A Colorful Lake Como Love Story: Toni & Caroline's Wedding at Villa Pizzo

Author: Natali Grace Levine
Wedding date: 07/17/2024
City: Lake Como

Love Story

What started as a vulnerable moment—Toni reaching out to Caroline for support in coming out—blossomed into something neither of them could have anticipated: true, lasting love. "It was perfect," Toni reminisces. "We went to a restaurant and sat at the bar. We ordered french fries and rosé and just talked for hours." From that very first meeting, their bond was undeniable—effortless, genuine, and filled with warmth.

Over the next four and a half years, their relationship grew richer and deeper, a journey of shared dreams and quiet joy that eventually led to a heartfelt proposal in Austin—a new chapter in a love story written from the most unexpected beginning.

About Your Wedding

When it came to planning their wedding, Toni and Caroline knew they wanted something special that reflected their journey. "People that know us know our style is very modern and neutral," Caroline explains. "When we were planning our wedding we didn’t know if we were gonna lean into colorful or keep it neutral. The more we talked about it the more we decided we wanted our celebration to be joyful and colorful like the journey of our love story."

"I've always dreamt of having an Italian wedding," Toni admits. "Caroline was on board because she wanted a smaller wedding and knew that wasn't possible in Texas with all of our family and friends."

The couple spent a year planning their perfect day, bringing together 110 of their closest friends and family at the stunning Villa Pizzo on Lake Como. Their wedding beautifully merged modern aesthetics with the natural beauty of the Italian landscape. "Our style still remained true to ourselves," Toni notes. "Although it was colorful we had many aspects that were modern and garden party-esque. Something for me that was non-negotiable was the rattan furniture and chandeliers. Orange has always been my favorite color and I wanted that to be incorporated into our day, which was both during and the night before."

When asked about their inspiration, the couple lights up. "Pinterest and Instagram were definitely our biggest inspiration during the process," Caroline shares. "But also once we saw the villa in person I had so many ideas flowing. We also really wanted our wedding to be memorable not just because it was beautiful but because of all the personal touches."

Among all the beautiful moments of their wedding day, one stands out most clearly for Toni. "Of course we danced the night away, but our ceremony was my favorite part," she confesses. "It sounds cliché but being there by the water with all of our favorite people expressing our love was something I’ll never forget."

Morning details

The couple's celebration was a true reflection of their love story—thoughtfully curated and filled with meaningful details. From the first impression to the final toast, every element was carefully considered, starting with the beautifully designed stationery by Abbey Strunk Studio. Together with the designer, they created a cohesive aesthetic that flowed seamlessly from the invitations to the on-site signage, all tied together by a custom logo crafted just for them.

"We had custom napkins with our logo that was created, signage, cups, menus and even our seating chart which was personalized letters to every guest thanking them for being there for our journey," Caroline shares, her words a testament to the gratitude and love woven into every detail.

Their wedding rings, chosen from Betsy Baird Jewelry, carried deep personal meaning, perfectly complementing the elegant Vivienne Westwood pieces that adorned them on the big day. It was a celebration where style met sentiment, and every touch told a story of their shared journey.

Brides getting ready

The morning of the wedding unfolded like a dream at the stunning Villa Pizzo,where both brides prepared for their big day with the serene beauty of Lake Como as their backdrop. The atmosphere was filled with anticipation and love, captured in every getting-ready moment amidst the villa’s timeless elegance. The couple thoughtfully chose complementary looks that honored their individual styles while weaving together a harmonious visual story of their love.

Toni began the day wrapped in a luxurious Homebodii robe, savoring the quiet, meaningful moments before stepping into her ceremony attire. For the vows, she wore a breathtaking Vivienne Westwood gown, adorned with matching jewelry that added a touch of iconic sophistication. A delicate veil and perfectly chosen shoes completed her look with graceful charm. Her bouquet—a vibrant arrangement of pink orchids by Riccardo Ciceri Flower Designer—brought a joyful burst of color to her refined ensemble. Caroline opted for a timeless Danielle Frankel gown for the ceremony.

