A Three-Day Fairytale Wedding at Relais Villa Vittoria, Lake Como With Citrus Charm & Opulent Florals

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

For the pre-wedding night, we wanted to capture the essence of the Amalfi Coast and bring it to Lake Como, creating a vibrant yet elegant atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from its breathtaking scenery, we curated a color palette featuring a harmonious blend of blue, light blue, yellow, and white. For the wedding day, the couple envisioned an elevated, classy, and romantic ambiance. To bring this vision to life, we chose a timeless color palette of white, green, and gold, adding a touch of sophistication and charm to every detail.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Brandi & Cedric envisioned a three-day wedding celebration surrounded by their family and friends. For the first night, we planned a relaxed pizza party infused with the charm and ambiance of Lake Como, followed by a scenic cruise on the lake with all their guests. On board, they enjoyed live music and refreshing cocktails while admiring the breathtaking views of the lake’s historic villas from the perfect vantage point. For the wedding day, they wanted a sophisticated and elegant aesthetic, keeping the palette timeless with white and green. After designing the overall mood board, they loved my suggestion of incorporating touches of gold and personalizing their mise-en-place for both the pre-wedding event and the wedding day itself. Thanks to AF Opening, I was able to source the finest rentals, bringing their vision to life with flawless execution. Additionally, the day-of stationery, beautifully crafted by The Lights Factory, perfectly complemented the overall mood and design.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]For her wedding dress, Brandi chose a stunning gown by J’Aton Couture, featuring intricate lace and elegant sheer details. She found her dream dress at Lovella Bridal Boutique in Los Angeles, where timeless craftsmanship met modern sophistication. For her bridal shoes, Brandi selected a beautiful and very comfortable pair of Bella Belle Shoes — the famous 12-hour shoes!

Cedric, on the other hand, opted for a luxurious black tuxedo by The Black Tux, paired with an amazing pair of black velvet loafers by Christian Louboutin.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

All the bridesmaids wore elegant light sage green dresses, each in a unique style but perfectly coordinated in the same shade. The dresses, sourced from Meshki, added a modern yet timeless touch to the bridal party’s sophisticated look.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]All the groomsmen looked effortlessly sophisticated in classic black tie, exuding timeless elegance. Their sharp tuxedos and sleek accessories perfectly complemented the refined aesthetic of the wedding.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The food and beverage experience curated by Relais Villa Vittoria was nothing short of exceptional. For the pre-wedding night, guests were treated to a selection of flavorful appetizers, including crispy arancini, potato croquettes, fried olives stuffed with meat, fried mozzarella, and fresh mixed salads. When it came to pizza, they opted for a mouthwatering mix of Margherita, Diavola, and Napoli, all served piping hot. The meal ended on a refreshing note with fresh fruit and a tangy lemon sorbet. On the wedding day, the culinary experience was elevated with a lavish aperitivo. A carefully curated selection of cold cuts and cheeses was paired with an assortment of freshly baked bread and focaccia. To enhance the spread, they included a Mediterranean station and a dedicated fried-food corner. The Mediterranean selection featured goat cheese truffles coated in fresh chives or sweet paprika, creamy buffalo mozzarella served alongside crisp raw vegetables, pinzimonio, cherry tomatoes, cucumber salad with yogurt sauce and red pepper, and delicate grilled zucchini rolls filled with soft cheese and fresh mint. Meanwhile, the fried-food corner delighted guests with mini supplì (fried rice bites with tomato and mozzarella), eggplant balls, fried mozzarella toast, and crispy battered onion rings. For the seated dinner, they embraced classic Italian flavors, starting with a beautifully simple yet flavorful dish of spaghetti with Pachino tomatoes and basil. The main course featured a Mediterranean-inspired sea bream fillet sautéed with white wine, garlic, cherry tomatoes, parsley, black olives, and capers, perfectly capturing the essence of Italian cuisine. Before the grand wedding cake, a decadent dessert buffet awaited, offering an array of elegant single-portion treats: tiramisù, mango mousse with fresh mango, and lemon curd with strawberries. Knowing that a long night of celebration would work up an appetite, they planned a late-night snack featuring comforting favorites—pizza and fries—ensuring guests had the perfect fuel to keep the party going. For the open bar, alongside the classic long drinks, the couple selected two signature cocktails, each reflecting their tastes. Hers: the Mexican Mule, a refreshing blend of tequila, lime, mint, sugar syrup, and ginger beer. His: the Eastern Standard, a crisp and invigorating mix of vodka, lime, sugar syrup, mint, and cucumber. To conclude the wedding festivities, the following day was dedicated to a relaxed brunch, allowing everyone to enjoy the last moments together while taking in the stunning lake view. The spread featured a delicious mix of savory and sweet options, along with an espresso coffee bar and fresh juices. Guests indulged in scrambled eggs and bacon, hard-boiled eggs stuffed with tuna and mayonnaise, omelets, fried eggs, pancakes, and waffles. There were also croissants filled with smoked salmon, arugula, and cream cheese, as well as panini with cold cuts and cheeses, and quiches with seasonal vegetables. An assortment of freshly baked bread, pane carasau, breadsticks, and focaccia was available, alongside ham and cheese muffins for a savory touch. For those with a sweet tooth, the selection included chocolate muffins and fresh fruit skewers. Of course, no Italian brunch would be complete without espresso, American coffee, a fine tea selection, and milk. From start to finish, every detail of the food and drink selection was thoughtfully curated to create an unforgettable experience for their guests.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Chiara Briccola from The Garden of Love perfectly understood my vision and worked closely with me to bring it to life. For the pre-wedding night, she designed a stunning setup featuring a mix of beautiful flowers and vibrant lemons, creating a charming and lively atmosphere. For the wedding day, we envisioned an opulent and breathtaking ceremony setting. With the expertise of Blu Notte Eventi, we designed a custom-made stage and aisle, both in pure white, providing the perfect backdrop for an elegant floral arrangement. Chiara truly exceeded our expectations—she captured the essence of our vision, creating a rich and dynamic scene filled with white flowers arranged at varying heights. She incorporated columns to add depth and movement, using a luxurious mix of hydrangeas, lilies, roses, dahlias, and peonies. The aisle was adorned with stunning floral compositions placed directly on the ground, featuring gypsophila interwoven with our chosen blooms. To enhance the ambiance, we integrated candles among the arrangements, adding warmth and depth to the décor, along with delicate white rose petals. These floral pieces were later repurposed for the cake-cutting moment, ensuring a seamless transition between different parts of the celebration. For the wedding reception, we opted for an elegant and timeless setup with a long imperial table. The centerpieces, composed exclusively of gypsophila and white roses, created a delicate yet sophisticated aesthetic. At both ends of the table, two cascading floral installations featuring lush white orchids added a luxurious and dramatic touch. To complete the setting, tall candles were strategically placed, casting a warm and romantic glow over the evening. As for personal details, Brandi carried a stunning all-white bouquet. Each bridesmaid had her own matching bouquet, while Cedric, his groomsmen, the celebrant and the father of the bride all wore elegant boutonnières. For the mothers, they instead opted for two elegant floral corsages. Every detail was beautifully captured by the talented team at LightFeels Wedding, with Luis Mendoza as the lead photographer and Stefano Pompei as the videographer. They did an incredible job!

