Romance in Lake Como: Liz and Kraeton’s Stunning Wedding at Villa Balbiano

Love Story

Liz Inglisa and Kraeton Moll’s love story began in high school, a relationship that blossomed into a nine-year journey filled with shared memories and dreams. Their paths intertwined as teenagers, and through each stage of life, they grew closer, solidifying a bond that would eventually bring them to the breathtaking shores of Lake Como for their wedding.

Kraeton proposed to Liz during a sunset boat ride overlooking Positano. “It was the most magical day ever!” Liz recalls. As they stood together at Villa Balbiano on their wedding day, it was clear that this moment had been a long time coming.

Liz and Kraeton dreamed of creating a wedding that felt like “a luxury Italian garden,” and Villa Balbiano provided the perfect backdrop for this vision. “We decided to create a full traditional Italian garden from scratch for the ceremony,” Liz explained. They drew inspiration from the famed Italian garden of Pellegrino Giardini, recreating its elegance and charm in the ceremony’s setting.

Liz’s custom Kim Kassas dress became a significant source of inspiration for the wedding style itself. “ My custom Kim Kassas dress was regal and classic. It aligned perfectly with our vision,” she shared, and as she walked down the aisle in it, the gown’s timeless elegance felt like a true embodiment of the day. The carefully selected earth tones in the decor were chosen to harmonize with the villa’s historic beauty, enhancing the intimate and luxurious feel they envisioned.

One of the most cherished memories for both Liz and Kraeton was making their wedding cake in front of their guests. It was a personal and joyful moment, symbolic of their journey together. The entire day reflected their love and attention to detail, creating an atmosphere that was both luxurious and intimate.

Morning details

The morning of Liz and Kraeton’s wedding began with an exquisite array of personalized details that set the tone for the day’s elegance. Their invitations, designed by @ginkgo_calligraphy, were hand-drawn in watercolor, capturing the soft, romantic feel of an Italian garden. “We wanted them to match the theme of our wedding but wanted the look of water-color,” Liz shared. Each invitation was a piece of art, perfectly aligned with the day’s aesthetic and giving guests a preview of the beauty to come.

When it came to rings, Liz had always had a clear vision. “I always wanted a classic look for my rings,” she explained. Before the engagement, she had shared with Kraeton that she wanted an oval-cut diamond, a timeless choice that suited her style perfectly. For the wedding band, they chose a delicate row of emerald-cut diamonds, which added a modern touch to her classic engagement ring, symbolizing the blend of tradition and elegance that marked their wedding day.

Liz’s jewelry for the day was thoughtfully selected from Verstolo, adding a refined sparkle to her bridal look. These morning details—invites, rings, and jewelry—wove together a story of care, intention, and beauty, setting the stage for a day that would unfold with romance and sophistication.

Bride getting ready

The morning of Liz’s wedding day was filled with excitement, elegance, and the final touches that would bring her bridal vision to life. Her dress, a custom design by Kim Kassas, was a labor of love that required careful collaboration. “I said yes to the dress,” Liz shared, and with the help of Kim Kassas and my bridal store, we changed aspects of the dress so it was perfection!” The gown, found at Mira Couture in Chicago, became the epitome of her dream look, blending timeless elegance with regal sophistication that aligned beautifully with the villa’s setting.

The getting-ready photoshoot took place at Villa Balbiano,where Liz, surrounded by her bridesmaids and mothers, prepared for the big day. Her final look was completed with a veil, delicate shoes, a sparkling tennis bracelet, and earrings that added a subtle shimmer to her already stunning appearance. Liz’s bouquet, crafted by @lakecomoflorist, featured classic white roses, a choice that added a refined, timeless touch to her ensemble.

Her bridesmaids wore dresses by Victoria Chapman and Dessy Group, creating a harmonious, elegant look that complemented Liz’s bridal style. The room was filled with love, laughter, and anticipation, each detail coming together to create a picture-perfect moment before the ceremony.

Groom getting ready

Kraeton prepared for the big day at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, sharing the morning with his groomsmen. He wore a sleek tuxedo that perfectly matched the refined style of the event, adding an air of sophistication to the day. The men shared laughs, stories, and a toast, each moment building up to the anticipation of the ceremony.

