A Timeless Lake Como Love Story: Jessica & Daniel's Elegant Wedding at Villa Pizzo

Love Story

We are overjoyed to share the enchanting journey of Jessica and Daniel, a Toronto couple whose romance blossomed back in 2015 when they were both in university. Their story began on a lively night at the Madison Avenue Pub,where mutual friends brought them together. Fast forward to today, and they’re celebrating nearly a decade of love.

The moment Daniel proposed is one we just had to hear in Jessica’s own words:

“In November 2021, Daniel organized a surprise trip to New York City. At that time, his sister lived there and mentioned we would be meeting her for dinner. We got stuck in some traffic on our way there, so Daniel suggested we get out and walk through Central Park to save time. I was excited about the idea, as Central Park holds a special place in our hearts, and I would never pass up a chance to stroll through. He led me to a special spot by Bethesda Fountain, took my hands, got down on one knee, and proposed with heartfelt words and promises. I was completely taken by surprise and overwhelmed with joy, crying happy tears as people around us cheered and celebrated our moment - it all felt like a scene from a movie.”

That love, wonder, and warm devotion that Jessica and Daniel share has guided them through every step of their planning for a wedding that truly embodies timeless elegance.

Jessica and Daniel’s wedding took place on September 10, 2024, bringing together around 100 guests for a multi-day celebration in the enchanting setting of Lake Como. They spent two years thoughtfully crafting each detail, ensuring it would reflect their love story and honor the captivating beauty of Italian tradition.

When we asked about their vision for the big day, here’s how Jessica summed it up: “When we thought about the vision for our dream wedding we pictured a celebration steeped in timeless elegance and romance, beautifully honouring our Italian heritage. From the lush floral arrangements to the table settings, we wanted every element to be thoughtfully curated in order to create an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy.”

They described the overall style and concept as one of classic beauty blended with playful, joyful moments: “We wanted to design our wedding to evoke a sense of romance, timeless elegance, and classic beauty, all while integrating traditional elements that reflect our heritage and values. We aimed to create an atmosphere that felt not only sophisticated but also enjoyable and lively, ensuring that our guests would have a memorable experience.”

Throughout the two-year planning process, Lake Como served as their muse: “We were inspired by the enchanting history of the villas in Lake Como, and imagined a luxurious setting adorned with exquisite details that reflected our love story..”

Guided by these heartfelt aspirations, Jessica and Daniel hosted events at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo for the welcome party, Piazza Argegno for the rehearsal dinner, the stunning Chiesa dei SS. Martino e Agata for their ceremony, and finally Villa Pizzo for the grand reception.

Morning details

The morning of Jessica and Daniel’s wedding was brimming with excitement, laughter, and intricate planning, all set against the luxurious backdrop of Lake Como. The day began with the fine details of their stationery setting the tone for elegance. Their invitations, designed by the incredibly talented Aileen Fretz of Plume Calligraphy, were a sight to behold. This 10-piece suite, crafted meticulously, had transformed their ideas into a tangible expression of their vision, each piece echoing the timeless elegance they cherished. Collaborating closely with Shasta Bell Calligraphy for church programs and Alice and Isabella from Letterink for personalized place cards, seating charts, and welcome bags added layers of personal touches that enhanced the celebratory spirit.

Their rings held deep sentimental value, too. “We collaborated closely with our favorite jeweler and friend, Jared Brown from Jared Brown Designs,” they shared. Jared presented various designs, guiding them to refine their preferences until they designed custom wedding bands that perfectly symbolized their commitment.

Jessica wore gorgeous diamond stud earrings during the ceremony, sourced by Jared, and later complemented her second look with special diamond geometric spiral earrings. Meanwhile, Daniel proudly wore a Cartier watch, a gift from his parents, along with Cartier cufflinks gifted by Jessica, and a Dior lily of the valley lapel pin worn in place of a traditional boutonniere.

Bride getting ready

In Suite Bellini at Passalacqua, Jessica prepared for her big day surrounded by an intimate group of loved ones. " I felt an overwhelming sense of joy being surrounded by such positive, uplifting, and beautiful people," she shares. Her mother, two sisters-in-law as bridesmaids, brother as man of honour, mother-in-law, and flower girl all gathered to share in these precious moments.