Both brides planned outfit changes to carry them through different parts of the celebration. For the cake cutting, Toni changed into a three-piece Chosenbkhya set that offered a more playful look, while Caroline chose a sophisticated set from THE OWN STUDIO. When it came time for dancing, Toni donned a mini dress from THE OWN STUDIO that allowed for freedom of movement.

First Look

The couple’s first look unfolded in the enchanting gardens of Villa Pizzo, offering a serene and private moment to truly take in the weight and wonder of the day. Surrounded by the villa’s timeless beauty and the gentle whispers of Lake Como, they shared a quiet exchange that allowed them to pause, breathe, and connect—just the two of them—before the celebrations began.

This intimate moment, away from the gaze of guests, became a grounding ritual, a beautiful reminder of what the day was truly about: their love, their journey, and the promise of forever.
Ceremony

Ceremony

The ceremony took place on the beautiful terrace of Villa Pizzo's Darsena, situated right above the lake with breathtaking views of the water stretching to the mountains beyond. Caroline walked down to "Simply the Best" by Billianna, while Toni chose "you!" by LANY for her entrance.

A close friend conducted the ceremony, making it incredibly personal and meaningful for the couple. "Our cousin performed the ceremony and it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard… I know I’m biased, but truly everyone was in awe," Toni says with emotion.

The couple exchanged vows they had written themselves, creating one of the most touching moments of the day. "Something that was so special was how our vows complimented each other so well," Toni reveals. "We hadn’t read them to each other before and somehow they flowed perfectly together; it was so reassuring that our love is meant to be."

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Following the heartfelt ceremony, the newlyweds wandered through the picturesque grounds of Villa Pizzo, capturing the magic of the moment in their wedding portraits. True to their warm and thoughtful nature, the couple also invited their guests to join in some of the portraits—turning the photo session into a joyful celebration of connection and togetherness. Surrounded by their closest loved ones, they created not just stunning images, but cherished memories that would last a lifetime.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The overall decor theme combined Mediterranean vibrance with Italian elegance, emphasizing cheerful, bold florals and fresh, relaxed details. The ceremony was set on a pristine lawn overlooking Lake Como, offering a natural backdrop of water and mountains that took guests' breath away.

Two asymmetrical floral arches in vivid shades of pink, orange, yellow, and coral framed the couple at the altar, creating a vibrant focal point. The florals combined roses, dahlias, and lush greenery, exuding a joyful and whimsical atmosphere. Rows of lush floral arrangements lined the aisle, featuring the same bright blooms. The colorful palette created a playful contrast against the villa's elegant natural surroundings, resulting in a look that was fresh, lively, and full of personality.

For the reception, the couple created a Mediterranean garden wonderland set in a covered area draped with hanging greenery and blooms. The design embraced the villa's natural beauty while adding dramatic decor elements. Long banquet tables were adorned with abundant, colorful floral arrangements featuring citrus tones and pops of pink. Playful elements like fresh citrus fruits—lemons, oranges, and grapefruits—were interwoven with the flowers, adding a rustic Mediterranean touch.

Elegant, hand-painted plates with floral and botanical designs added charm and character to the tablescape, paired with crystal glassware and gold flatware for a sophisticated finish. Statement chandeliers and woven pendant lights hung overhead, creating a magical ambiance as day turned to evening.

Reception

As the sun set over Lake Como, the celebration continued with dinner and dancing. The couple chose "Love You For a Long Time" by Maggie Rogers for their first dance, setting the tone for an evening of joyful celebration.

Guests enjoyed a multi-course Italian feast prepared by AFM Banqueting, beginning with lettuce leaves, raspberry, Sakura sprouts, and primosale cheese. The first course featured paccheri pasta with red and yellow Pachino tomatoes, aromatic bread crumbs, and Stracciatella cheese, followed by a main course of seared beef filet with Chianti and black pepper, wild herbs, and new potatoes.

Working with vendors across international borders had initially caused some concern for the couple, but their fears quickly dissolved. "At first, we were worried about having a wedding so far and communicating with the teams, but they exceeded all our expectations," Toni admits. "They were absolutely the most incredible team….not a single stone was unturned." Caroline elaborates: "All the planning leading up, the calls, dealing with us changing our minds all the time, and then to the day of…there are no words. From catering to rentals to floral design to guest transportation, we were in absolute awe!"