Harriet and Michael’s Dream Wedding at Villa Pizzo: A Tale of Love and Elegance
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 06/09/2024
- City: Lake Como
Love Story
Some love stories begin with a spark, others with a gentle flame that grows over time. For Harriet and Michael, their journey started with the kind of foundation that dreams are built on – friendship, family connections, and perfect timing.
"Michael went to high school with my brother James, so we had known each other for many years before we started dating," Harriet shares. The stars aligned when Michael returned to Montreal from university for summer holidays, and fate intervened during a night out with friends. "We bumped into each other while we were out one night with our friends, he asked me out on a date (with James' approval) and we've been dating ever since."
What makes their timeline even more magical? "A few days before our wedding day, we celebrated 9 years together as a couple. And so our 1 year wedding anniversary will also mark 10 years together as a couple," Harriet explains with a smile in her voice.
Сan we talk about the proposal story? Because Michael gets major points for persistence! "Michael tried proposing 3 times but the first two times covid got in the way," Harriet tells us. But third time's the charm, and what a charm it was! "We were away on a long weekend trip just the two of us and he proposed in the ice glaciers of Whistler in BC. It was such a special moment, in the middle of ice glaciers with no phone service, so we enjoyed the moment just the two of us before heading back to our hotel to share the news with friends and family. After the long weekend trip, we came home to Montreal, and my parents were arriving that week from Australia so we were able to celebrate together with both of our families which was really special."
About Your Wedding
With Michael's friends and family rooted in Canada and Harriet's loved ones calling Australia home, the couple faced a beautiful challenge: how to bring everyone together for their special day. Their solution was nothing short of brilliant. "Our dream was to have everyone meet together in Italy (as a sort of halfway point) to celebrate our wedding," Harriet explains. This thoughtful approach ensured that no one had to travel impossibly far, while creating an unforgettable destination experience for all 180 guests.
After a year of careful planning, their vision crystallized into something truly spectacular. "Minimal, elegant and timeless," Harriet describes their wedding style. The inspiration came naturally from their chosen location: "The venue and the landscape surrounding it was a big inspiration."
When we asked about the moment they'll treasure forever, both Harriet and Michael were unanimous: "Sharing our vows with each other in front of our friends and family" was the key moment that made everything else fade into the background.
Bride Getting Ready
Finding the perfect wedding dress can be a journey, but for Harriet, it was also a meaningful connection to her Australian roots. "I found my wedding dress at Sphere Bridal Gallery in Queensland, Australia and the designer was Chosen by Kyha. It was important to me that both my dresses for the wedding and welcome party were Australian designers. My welcome party dress was Rebecca Valence."
This thoughtful choice speaks to Harriet's desire to honor her heritage while creating her dream bridal look. The getting ready photos took place in the most picturesque setting imaginable – "at the Villa my family rented in Lake Como," surrounded by the same breathtaking landscape that would frame their vows.
"With my mother, father and bridesmaids" by her side, Harriet prepared for her big moment. Her final look was the epitome of understated elegance: "I wore a Veil for the ceremony, Rene Caovilla shoes and simple diamond jewellery."
The bridal bouquet was a study in classic beauty. "My bouquet flowers were white hydrangeas and the Florist was Flower One," Harriet shares. The crisp white blooms perfectly complemented the timeless aesthetic they'd envisioned. Her bridesmaids looked absolutely stunning in "Shona Joy dresses in sage green," creating a soft, romantic contrast against the dramatic Lake Como backdrop.
Groom Getting Ready
Michael's preparation was equally thoughtful and stylish. His custom tuxedo came from Atelier 1200, designed using Loro Piana fabric – a choice that speaks to both quality and sophistication.
Like his bride, Michael prepared for the ceremony at the villa his family rented in Lake Como, creating parallel moments of anticipation and excitement. With his mother, father, grandfather and groomsmen surrounding him, the morning was filled with love and support from multiple generations.
