Where Love Met Timeless Elegance: Rebecca & Adriano’s Wedding at Villa Erba

Love Story

Their love story is one of serendipity and shared dreams. From the moment they met, it was clear they were meant to be. With each passing year, their bond grew stronger, built on mutual respect, laughter, and an unshakable connection. The proposal was a culmination of their journey, a heartfelt moment that reflected their deep love and commitment to each other.

Planning their dream wedding took a little over a year. With 102 of their closest friends and family, the couple celebrated their union in the enchanting setting of Villa Erba, Cernobbio, on June 18, 2024.

Bride getting ready

Rebecca’s preparations took place in the opulent suite of Villa Erba. She wore a custom Vera Wang gown that she found during a whirlwind trip to New York. “After trying on about fifteen dresses, the one I ended up choosing was actually the last one of the day during my very short trip to New York. I hadn’t even finalized the venue yet, but I had a clear vision of where I wanted the wedding to be, so I just went for it. My goal was for the dress to enhance the venue's beauty, which became a central theme for the entire decoration process. I wanted the dress to be timeless and elegant. I made several modifications to the original dress—thank goodness for the talented seamstresses at Vera Wang who truly work magic.”

As for the veil, Rebecca shares, “I knew I wanted something dramatic to complement the dress. I found exactly what I was looking for: a long, trailing veil with lace cut from the same fabric as the dress, featuring intricate floral shapes. I instantly fell in love with it. Looking back, I knew this dress and veil would remain stylish and complement the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Erba forever.”

Makeup and hair were expertly handled by Goncharova Muah, achieving a timeless and radiant style. The bridal suite of Villa Erba, with its elegant furnishings and natural light, was the perfect location for her getting ready photoshoot, capturing every detail of her transformation.

Groom getting ready

Adriano prepared for the day in one of Villa Erba’s historic rooms, surrounded by his family and closest friends. The atmosphere was warm and filled with laughter, as they shared moments of camaraderie before the ceremony. Dressed in a classic black suit, Adriano exuded elegance and confidence, perfectly complementing the timeless theme of the wedding.

First Look

Rebecca and Adriano’s first look happened at the heart of the villa, at the base of the grand staircase, with their wedding party and immediate family watching from above. It was the ideal setting to make the moment feel intimate and personal while still sharing it with the people they love most.

Ceremony

The ceremony was a dreamlike moment set against the breathtaking backdrop of Villa Erba, located on the picturesque shores of Lake Como. “The villa, with its lush gardens and stunning lake views, has deep personal significance to Adriano and his family, making it the perfect setting for our fairytale-inspired wedding,” Rebecca shares.

Rebecca`s walk down the aisle was accompanied by the ethereal strains of “Turning Page (Violin Version)” by Ana Done. The music set the tone for a ceremony filled with love, elegance, and heartfelt emotion.

Adding a personal touch to the day, Adriano’s best man took on the important role of ring bearer, “carrying the rings with a sense of importance and pride that made the moment even more special.” This intimate detail further deepened the personal connection felt throughout the ceremony.

One of the most memorable moments for Rebecca was the sheer beauty of the setting. “One unforgettable moment was the view of Villa Erba’s breathtaking gardens as I walked down the aisle, feeling like I was stepping into a storybook,” she describes. “Another was exchanging vows under the open sky, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Como and our closest family and friends.” The serene surroundings provided the perfect setting for their heartfelt promises, creating memories they would treasure forever.

Photoshoot after the ceremony

After the ceremony, the couple explored Villa Erba’s iconic locations for their photoshoot. “The villa’s grand architecture, lush gardens, and the shimmering Lake Como provided an elegant and timeless backdrop. Each location represented a unique element of the venue’s beauty, ensuring our photos would capture the essence of our special day,” Adriano shares.

Wedding Venue & Decor

The wedding decor was a harmonious blend of nature and elegance. “Our color palette was inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Como and Villa Erba. Shades of green dominated the decor, complemented by ivory accents to match my gown,” Rebecca shares. The thoughtful selection of hues enhanced the lush, enchanted forest theme that enveloped the venue in timeless charm.

Floral arrangements played a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life. “The floral arrangements included roses, orchids, and other blooms that enhanced the lush, enchanted forest theme,” Rebecca explains. These details created an atmosphere that felt both magical and deeply personal.

Personalized touches were woven throughout the decor, adding unique elements to the celebration. “Adriano’s suit featured our initials and wedding date embroidered inside, and the floral arrangements incorporated details from my veil's lace,” Rebecca describes. “Every element, down to the candles lighting the reception hall, was designed to evoke a timeless and magical atmosphere.” These bespoke details added layers of intimacy and storytelling to their design.

Choosing Villa Erba as the venue was a heartfelt decision. “It was an easy choice, as it holds significant meaning for Adriano’s family and felt like stepping into a real-life fairytale,” Rebecca recalls. The venue was more than just a location; it was a way to honor Adriano’s father’s roots and the family’s history at Lake Como. Its timeless charm and personal significance made it the perfect setting for their dream wedding.

Reception

The reception was a culmination of elegance, love, and celebration, beginning with Rebecca and Adriano’s romantic first dance. “Our first dance was to Can’t Help Falling in Love sung by Kacey Musgraves, a beautiful and romantic melody that has been meaningful to us throughout our relationship,” Rebecca shares. Against the stunning ambiance of Villa Erba, this moment captured the essence of their love story.

The cocktail hour delighted guests with an Italian buffet featuring artisanal cheeses, meats, and fresh bread, paired with signature cocktails like Aperol Spritz and Negroni. “For dinner, we served a carefully curated Italian menu that celebrated the region’s rich culinary traditions,” Rebecca recalls. The flavors and presentation created a dining experience that was both authentic and unforgettable.

A standout feature of the evening was the Millefoglie wedding cake, a traditional Italian layered dessert crafted by Sunlake Catering. “Its symbolic layers represented the stages of our life together,” Rebbeca explains.

The success of the reception was largely due to an exceptional team of vendors. “The vendors truly exceeded all expectations,” Rebecca shares with gratitude. “Riccardo Ciceri’s stunning floral arrangements brought our vision to life, and the skilled seamstresses at Vera Wang ensured my dress was nothing short of perfection. The team at Villa Erba went the extra mile to ensure every detail of the day unfolded effortlessly.”

She continues, “I couldn’t have asked for a better hair and makeup team or a more talented photographer and videographer. They worked together flawlessly and understood my vision completely. Their dedication and artistry turned our wedding into the fairytale I had always dreamed of, and I am forever grateful for their contributions.”

Reflecting on the day, Rebecca adds, “The day perfectly captured the essence of our love and the fairytale dream I had always envisioned. Every moment, from the magical walk down the aisle to the enchanting dance under the trees, felt like living in a storybook. Villa Erba was more than just a venue—it became the backdrop for the beginning of our forever. Being in Lake Como,where Adriano’s family resides, makes it even more special. We can revisit time and time again, reliving the memories of an extraordinary day filled with love, laughter, and celebration with our closest family and friends.”