A Lake Como Wedding That Began in Rome

Photographed by @moi.stas

Some weddings feel like a natural conclusion to a long story rather than a single chapter — and this Lake Como celebration was exactly that. Brenna and Diego’s journey unfolded over seven years, moving between cities, countries, and phases of life before arriving in Italy for their wedding at Villa Lario Resort Mandello. “Diego and I met in Chicago, eventually moved to Miami, and traveled the world together before finally saying “I do” on September 6 in Lake Como” Brenna shared. For couples drawn to destination weddings in Italy, it’s easy to see why this part of the country holds such pull — cinematic without being overdone, and emotionally charged without needing excess.

The proposal itself set the tone for what was to come. Diego asked Brenna to marry him in Wadi Rum, Jordan — surrounded by vast desert and silence that felt almost unreal. “It was the perfect beginning to the next chapter of us,” she said. That sense of contrast — raw landscapes followed by refined settings — carried through to the wedding week, which began not on the lake, but in Rome. “Rome is our favorite city in the world,” Brenna explained, making it the obvious starting point before heading north. Moments like this create a natural rhythm for multi-location celebrations in Italy, where couples often blend cities and regions into one extended experience.

Fashion became one of the most expressive parts of the week, starting with Brenna’s custom Reem Acra gown. What began as a single ballerina-inspired bodice quickly turned into a full redesign. “When my sister Caitlin and I first saw the ballerina-esque bodice from a Reem Acra gown, I knew instantly it was meant for me,” she shared. “But the rest of the dress didn’t feel quite right—so we rebuilt it.” By replacing the skirt, adding an overskirt for movement, and matching the fabric to the bodice, the final result felt intentional and striking. “Piece by piece, my dream dress came to life. It truly felt like wearing a ballerina fantasy.”

The night before the wedding was planned as a full welcome. “We wanted to give our friends and family a true welcome to Lake Como—something that felt regal, celebratory, and authentically Italian,” Brenna said. Food took centre stage—“Instead of traditional florals and candles alone, our tables overflowed with bread, fruit, and vegetables—an abundant, curated chaos for 70 of our closest guests.” Live music from Knights Club filled the villa, setting a tone that felt lively and immersive. “It was the kind of night you never want to end,” she added — a preview of what was still to come.

On the wedding day itself, the lake delivered its best. “It was the most perfect weather I’ve ever experienced in Lake Como,” Brenna said — soft sun, calm water, and a sense of ease that carried through the morning. While Diego spent time lakeside with friends — jumping into the water and soaking up the atmosphere — Brenna got ready upstairs with her mother and sisters. The contrast between those parallel mornings added to the energy of the day: relaxed, joyful, and full of movement rather than formality.

As evening arrived, the reception tables filled with calla lilies and candlelight, casting a warm glow across the terrace as the sun dipped behind the lake. “The vows were everything—emotional, heartfelt, and honestly, Diego totally outshined me (I’ll give him that),” Brenna shared, followed by fireworks reflected across the water and a cake that felt straight out of a storybook. Music carried the night forward — from The Art Society band to the Taste & Sax duo — creating a celebration that felt immersive rather than performative. Photographed by @moi.stas, the weekend captures why Lake Como remains one of Italy’s most enduring wedding locations, while still offering space for couples to shape something that feels natural to them. It’s the kind of setting that continues to inspire couples planning weddings across Italy — whether on the lake, in the countryside, or beyond.