First Look
We're absolutely melting over Harriet and Michael's first look moment. They chose the most romantic possible setting: down by the water at Villa Pizzo,where the stunning lake provided a mirror-like backdrop for their private reunion.
When we asked Michael about his first thought upon seeing his bride, his response gave us all the feels: "She looked so beautiful, I was so excited to get married and spend the rest of our lives together."
For Harriet, the moment held equally deep meaning: "It was a very intimate moment where it was just the two of us. It was so special to have that moment together and take it all in before the Ceremony and Reception with ours guests."
This precious pause before the celebration allowed them to connect privately and savor the magnitude of their day – a decision that clearly created one of their most treasured memories.
Ceremony
The ceremony location was nothing short of breathtaking. It took place at the Agora, in front of Lake Como, creating a naturally stunning amphitheater with the Italian lake serving as the most romantic backdrop imaginable.
Music played a crucial role in their processional, with carefully chosen songs that held deep meaning. "Bride - Paradise by Coldplay, Groom - Con Te Partiro. Both songs were played by the String Trio," adding live musical elegance to their lakeside vows.
One of the most touching moments came with their choice of ring bearer. "Our 7 month old nephew Ford" took on this precious role, creating a moment that was both adorable and deeply meaningful. "Having my brother walk over holding his 7 month old son Ford (the ring bearer) and hand over the rings to the officiant was really special," Harriet recalls.
But the heart of the ceremony remained their personal vows. "Sharing our personal vows with each other in front of friends and family was really special" – a moment that transformed their private promises into a public declaration of love witnessed by everyone who matters most to them.
Wedding Venue & Decor
Villa Pizzo proved to be everything Harriet and Michael had dreamed of and more. Their venue selection process was as romantic as the destination itself. "We wanted to get married somewhere in between Canada and Australia,where our friends and family could meet in the 'middle'. We also wanted to get married by the water so we ended up choosing Lake Como." The decision became crystal clear during their venue visit. "We visited a few venues in Lake Como a year prior to getting married and after visiting and walking around Villa Pizzo, we knew it was the perfect venue." Sometimes you just know when something is right!
Their color palette perfectly complemented the natural beauty of their surroundings. "We wanted to keep it simple and elegant with whites and greenery" – a choice that allowed the stunning lake and historic villa architecture to shine while creating timeless, elegant photographs that will never look dated. The decor philosophy of letting the venue's natural beauty take center stage proved absolutely perfect, creating an atmosphere that felt both grand and intimate, formal and relaxed.
Reception
The reception was filled with personal touches that made the celebration uniquely theirs. Their first dance song choice was deeply meaningful: "You are the reason by Calum Scott" – a romantic ballad that perfectly captured their journey from friendship to forever love.
The beverage program included a charming His and Hers cocktails concept. "His Negroni and hers Aperol Spritz" offered guests a taste of both Michael and Harriet's preferences, while also nodding to classic Italian aperitivos that perfectly suited their Lake Como setting. The culinary experience was crafted by AFM Banqueting, who also created their wedding cake, ensuring seamless service and consistent quality throughout the evening.
Bringing together loved ones from across the globe for a weekend none of them will ever forget was a pure joy. Harriet's final thoughts on their vendor team: "Loved all the vendors, it all came together so beautifully. It was also really special to have one of my close friends Alanna do my makeup for the wedding and welcome party."
Wedding Team
- Photographer Lace and Luce
- Venue Villa Pizzo
- Bridal Hair Elena Panzeri Makeup & Hair Artist
- Officiant Fabio - the celebrant
- Planner Blooming Eventi
- Catering @afmbanqueting
- Entertainment and Lighting @blunotteventi
- Floral Designer @theflower.one
- Riva Boat @comoclassicboats
- Stationery @_letter_b
- Bridal Makeup @makeupby_alanna
- Wedding Dress @spherebridalgallery @chosenbykyha
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