Jessica's wedding dress journey was nothing short of extraordinary. "I explored numerous boutiques both locally in Toronto and internationally. From Milan to New York and Miami, I fully immersed myself in the bridal experience, enjoying every moment of trying on gowns. I must have tried on over 60 dresses from a variety of designers," she recalls. "but it wasn't until I slipped into the Zuhair Murad gowns that I realized he was the bridal designer of my dreams." When Murad's Autumn 2024 collection was unveiled, Jessica found her perfect dress at Ever After in Miami during a whirlwind 24-hour trip.

For her second look, she turned to stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz, who guided her to the Danielle Frankel atelier. "I encountered the breathtaking "Hazel" gown, which made me feel so incredibly glamorous and confident," Jessica remembers. She ultimately purchased this stunning piece from White, a bridal boutique in Toronto.

Her bridal ensemble was thoughtfully curated down to every detail. Manolo Blahnik white lace pointed-toe pumps added sophistication, while diamond stud earrings from jeweler Jared Brown provided the perfect sparkle. A breathtaking cathedral-length veil with intricate lace trimming, designed by Zuhair Murad, completed her timeless look.

The floral element was equally meaningful. "I had always envisioned carrying a classic and romantic bouquet, featuring delicate lily of the valley," Jessica explains. Talented florist Larry Walshe brought her vision to life, incorporating a special blessed crucifix from Saint Patrick's Cathedral – a gift from her mother – into the arrangement. Her bridesmaids complemented her beautifully in custom dresses designed by Toronto's Antoinette Catenacci.

Groom getting ready

Daniel’s morning was every bit as meaningful. He readied himself at Casa al Lago at Passalacqua, joined by his dad, three groomsmen, and Jessica’s dad. Dressed in a custom Tom Ford tuxedo, Daniel exuded timeless style, accessorizing with a Cartier watch gifted by his parents, Cartier cufflinks from Jessica, and a Dior lily of the valley lapel pin.

Ceremony

The couple exchanged vows in the historic Chiesa dei SS. Martino e Agata,where Jessica walked down the aisle to Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel. The ceremony beautifully wove together family traditions and sacred moments, including a cherished custom where Jessica carried a handkerchief crafted by her mother in Burano, Venice, by a skilled Venetian lace maker.

"Our wedding ceremony was filled with countless cherished moments, each one forever engraved in our hearts," Jessica recalls with emotion. "As I walked down the aisle with my dad, I felt an overwhelming sense of support and love surrounding me. When my mom joined us to place my hand in Daniel’s, it created a beautiful circle of family, love, and connection."

The couple's darling cousin Vittoria served as flower girl, while Jessica's brother (her man of honour) and Daniel's best man had the honor of carrying their rings. The ceremony was rich with meaningful moments, including the blessing of their family Bible and Daniel's sister's ethereal rendition of "Ave Maria." In a touching tribute to their mothers and faith, the couple presented bouquets to the Virgin Mary.

"Exchanging our vows and receiving the sacrament of marriage was incredibly poignant for both of us," Jessica shares. The celebration reached its peak as they emerged from the church to "We Have All the Time in the World" played by a string quartet. "The cheers and smiles from our family, friends, and even local onlookers embraced us with love, making us feel profoundly blessed and reminding us of God’s presence on our special day."

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After becoming husband and wife, Jessica and Daniel whisked away to Villa Pizzo for more unforgettable photographs. “We kicked off our photoshoot on the serene lake in a charming Riva boat, which added a touch of elegance and romance to our pictures,” they recall. “Following that, we explored the iconic Villa itself, with its breathtaking architecture and exquisite interiors, as well as the expansive and picturesque grounds that surrounded it.”

