There are few places in the world as effortlessly romantic as Lake Como. With its glassy blue waters, lush hillsides, and storybook villas, it’s no wonder couples flock to this Northern Italian haven to say “I do.” In a recent destination wedding styled shoot, a team of talented creatives transformed the iconic Villa Pizzo into a cinematic dreamscape of classic Italian glamour and timeless celebration. At the heart of it all was destination wedding photographer Lisette Gatliff, who captured every breathtaking moment with her signature style.

“I found out about this shoot happening in Lake Como, and I jumped at the chance to capture all of the beauty of Italy and the historic elegance of Villa Pizzo,” Gatliff says. Known for its 17th-century architecture and lakeside gardens, Villa Pizzo provided a richly textured backdrop, steeped in aristocratic charm.

A Location That Sets the Scene

“Lake Como itself was a huge influence,” Gatliff shares. “We rented two boats – one for the couple and one for us to follow them in order to get different angles and breathtaking backdrops of the villa and the distant mountains.” That cinematic boat ride provided not only a rare vantage point of the couple but also elevated the romantic narrative of the shoot. The lake also played a starring role in the ceremony, which was staged along the villa’s edge to take full advantage of the stunning natural views.

Ceremony Magic with Florals and Views

With Botanica Event BCN creating floral magic, the ceremony setup was intentionally elegant yet vibrant. “The ceremony area was adorned with vibrant florals that added to the subdued beauty of the villa’s exterior and the vast lake surrounding it,” Gatliff explained. The florals brought life to the stone architecture while enhancing the tranquil water views—a balanced fusion of nature and history.

Dining Al Fresco in Style

The reception was a luxurious open-air experience that merged Italian tradition with modern romanticism. “The al fresco dinner was the perfect way to end the evening,” Gatliff said. “The serpentine table with sage green linens and lush pink florals added a little drama to the peaceful view.” Designed by Sparkling Moments Events, the reception scene was crowned by a champagne tower, where the couple toasted with their guests as golden bubbles cascaded from coupe to coupe. “To add to the drama, the bride and groom enjoyed a champagne tower while their guests gathered around to watch the champagne flow down each tier.”

Fashion, Beauty, and Fine Details

The fashion was just as thoughtful as the decor, featuring two stunning bridal gowns—one from Luce Sposa and another from Ricca Sposa, who also dressed the bridesmaids. The groom wore a sharp tuxedo by Carlo Pignatelli, adding a polished contrast to the villa’s antique textures. Hair by @elenlenko and makeup by @anastasiakataurova brought out the romantic sophistication of the models, while jewelry by Jonida Ripani and bespoke stationery from Papier Handmade added refined finishing touches.

A Harmonious Creative Team

From the rentals by Integra Rent to the seamless coordination by Sparkling Moments Events, the entire creative team operated like a well-oiled machine. “The planning team knew exactly what parts of the villa would work out best for the photos and took care of renting everything, including the boat,” said Gatliff. The result was a cohesive and beautifully orchestrated shoot that blended creativity with logistical precision.

A Moment to Remember

When asked to choose a favorite moment from the day, Gatliff didn’t hesitate: “My favorite part was capturing the bride and groom out on the boat. Lake Como is such an inspiring and unique setting, which is what captured my heart in the first place.” The images from that ride—wind tousling the bride’s veil, reflections dancing on the water—are proof that some love stories deserve to be told with a view like this.

Vendors: Photographer: Lisette Gatliff; Venue: Villa Pizzo; Planning: Sparkling Moments Events; Florals: Botanica Event BCN; Rentals: Integra Rent; Boat: Vague Luxury Rent; Bridal Gown 1: Luce Sposa; Bridal Gown 2 & Bridesmaid Dresses: Ricca Sposa; Tux: Carlo Pignatelli; Jewelry: Jonida Ripani; Makeup: Anastasia Kataurova; Hair: Elen Lenko; Stationery: House of Papier