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The wedding cake was a vanilla sponge cake with chantilly cream and fresh strawberries, made by Chiara from Qualcosa di Dolce. It was minimal and elegant, adorned with sugar paste details and flowers. The wedding cake was decorated with a beautiful floral arrangement and placed on the main stage that we had used for the ceremony. They also wanted a stunning and dramatic champagne tower, which added a truly special touch to the event!

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The ceremony was officiated by one of their friends, who led a deeply touching and emotional service. For musical entertainment, they chose a violin and cello duo. For the celebrant’s entrance, they selected Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. Cedric and his mother walked down the aisle to Watermark by Enya, while the wedding party — six bridesmaids, each paired with one of the six groomsmen — made their way down to Unforgettable by Natalie Cole. For the bride’s entrance, Brandi walked down the aisle with her father to Canon in D by J. Pachelbel, a timeless and beautiful classic. As the couple exchanged vows, they chose When I Fall in Love by Victor Young as their background music. The ring bearer, Brandi’s nephew, made his entrance to the Mission: Impossible theme, bringing a touch of 007 flair (with a special safe box containing the wedding rings). Their exchange of rings was accompanied by Unchained Melody from the movie Ghost, and as the newlyweds exited as Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, they chose the classic Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

One special detail of this wedding was that Brandi did her makeup and hair. Brandi, also known as Ava Pearl, is the founder of the Curly Cultur Community, which, as she says, is “More than Curls, it’s a Culture!” Naturally, she knows how to perfectly style her hair, and on both nights, she showcased her expertise in hair and makeup, creating two stunningly different looks.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]Cedric, along with his best men, is a member of the Kappa-Alpha-Psi Fraternity. After their first dances, they performed together in an incredible, perfectly choreographed routine with sticks, which ended with the garter toss! It was so cool![/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

Another special detail they wanted to incorporate into their wedding was the place cards. Instead of the usual ones, they chose small cards with the guests’ names, inside of which they wrote a personal message for each person and hand-signed them. Guests loved this thoughtful touch!

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

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