Some wedding shoots are born from trends. Others are born from a dream. For Charleston-based wedding planner Elizabeth of Elizabeth Elkins Events, this Lake Como styled shoot was rooted in a lifelong love of European design and a growing passion for destination wedding planning.

How It All Began

The seed for this shoot was planted long before a single bloom was arranged or a single vendor was booked. “This styled shoot was born from my dream of becoming a destination wedding planner,” Elizabeth shares. Already fortunate enough to call Charleston, itself a dream destination for many couples, home, she had long been inspired to expand her creative horizons beyond it.

When the Italian photography duo at Monocromo Studio reached out to connect on social media, the timing felt nothing short of serendipitous. The moment Elizabeth envisioned a Lake Como-inspired concept, she knew she had found the perfect creative partners.

The Inspiration: Where Italy Meets the South

The aesthetic driving this shoot was deeply rooted in the effortless romance of Italy and the timeless elegance of Greece, two places that have long shaped Elizabeth’s creative sensibility. From soft, organic textures to refined architectural detail, the European influence was woven into every design decision.

“I previously designed a styled shoot in Charleston that blended Greek and Southern influences,” she explains, “and this concept felt like a natural evolution of that vision.” The rolling hills and shimmering waters of Lake Como became the guiding muse, inspiring a sense of effortless elegance, natural romance, and refined tranquility that carried through every element of the day. The result was a harmonious marriage of old-world romanticism and Southern sophistication.

Meet Rachel and Matteo

Every great love story needs compelling characters. Rachel was portrayed by Marissa, a New York City model whose credits include a Nike holiday campaign and editorial work in Harper’s Bazaar Spain and Elle Spain. She brings a poised, natural confidence to the role of Rachel. Her counterpart, Matteo, was inspired by the real-life story of Luka, a high-fashion runway model turned engineer whose own Italian roots lent an authentic depth to the character and the shoot as a whole.

The Setting: Villa Le Due Torrette

Nestled in the town of Erba near Lake Como, Villa Le Due Torrette provided a lush and historic backdrop that felt tailor-made for this vision. Its 18th-century charm, reminiscent of Charleston’s stately homes, unfolded across a cobblestone courtyard, a central fountain framed by florals and greenery, and a striking tower ceremony space. A glass greenhouse offered an intimate indoor reception setting, while expansive lawns and an original wine cellar added layers of experience, from elegant daytime celebrations to late-night gatherings.

The shoot made full use of the villa’s suites, courtyard, and grand ballroom, all accented by richly decorated 1930s-style interiors, soaring ceilings, and period furnishings that evoked a sense of timeless, unhurried elegance.

The Ceremony: A Garden in Full Bloom

The ceremony design evoked the feeling of stepping into a courtyard garden at peak season: lush, romantic, and quietly breathtaking. The altar was framed in a classic pairing of green and white florals by Carolina Stefanoni Flower Designer, whose cascading amaranthus and orchids spilled naturally onto the surrounding surfaces, complemented by fruit elements. The white and green palette was chosen deliberately to harmonize with the villa’s gardens rather than compete, creating a seamless extension of the surroundings.

Rather than compete with the stunning architecture, the design intentionally stepped back to let the surroundings speak. “We allowed the historic architecture to take center stage,” Elizabeth notes, “keeping the overall design simple and refined so the surroundings could truly shine.”

The Bridal Look

The bride’s wardrobe opened with pieces from Bella Bridesmaids Charleston: an elegant slip dress accented by a neck scarf, a subtle slit, and delicate pearl earrings. East West Gem Co contributed a modern oval engagement and wedding band ring set alongside a delicate tennis bracelet for the bride, paired with a sleek, classic band for the groom.

A second look introduced a custom bridal corset by House of Adriana, a beautifully crafted piece that blended classic construction with modern and vintage styling. Hair by Ganna and makeup courtesy of Ecaterina kept the focus on natural beauty: Rachel’s slicked-back bun highlighted her collarbones and the neck scarf detail, while Matteo’s hair was styled in a clean, combed-back look that suited his refined Italian aesthetic perfectly.