Wedding Venue & Decor

Villa Pizzo captured the couple's hearts from their first visit. "When we stepped into Villa Pizzo for the first time, we were immediately struck by the warm hospitality and genuine care shown by the staff," Jessica shares. "The villa itself is a stunning example of Italian architecture, featuring beautifully manicured gardens that cascade down to the lake, creating a breathtaking backdrop for any event. The elegant interiors are adorned with exquisite decor, blending classic and contemporary styles that allow for versatility in wedding themes. We felt an undeniable connection to the space and immediately knew that we wanted to become a part of its rich history. The combination of its picturesque setting, attentive service, and romantic ambiance made Villa Pizzo the ideal venue for our wedding day."

The couple's vision for their wedding palette was thoughtfully designed to reflect a neutral and warm aesthetic. "Our goal was to create an atmosphere that felt both timeless and classic, ensuring that the beauty of the day could shine through without any distractions," Jessica explains. The palette featured sophisticated shades of white and taupe, enhanced by fresh touches of greenery that perfectly complemented Villa Pizzo's garden aesthetic. Gold accents in the stationery and place settings paid homage to the villa's rich history and classic Italian opulence.

Personal touches were woven throughout every detail of the decor. Elegant velvet menus and linen napkins were embossed with the couple's custom monogram, while bar lamps featured hand-painted images of Villa Pizzo. The bar itself was transformed with a stunning wall covering that mimicked plaster, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.

The couple's attention to detail extended to the smallest touches – from Zippo lighters etched with their monogram on cocktail tables to personalized late-night pizza boxes. "These thoughtful details not only enhanced the ambiance but also made our wedding feel truly special and tailored to us," Jessica remembers.

Reception

The celebration began with the couple's romantic first dance to Etta James's "At Last," setting the tone for an evening of elegance and joy. The culinary journey, crafted by AFM Banqueting, was nothing short of extraordinary. "Their team went above and beyond to make our vision a reality, delivering exceptional service throughout," the couple recalls. As a jazz band played soothing melodies, guests explored various live food stations, including a show-stopping fresh mozzarella bar where they watched expert chefs at work.

A highlight of the reception was the live assembly of their traditional Mille Foglie wedding cake by AFM. "It was such an exciting opportunity!" Jessica exclaims. "Our guests were not only captivated by the live assembly and decorating process, but they were also amazed by how delicious the cake turned out to be." The dessert experience continued with an incredible buffet featuring confetti, traditional Italian wedding candy from Conti Confetteria in Milano. As the night progressed, guests enjoyed late-night treats of personal pizza boxes and individual portions of pasta.

The entire celebration was brought to life by an exceptional team of vendors. "Our wedding planners, Valentina and Nadia from Bespoke Unique Weddings, were exceptionally patient and kind throughout the entire planning process, and we now consider them a cherished part of our family," Jessica notes. "Their dedication and support transformed our special day into an unforgettable experience, and we are eternally grateful for their unwavering commitment to making our dreams a reality."

The day was beautifully captured by photographers Danilo and Sharon, along with videographers Francesca and Simone of Lumos Produzioni. "They expertly guided us throughout the entire photoshoot and filming process, ensuring that every moment felt natural and effortless," Jessica remembers. "From the moment we began, they created a relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to be ourselves, capturing genuine emotions and spontaneous interactions. Their keen eye for detail and artistic vision transformed each scene into beautiful memories, making every transition between shots feel seamless. We felt completely supported by their professionalism and creativity, which made the entire experience enjoyable and stress-free."

The couple's glam squad, including makeup artists, hair stylists, and day-of wardrobe stylists, helped create the perfect atmosphere from the start. "Their professionalism and positive energy created a warm atmosphere that immediately put us at ease," Jessica shares. "Every member of the team was not only exceptionally skilled but also incredibly kind, taking the time to listen to our visions and preferences."

"We genuinely believe we had an outstanding team of wedding vendors by our side," Jessica reflects. "From the very beginning of our planning journey, we were focused on collaborating with individuals who shared our values—kindness, dedication, hard work, and thoughtfulness. We are proud to say that we achieved this goal. Each vendor contributed their unique expertise and creativity, ensuring the seamless execution of our vision. We truly feel that they rank among the very best in the industry, and we couldn't have been happier to share such a significant moment in our lives with them. We are incredibly thankful for the lasting memories they helped us create and for the meaningful relationships we formed along the way."