A Tale of Two Hearts: Michelle and Derek's Elegant Wedding at Relais Villa Vittoria

Love Story

Michelle and Derek's love story is one for the ages - a tale of high school crushes, missed connections, and a serendipitous reunion that blossomed into a beautiful marriage. "Derek and I first crossed paths over 20 years ago in high school, introduced by mutual friends," Michelle reminisces. "Although I had a secret crush on him, he was the upperclassman, and I never acted on it."

Life took them on separate journeys, but fate had other plans. In 2017, they reconnected, and what began as a rekindled friendship soon turned into something more. "We reconnected, and what began as a rekindled friendship soon blossomed into a lasting relationship," Derek shares.

Their relationship flourished, built on a foundation of shared interests and complementary careers. Michelle, an engineer in the tech industry, and Derek, a police officer, found balance in their professional lives and shared passions. "Our free time is spent in the gym or traveling," the couple explains.

After years of building their life together, Derek decided to take their relationship to the next level with a proposal as breathtaking as their love story. On December 10th, 2022, he orchestrated a surprise that Michelle will never forget. "Derek has a true talent for surprises, and our engagement was no exception," Michelle gushes. "As the sun set over the New York City skyline, Derek led me to a glass viewing elevator on the 105th floor of the Summit One Vanderbilt skyscraper."

Unbeknownst to Michelle, Derek had been secretly coordinating with Summit One Vanderbilt for weeks. As they approached the viewing elevator, Michelle was told they were on a VIP tour and that a photographer would be capturing the moment. "My fear of heights had me gripping the railing tightly as the transparent elevator ascended," Michelle recalls. "When we reached the top, Derek, laughing, asked me to turn around for a photo with him."

With the stunning New York City skyline as their backdrop and the world at their feet, Derek dropped to one knee. "The proposal was both timeless and modern, set against one of New York’s most iconic landmarks, making it an unforgettable chapter in our love story," Michelle says, her eyes sparkling at the memory.

But Derek wasn't done surprising Michelle. Later that evening, he proposed another idea that would set the stage for their next chapter.
"Derek proposed the idea of marrying on Lake Como," Michelle reveals. "My response was an enthusiastic yes!"

And so, with a love that had stood the test of time and distance, Michelle and Derek began planning their dream wedding in one of the most romantic places on earth. Their journey from high school crushes to husband and wife was about to reach its beautiful culmination on the shores of Lake Como.

Michelle and Derek's wedding was a deeply personal and heartfelt celebration of their love and their connection to the stunning shores of Lake Como. “We wanted our wedding to be a heartfelt celebration of our love and our deep connection to Lake Como, a place that holds a special place in our hearts,” Michelle explains. With only 21 guests—family and close friends—the couple envisioned an experience that allowed everyone to share in the warmth and closeness they feel for each other.

The style of the wedding was built on the foundation of timeless elegance, with an emphasis on intimate charm paired with sophisticated, fashionable elements. “The result was an atmosphere that felt both contemporary and enduringly beautiful,” Michelle shares. Every detail, expertly planned by Diana from Edelweiss Weddings, brought that vision to life.

Their inspiration came largely from the breathtaking beauty of Lake Como itself. “Every element of the wedding was designed to complement and enhance the serene landscape that has always been close to our hearts,” Michelle explains. From the villa’s picturesque terrace to the classic white blooms paired with lush greenery, everything felt effortlessly tied to the setting.

A key moment they’ll never forget? The rain. “In keeping with the Italian saying "Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata"—"A wet bride is a lucky bride",” Michelle laughs. Just as she began her walk down the aisle, a light rain started to fall. “It felt like a stroke of luck, but also like a sign from our loved ones who had passed and couldn’t be with us that day, blessing the start of our new chapter,” she says, reflecting on the emotion of the moment. And as if by magic, the rain stopped the moment they said their vows, signaling a stroke of luck that made the day even more memorable.

Morning details

The couple's attention to detail was evident from the start, beginning with their carefully chosen wedding stationery. "The invitations were created by Truly Engaging," Michelle shares, setting the tone for their Lake Como wedding.

When it came to wedding rings, the couple took a unique approach that perfectly reflected their personal style. Michelle explains, "Derek had designed my engagement ring so beautifully that I didn’t want to cover it with a wedding band just yet, so we decided I’d get one on our first anniversary."

For Derek, the couple thought outside the box. Michelle reveals, "As for Derek, he prefers not to wear a ring, so during our travels, I found the perfect alternative—a watch, which became his 'wedding band.'” This unconventional choice was more than just practical. As the couple puts it, "This choice was not only practical but also deeply personal, reflecting our unique style and preferences."

The couple's approach to these traditional wedding elements showcases their desire to make every aspect of their celebration uniquely theirs. From the invitations that set the tone to the personalized "rings" that symbolize their union, Michelle and Derek infused their personalities into every detail of their wedding morning.

As the morning of their wedding day dawned over Lake Como, these carefully chosen details served as a beautiful prelude to the magical celebration that was about to unfold.

Bride getting ready

Michelle's bridal preparations took place in the Prestige Suite at Relais Villa Vittoria. "A spacious haven filled with natural light," Michelle recalls. “The suite’s stunning balcony, overlooking the serene waters of Lake Como, provided the perfect backdrop for capturing those unforgettable pre-ceremony moments."

Her wedding gown was a true showstopper - a customized Martina Liana Luxe design (LE1226) that perfectly embodied her vision. Michelle shares, "I envisioned a gown that was both fitted and featured a low back. After exploring various designers, I found the perfect match in the LE1226 from the Martina Liana Luxe collection."

