Echoes of La Dolce Vita: Celebrating Daniella and Kevin’s Love at Villa Erba

Love Story

Daniella and Kevin's love story is a testament to the power of modern connection and old-fashioned persistence. Their paths first crossed in the spring of 2018, when Kevin stumbled upon Daniella's image in his cousin's Instagram story. Intrigued, he reached out, setting in motion a series of events that would change both their lives.

Their first date in New York's West Village was anything but conventional. Kevin, with his penchant for deep philosophical discussions, dove into weighty topics like free will and the nature of consciousness. Daniella, initially taken aback by his serious demeanor, found herself intrigued enough to continue their conversation via text. It was in these digital exchanges that Kevin's wit truly shone through, his infamous puns and their shared banter quickly winning Daniella over.

However, their budding romance faced an immediate challenge. Daniella was set to move back to LA and embark on a month-long graduation trip to Italy with her college roommates. Undeterred, Kevin offered to help with Daniella's move, carrying her boxes out of her Manhattan apartment in the pouring rain, all while acutely aware of the irony in sending his future wife's belongings across the country.

What happened next showcased Kevin's determination. Against the advice of his friends, who deemed the idea crazy and unrealistic, Kevin boarded a plane to Italy to surprise Daniella mid-trip. The surprise wasn't without its challenges. Daniella's friends were initially furious at the intrusion on their trip, and one memorable night even saw the group taking a dingy from Capri to Sorrento in pitch darkness. But Kevin's persistence paid off, and it was during this unexpected Italian adventure that their love truly blossomed.

Following their return, Kevin made the bold move to LA to be with Daniella. Their shared passion for travel and new experiences became a cornerstone of their relationship. They grew fond of adventures together, each trip strengthening their bond and creating lasting memories.

In a beautiful full-circle moment, they chose Italy as their wedding destination. By bringing their friends and family to the place where their love story began, Daniella and Kevin wanted to share not just their union, but the magic of their own journey.

This tale of modern meet-cute, bold gestures, and shared adventures laid the foundation for a wedding as unique and captivating as their love story. It proves that sometimes, taking a chance on love - even when it seems impractical or ill-timed - can lead to the most beautiful of journeys. Daniella and Kevin's story reminds us that in matters of the heart, persistence and a sense of adventure can overcome any obstacle, turning a chance encounter into a lifetime of love.

Daniella and Kevin's wedding was a celebration of love that transported their guests to the glamorous world of Italian Riviera chic. As they explained, "Our vision for our dream wedding was to create a deeply romantic and enchanting experience. We wanted an atmosphere that felt intimate and magical,where every detail reflected our love story."

The couple's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of their celebration. "Our goal was to craft a setting that was both beautiful and personal," they shared. "We envisioned a day filled with heartfelt moments, surrounded by our closest family and friends, making it a truly unforgettable celebration."

The style and concept of the wedding drew inspiration from the aristocratic charm and luxurious lifestyle of la dolce vita. Daniella and Kevin aimed to "create an atmosphere that exuded sophistication and timeless elegance, capturing the essence of classic Italian Riviera chic."

When asked about their inspiration during the planning process, Daniella revealed, "During the preparation for our wedding, I was most inspired by the timeless elegance captured in Slim Aarons' photographs, the luxurious lifestyle of la dolce vita, and the refined charm of aristocracy." They elaborated, "Slim Aarons' images of glamorous, sun-drenched scenes provided a perfect visual guide for creating an atmosphere of effortless sophistication."

The concept of la dolce vita played a significant role in shaping their vision. "The concept of la dolce vita, with its celebration of the good life, influenced our desire to create a joyous and enchanting experience for our guests," they explained.

With 250 guests in attendance, the couple chose the stunning Lake Como as their backdrop, bringing their dream of an Italian destination wedding to life. The celebration unfolded across several breathtaking locations, including Villa Bonomi for the welcome dinner, Lido di Lenno for a beach party, and the magnificent Villa Erba for the main wedding event.

Morning details

The couple's attention to detail was evident from the start, with every aspect of their wedding stationery and decor carefully curated to reflect their vision of aristocratic charm and la dolce vita luxury. They noted, "The aristocratic elements added a touch of regal elegance, ensuring that every detail, from the decor to the attire, reflected a sense of timeless grace and refinement."

Bride getting ready

Daniella's journey to find the perfect dress was a story in itself. "After trying on what felt like a thousand dresses, I finally found the perfect one by Oscar de la Renta," she recounts. "Initially, I was hesitant to even try it on because I had my heart set on a strapless dress, and this one had a scoop neck. However, my sales associate encouraged me to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I did. I fell in love with it instantly. We ended up modifying the neckline, and it turned out perfect."

The bride got ready with her bridesmaids at the magnificent Villa Erba. Her look was completed with a stunning Oscar de la Renta veil, featuring flower petals that perfectly matched the appliqué on her dress.

Groom getting ready

Kevin and his groomsmen prepared for the big day at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo. The groom looked dashing in a Tom Ford tuxedo, a choice that perfectly complemented the wedding's elegant aesthetic.

Ceremony

Overlooking the shimmering lake, the Darsena of Villa Erba was transformed into a haven of romance for Daniella and Kevin's ceremony. The choice of Ornella Vanoni's "L'appuntamento" as the bridal processional music added an undeniable touch of Italian elegance and emotion to the occasion.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

With the wind in their hair and the sun on their skin, the couple embraced the spirit of the Italian Riviera as they captured their love story on a classic Riva boat, a symbol of timeless elegance and romance.

Wedding Venue & Decor

With a palette of white, green, and gold, the wedding design was a celebration of nature's beauty and human artistry, a perfect complement to the idyllic setting of Lake Como and the timeless elegance of Villa Erba.

Reception

With love, laughter, and the spirit of la dolce vita as their guiding stars, the couple and their guests celebrated in style. The couple's first dance to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You" was a romantic highlight, a testament to their enduring love.

Reflecting on their wedding, Daniella and Kevin shared, "Every single one of our vendors was amazing." It's clear that this attention to detail and the support of their talented team helped create a truly unforgettable celebration of love.