At first glance, Suzy and Juan could not be more different. All the way from Taiwan and Peru, this unlikely couple came from opposite sides of the world until their travels crossed paths in New York City. When it came time to settle down, Suzy and Juan wanted to celebrate their shared roots with one last hurrah— a destination wedding in international waters.

“We had always envisioned a destination wedding to share our international upbringing and love for traveling with our family and closest friends,” the couple says. “The gathering of our wedding guests represented the cultural crisscrossing of our globe-spanning identities. This was what made our celebration special and the reason we chose a destination wedding.” 

Italy marked a center point for the bride and groom’s families, creating a perfect wedding location: Lake Como. Nestled along the lake, Suzy and Juan discovered the beautiful Villa Erba estate with the capacity to hold their dream wedding.

“We landed on Lake Como because of its romantic scenery and picturesque views set against the dramatic foothills of the Alps,” says the couple. “We secretly hoped for a wedding as beautiful as John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s Lake Como wedding!” 

Although it was their special day, Suzy and Juan’s wedding planning involved more than just the two of them.

“Our wedding planners, Sally and her on-the-ground team in Italy, were our heroes from the start of the planning process,” they say. 

With the help of the Wedding Box Lake Como planners, the bride and groom-to-be found it easy to cater precisely to their unique vision. Sally was there to bring their vision to life, from vendors to venues.

But this couple’s support system did not stop at planners. 

“My maid of honor, An, was also instrumental in helping us locally in New York,” Suzy says, “There was nothing we couldn’t ask her to help us with (including lugging 100 light-up LED wands from New York to Lake Como). Beyond that, there was nothing she didn’t already think of to make life easier for Juan and me during the last few weeks before jet-setting off to Italy.”

With support in Italy and at home in New York, Suzy and Juan were set to create a wedding of epic proportions. The day featured an authentic Italian four-course dinner, a boat cruise around the lake, and, most uniquely, a flash mob choreographed by the couple themselves to their favorite song— Taylor Swift’s “Love Story.” 

“Our guests went nuts! They were beyond surprised, cheering joyfully and loving the performance,” the couple says. We were overjoyed to share this fun and unforgettable moment with everyone.” 

In the end, the couple’s only regret from their big day was that it ended. 

“Cherish every moment of the journey,” they say. “This is the most magical time for you and your fiance to explore your creativity, share in self-discovery, and work together to bring your big day’s vision to life. You’ll miss it when it’s over. We sure did!” 

Honeymoon Highlight: Suzy and Juan continued their adventure into marriage with a trip to the South Pole! Their cold-weather cruise brought them through Patagonia and down into Antarctica.

“The experience was so surreal,” Suzy says, “seeing all the penguin colonies and wildlife up close, surrounded by enormous, emerald blue icebergs and vast glaciers. It felt like being on a different planet!”

Vendors: Photographer: Cristiano Ostinelli Studio; Wedding Planner: Wedding Box Lake Como; Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Erba; Florist: Riccardo Ciceri; Cake: Class Eventi; Hair & Makeup: Elena Panzeri Makeup & Hair Lake Como; Gown Designer: Essence of Australia & New York City Bride; Groom’s Clothing Designer: John Varvatos; Bridesmaids Dresses: Mac Duggal; Events & Travel Concierge: My Lake Como Concierge; Videography: Feelmore Videos; Catering: Class Eventi; Entertainment/Music & Lighting Design: La Bottega della Musica; Transportation: Lariobus SRL; Bride and Groom Classic Boat Arrival: Como Classic Boats; Accommodations: Palace Hotel; Rehearsal Dinner: Bilacus Bellagio