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Elegant Lake Como Wedding at Villa Regina Teodolinda

July 23, 2025
Words by Jessie Allen
Photos courtesy of Evgeni Efanov Photography

When your love story begins in the boardroom and crescendos on the shores of Lake Como, you know you’re in for something special.

For Salome and Giorgi, romance wasn’t found swiping through apps or over candlelit first dates—it grew steadily in the fast-paced world of corporate life. “What started as a professional relationship gradually deepened over the years,” Salome recalls. “Boardroom meetings turned into something far more personal and meaningful.” And what better place to celebrate a love like that than the ultimate symbol of Italian romance?

Aerial view of a village on Lake Como, outdoor table with food, yellow house, and group of women standing together by greenery. A chef bakes pizza in a mobile oven, guests socialize outdoors near a lake, and a couple walks on a garden lawn at a scenic event.

Why Lake Como?

Lake Como wasn’t a Pinterest discovery or a spur-of-the-moment pick. This iconic Italian destination was already laced into their love story. “Five years into our relationship, what seemed like a simple New Year’s gift—tickets to see Coldplay in Milan—led to an unforgettable moment,” says Salome. “On June 23, 2023, at the breathtaking Villa del Balbianello, Giorgi completely surprised me with a proposal.”

Collage showing a lakeside wedding setup with floral arch, white chairs, wedding dresses hanging by a window, floral arrangements, and an orange villa with green hills in the background.

The decision to return to Italy for their wedding was effortless. “We wanted our wedding to be truly special—an unforgettable experience shared with our loved ones,” says Giorgi. “The moment we saw Lake Como, we knew without a doubt it was the perfect place to celebrate our love.”

A lakeside outdoor wedding ceremony with guests, floral decorations, and an arch; includes details of invitations, rings, the bride, the groom, and a welcome sign.

The Dream Team

Turning a dream into reality—especially from afar—is no small feat, but with their planner, Like of Lika Dumbadze Celebrations, by their side, the couple felt confident and supported. “She helped us navigate everything from vendor coordination to local regulations,” Salome explains. “Having someone who knows the culture and the ins and outs of Italian weddings made all the difference.”

Their venue, Villa Regina Teodolinda, was love at first sight. “Under Lika’s expert guidance, it became the perfect setting—an effortlessly elegant celebration where timeless decor blended seamlessly with the villa’s charm,” says Giorgi.

A bride and groom exchange vows under a white flower arch outdoors, with wedding guests seated and a scenic mountain and lake backdrop.

Details with Heart

From the décor to the favors, every detail of the wedding told a story. Guests were welcomed with custom touches that captured the spirit of the day and the soul of Italy—think miniature bottles of limoncello, personalized fans, chic umbrellas for the women, and stylish Italian Panama hats for the men.

A bride and groom stand under a floral arch outdoors as guests seated and standing around them throw hats in celebration. Hills, water, and blue sky are visible in the background.

And while the aesthetic was swoon-worthy, the ceremony on the lawn of Villa Regina Teodolinda was filled with equally meaningful moments. “My brother walked me down the aisle,” Salome says. “It’s something I had always dreamed of after seeing it in movies, and sharing that with him was incredibly emotional.” The ring bearers? Adorable little ones who had the whole crowd melting.

Later, a quiet boat ride for just the newlyweds gave them a chance to reflect—and snap some of their most iconic photos. “That moment on the water was everything,” Giorgi says. “Just the two of us, floating through the magic of it all.”

Outdoor wedding reception with round tables set with white linens, floral centerpieces, elegant glassware, and a “Ring for champagne” sign; villa and lake in the background.A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle as guests throw petals; other images show the couple on a boat and scenic views of a lake and towns.

Lessons from the Lake

Of course, no destination wedding comes without its challenges, but the couple took it all in stride. “The most important thing is choosing a location that aligns perfectly with your needs and vision,” Giorgi advises. “Every detail matters, and I’d say the music plays a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere.”

A large group of people dressed in formal attire pose for a photo on steps and terraces outside a villa, with greenery and a hill in the background.A bride and groom ride a boat on a lake, followed by scenes of outdoor wedding dining, musicians performing, and guests seated at tables in a garden setting.

And the payoff? Totally worth it. “We truly believe it would have been a completely different experience had we not done it in Lake Como,” Salome says. “We couldn’t be happier with our decision—it was the perfect choice for us.”

A bride and groom celebrate outdoors by a lake, cutting a cake with sparklers, posing by the water, and mingling with guests at their wedding reception.

Final Thoughts

From Coldplay tickets to a picture-perfect ceremony on the shores of Lake Como, Salome and Giorgi’s wedding was a true reflection of their journey: unexpected, intentional, and deeply romantic.

Their advice? Dream big, personalize everything, and don’t underestimate the power of a great playlist—and an even better planner.

A bride and groom dance, celebrate with guests, and pose with cigars and whiskey bottles at a festive wedding reception.

Vendors: Photography: Evgeni Efanov; Wedding Planner: Lika Dumbadze Celebrations; Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda; Clothing Designer: Datuna Sulikashvili; Floral Design: Ravelo Wedding Flowers; Hair & Makeup: Elena Panzeri; Videography: Vivenzio Films 

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