The Stationery: Vineyard-Inspired Elegance

Stationery by The Finer Prints embraced the vineyard spirit of the region with hand-drawn watercolor grapevines, lush greens, and a villa façade that set the tone from the first envelope. The suite included an itinerary and invitation set, while linen menus printed in red-wine cursive and wine cork escort cards added rich texture and cohesion to the tablescape, bridging the gap between art and function with effortless charm.

The Reception: Dining Under Crystal Light

As the day gave way to evening, the reception unfolded in the castle courtyard, anchored by the stunning central fountain that served as both a romantic focal point and a gentle, ambient backdrop. Beneath a hanging crystal chandelier casting warm golden light, guests gathered around a long communal dinner table, a nod to the convivial spirit of Italian dining culture.

For catering, Elizabeth partnered with Area Kitchen Group, a high-end catering and rental company based in Milan. Together, they crafted a bespoke menu featuring regional meats and cheeses, served on a tablescape designed for both beauty and function. Elizabeth insisted on incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the décor, arranged aperitivo-style to add vibrancy and texture throughout. A thoughtful mix of modern and vintage glassware echoed the shoot’s central theme: the warmth of Charleston meeting the sophistication of Italy.

Beyond the Ceremony: A Full Wedding Weekend

Monica Joy Luxury Destinations, curated an immersive wedding weekend experience that extended well beyond the ceremony itself. Welcome parties, bridal brunches, and groomsmen’s boat outings were all thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories for both the couple and their guests, a philosophy that speaks to Elizabeth’s belief that a destination wedding should be a fully realized, multi-day experience rather than a single event.

The Portraits: Villa Monastero and a Classic Riva

Additional settings lent the shoot an extra layer of cinematic romance. Bride and groom portraits were captured at Villa Monastero, a breathtaking lakeside property accessible by boat for a truly memorable entrance or exit. The couple’s getaway departed from Villa Noseda, an exclusive lakeside accommodation, aboard Elisabetta, a classic 1969 Riva, adding an intimate and refined final note to the day.

The Photography: Light, Shadow, and Storytelling

Known for their Caravaggio-inspired play of light and shadow, Paola and Adriana of Monocromo Studio combined documentary authenticity with cinematic artistry to craft emotionally rich, timeless imagery. Their refined approach has earned them a global clientele seeking visual storytellers who can transform a wedding day into an enduring emotional legacy, and their work throughout this shoot is nothing short of stunning.

The Team: A Seamless Collaboration

One of the most remarkable aspects of this shoot was the way the vendor team came together across cultures. Local wedding professionals and Italian vendors worked side by side, united by a shared commitment to luxury and a high standard of execution. Together, they explored multiple venues across the Lake Como region to fully capture the landscape’s diverse and sweeping beauty.

“By partnering with both local wedding professionals and Italian vendors, we were able to authentically merge cultures and design influences,” Elizabeth reflects, “creating an experience that felt both intentional and effortlessly refined.”

Vendors: Planner & Designer: Elizabeth Elkins Events; Photographer & Videographer: Monocromo Studio; Villas: Villa Le Due Torrette , Villa Monastero, Villa Noseda; Boat: Elisabetta; Models: Marissa Arigo & Luka Sacer; Hair: Ganna; Makeup: Ecaterina; Florist: Carolina Stefanoni Flower Designer; Catering & Rentals: Area Kitchen Group; Wedding Dress & Earrings: Bella Bridesmaids CHS; Corset Outfit: House of Adriana; Rings & Bracelet: East West Gem Co.; Stationery: The Finer Prints; Travel Agent: Monica Joy Luxury Destinations

@destinationido Some wedding shoots are born from trends. Others are born from a dream. For Charleston-based wedding planner Elizabeth of Elizabeth Elkins Events, this Lake Como styled shoot was rooted in a lifelong love of European design and a growing passion for destination wedding planning. See more from this Italy wedding at the link in bio! 🎥 @monocromo_studio 🗓️ @elizabethelkins.events ♬ original sound – Destination I Do