First Look

Liz and Kraeton’s first look was a deeply intimate moment, set in the secluded gardens of Villa Balbiano. Away from the crowd, they shared this quiet time alone,where they could fully take in the magnitude of the day. As Liz approached, Kraeton’s eyes widened with awe. “He was amazed at how beautiful I looked and he loved my wedding dress. He said I was breathtaking,” Liz recalled with a smile.

For Liz, the moment was filled with overwhelming emotion. “It was so wholesome and emotional,” she reflected. “It hit me in that moment that I was about to marry my high-school sweetheart.” The couple then exchanged private vows, sharing promises meant only for each other, enveloped by the tranquil beauty of the villa’s garden. This first look, with its quiet intimacy and heartfelt words, became a memory they would hold close to forever.

Photoshoot before the ceremony

In keeping with the theme of timeless elegance, the couple took pre-ceremony photos with a 1957 Porsche 356 Speedster, a black vintage beauty that added a unique touch to their Italian romance. The car, gleaming under the Italian sun, became an iconic symbol of their day, capturing the elegance and excitement that filled the air.

Ceremony

The ceremony unfolded in the breathtaking gardens of Villa Balbiano, a setting that mirrored the timeless elegance Liz and Kraeton had envisioned. As Liz began her walk down the aisle to a live rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” a quiet reverence filled the air. The melody, both romantic and tender, added a layer of depth to the already emotional moment, setting the perfect tone for their vows.

In a meaningful choice, the best man served as the ring bearer, symbolizing the strength of friendship and support that had accompanied them throughout their relationship. One of the most poignant moments came as Liz and Kraeton took a moment of silence during the ceremony, allowing them to fully take in the significance of their surroundings, their loved ones, and the promises they were about to make.

As they exchanged rings, they added a personal touch, kissing each other’s rings before placing them on each other's fingers. This quiet, intimate gesture reflected the depth of their love and the intentionality they had woven throughout the day, making it a truly unforgettable ceremony.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After the vows, the couple explored the villa’s sprawling gardens and opulent interiors for a post-ceremony photoshoot. The earth-toned decor, carefully selected to match the villa’s timeless beauty, provided a stunning backdrop as they captured every detail and emotion of their first moments as husband and wife.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The choice of Villa Balbiano as their wedding venue was an easy one for Liz and Kraeton. During a trip to Lake Como in 2017, they stumbled upon the villa and were instantly captivated. “Kraeton and myself saw the venue when we visited Lake Como in 2017 and said if we ever got married, it had to be there,” Liz shared, reminiscing about that first encounter. The villa’s historic charm and natural beauty felt like the perfect backdrop for their dream Italian garden wedding.

The decor was inspired by the venue itself, with a color palette rooted in earth tones that seamlessly blended with Villa Balbiano’s stately elegance. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the table settings, was designed to harmonize with the villa’s surroundings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Liz’s custom wedding dress added a uniquely personal touch, symbolizing her own connection to the day’s aesthetic and enhancing the timeless elegance that flowed throughout the celebration.

This thoughtful approach to decor made the villa feel even more like a part of their love story, as every shade and detail echoed the beauty of the place where they had decided to say "I do."

Reception

The evening began with Liz and Kraeton’s first dance to “Stand by Me,” setting a romantic tone for the reception. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal of scallops, truffle pasta, and filet mignon, along with Espresso Martinis and Moscow Mules to keep the mood festive. The couple’s interactive wedding cake—a mille-feuille they helped make in front of their guests—became a highlight of the evening, symbolizing their shared journey in a delightful and memorable way. A unique touch was a giant ball of mozzarella cut during the cocktail hour, a hit both with guests and on social media,where it quickly went viral.

The couple took great care in choosing their vendors, each handpicked to bring their vision to life. “We hand-picked each vendor so meticulously. With our 2 years of planning, we took our time to create the perfect team.”

Their wedding day was a celebration of enduring love, tradition, and the beauty of a shared journey. Amidst family, friends, and the timeless charm of Villa Balbiano, Liz and Kraeton began the next chapter of their story in a place that felt like home.