As the sun reflected off Italy’s Lake Como offering a dazzling backdrop complete with jetting mountains, Tiffany and Andy solidified the love built over their five-year relationship with adventurous “I do’s.”

“We always knew we wanted to get married by the water,” Tiffany shares, “and Lake Como offered the perfect combination of water, mountains, and sky.”

Tiffany and Andy’s criteria for a venue included guest capacity, location, a waterfront view, the ability to hold the ceremony and reception outdoors, and proximity to other hotels. Ultimately, Villa Lario Resort emerged as the perfect fit, accommodating their guest count, offering out-of-this-world lake views, and allowing for an outdoor celebration.

Since Bellagio is the largest town on the lake with the most lodging options, Tiffany and Andy suggested guests book accommodations there. However, this did facilitate arranging transportation to and from the wedding venue. “The boat transportation was the most complex to coordinate,” Tiffany admits, “but my wedding planners found a way to get everyone there!”

Aside from the logistics, budgeting and managing expenses for a destination wedding presented its own challenges for the couple. “We recommend adding a buffer of at least 15% to your budget,” Andy says, “and paying off fixed costs early, especially if exchange rates are favorable.” Fluctuations in the EUR to USD exchange rate added another layer of complexity.

Local vendors were essential for the wedding’s success. “Luckily, most spoke English,” Tiffany says. “For those who didn’t, Google Translate was a lifesaver!” However, communication wasn’t always seamless. As a result, Tiffany and Andy advise having extra patience and being sure to follow-up with vendors, especially when planning from afar.

Inclusivity was a top priority for Tiffany and Andy during their wedding celebration as they didn’t want anyone to feel disconnected from the rest. “We wanted to create a sense of family amongst our guests,” Tiffany explains. The Amazing Race event, open seating with a purpose at the welcome dinner, and strategic table arrangements during the reception all contributed to achieving this goal.

During the reception, guests were treated to an Aperol spritz cart, an Italian dinner band, and a surprise opera performance. A traditional Italian fruit tart replaced the customary wedding cake, and the evening culminated in a dazzling fireworks display over a champagne tower. The couple’s personalizations extended to their first dance, which included a backflip by Andy, and the afterparty, which featured glowsticks, sunglasses, and onesies – a signature element at Andy’s parties.

Looking back, Tiffany and Andy have valuable advice for future couples planning a Lake Como destination wedding. “Early planning is key,” emphasizes Tiffany. They also recommend taking advantage of favorable exchange rates, adding a buffer to the budget, and truly cherishing every moment with loved ones on the wedding day.

Vendors: Photographer: Katie Grant Photography; Wedding Planner: CCL Weddings; Venue: Villa Lario Resort; Florist: Honeycomb Affair; Stationery: Texture & Tequila; Hair & Makeup: The Studio Como; Gown Designer: Kyha Studios; Men’s Attire: The Black Tux; Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu; Videographer: Studio d’Essai; Afterparty Dress Designer: Rachel Gilbert