The dress underwent some custom modifications to suit Michelle's taste. "Initially designed with straps, the gown was customized into an off-the-shoulder style with boning, thanks to Martina Liana’s expertise," she explains. "It dazzled with intricate lace details, delicate pearls, and a subtle layer of glitter-infused fabric. The gown hugged my hips beautifully and featured a stunning cathedral-length lace train that cascaded elegantly."

Michelle found her dream dress at The Bridal Collection in Colorado. To complete her bridal look, she chose some stunning accessories. "For my wedding day accessories, I chose a pair of Jimmy Choo heels adorned with crystal embellishments that cascaded from the heel and featured a delicate rhinestone strap," Michelle describes. "They felt like jewelry for my feet, adding just the right touch of sparkle."

Her veil held a special significance. "I borrowed one that had been worn by both a dear friend and her sister-in-law at their ceremonies," Michelle shares. "It was our own version of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, only with a veil, and it carried a sense of luck and tradition that felt truly special."

The floral arrangements added the final touch to Michelle's bridal look. "For the florals, our planner collaborated with Erica Flower Studio to create a timeless palette of classic white blooms paired with lush greenery," she explains. "Given the venue’s already stunningly manicured and verdant setting, we chose white flowers to enhance and complement the natural surroundings beautifully."

When it came to bridesmaids, the couple took an unconventional approach. "Given the intimate size of our wedding, we embraced a unique approach by telling our guests that they were all our bridesmaids and groomsmen," Michelle reveals. "My sister, the maid of honor, walked down the aisle with Derek's friend, the Best Lady, both elegantly dressed in black gowns they personally chose. We requested formal black attire from all our guests, and they certainly did not disappoint, adding a sophisticated and cohesive touch to our celebration.."

Groom getting ready

Derek's wedding day attire was nothing short of dapper. He collaborated with Tate from The 5280 Clothier to create a custom tuxedo that made a real statement. "Derek’s tuxedo was a testament to his impeccable style, custom-made to make a statement," Michelle shares. The groom settled on a luxurious deep navy blue fabric adorned with a subtle black paisley pattern and a black lapel.

First Look

For their first look, Michelle and Derek chose a setting that perfectly encapsulated their love for Lake Como - aboard a classic Italian boat from Cadenazzi. "No trip to Lake Como is complete without a scenic boat ride, and it was on a previous journey across the lake that I knew I would marry Derek," Michelle says, her eyes sparkling with the memory. "For our first look, we boarded a classic Italian boat from Cadenazzi, gliding over the shimmering waters with Frank Sinatra’s melodies in the background.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

The pre-ceremony photoshoot continued on the boat, capturing not only the couple's love but also the breathtaking scenery of Lake Como.
"Our photos captured the beauty of our wedding villa, Relais Villa Vittoria, as well as stunning views of the Orrido di Nesso, showcasing its picturesque bridge and cascading waterfall," Michelle explains.

Ceremony

The wedding ceremony took place on the villa's terrace, with the enchanting sounds of a violinist setting the mood. As Michelle walked down the aisle to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love," a light rain began to fall.

"True to the Italian saying "Sposa bagnata, sposa fortunata," which translates to "A wet bride is a lucky bride," the rain began to fall just as I walked down the aisle," Michelle recalls with a smile.

The couple exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family, all dressed elegantly in black. “As we were announced as husband and wife and exited the ceremony, the sweet strains of "What a Wonderful World" filled the air, marking a truly memorable conclusion to our vows,” they recall.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

Wedding Venue & Decor

The couple's choice of Relais Villa Vittoria as their wedding venue was inspired by their love for Lake Como and its natural beauty. The decor, planned and coordinated by Diana from Edelweiss Weddings, focused on enhancing the already stunning surroundings.

The couple chose a color palette of white and greenery with a touch of black, which complemented the villa's elegant architecture and the lush landscape perfectly.

Reception

The reception was a celebration of Italian cuisine and culture. Michelle and Derek opted for a more formal dinner experience, foregoing the traditional first dance. "We chose to opt for a more formal dinner without dancing," the couple shares.

Le Luci del Lago created a menu that honored traditional Italian flavors, perfectly complementing the intimate ambiance of the reception. Michelle describes the culinary journey: "For our wedding, we chose Le Luci del Lago to create a menu that celebrated traditional Italian cuisine, perfectly complementing the intimate ambiance of our reception. The plated meal featured salmon carpaccio with mustard and fennel, risotto with Parmesan cheese and sausage ragù, beef fillet with red wine sauce, and classic tiramisù."

The couple ensured their guests had a true Italian dining experience. "To complete the Italian experience, we offered a curated selection of fine wines and post-dinner espresso, ensuring a delightful and memorable conclusion to our celebration," Michelle adds.

The wedding cake, designed by Lallaby Cake, was a showstopper. Michelle reminisces, "Our wedding cake was a stunning two-tiered masterpiece. One tier offered a delectable pistachio flavor, while the other was a rich chocolate. The combination was simply divine, and it’s a taste I’m still dreaming about."

Adding a touch of fun and festivity to the evening, the couple included a champagne tower. "Alongside the cake, we had a champagne tower, which added a fun and festive touch as our guests cheered us on. It turned out to be more challenging to pour than I had anticipated!"

Reflecting on their wedding day, the couple couldn't be more pleased with their choice of vendors. "We couldn’t have asked for a better team of wedding vendors," they express gratefully. "Our heartfelt gratitude goes to Diana and Edelweiss Weddings, who introduced us to an exceptional group of professionals we might never have discovered on our own. Their expertise and connections were invaluable in bringing our vision to life."