seamless workflow without unnecessary pressure. She admits that crafting the time plan is one of the most time-consuming yet critical parts of the process.
To all couples currently planning their wedding, Elena offers one key piece of advice: "Try to live the planning process in the most exciting, funny and stress-free way. It's a journey and, together with the wedding day, all the planning period should be a special memory to collect for a life time."
With Elena Pensini Events, wedding planning is more than logistics—it’s about weaving love, trust, and timeless elegance into an unforgettable experience.
