When love leads you to a breathtaking setting like Lake Como, Italy, you know you’re in for a wedding to remember. Deborah and Cyprian recently shared their enchanting wedding story at Villa Aura Del Lago in Limonta, Como. 

On the rooftop of the Ink Hotel on the Upper West Side of Manhattan during New York Fashion Week, Deborah and Cyprian’s worlds collided. Deborah reminisces, “While I was drinking my overpriced cocktail by the bar, my eyes scanned the room and fell on a guy who seemed to have a spotlight on him. He stood out from the crowd because he was dressed so effortlessly.” 

With families scattered around the globe, Deborah and Cyprian chose Italy as their ideal destination to bring their loved ones to a central location. “Italy is almost our second home,” Deborah shares. “We have been going there yearly since 2016 for health treatments not found in the US.” The couple’s connection to Italy deepened during a yacht trip along the Amalfi Coast, inspiring them to select Lake Como for their dream wedding.

Villa Aura del Lago stood out as a dream venue for this Italy-loving duo for its seclusion. “We are a private couple, and we love enjoying the luxury of renting our own villa and having people stay over like a grand house entertaining,” Deborah explains. 

Designing the Dream: Understated Italian Baroque

As a designer and creative director, Deborah infused the wedding with her unique aesthetic. The theme of “understated Italian baroque artwork” set the tone for a celebration that reflected their love story. From jewel-toned color palettes to antique metals and personalized touches like a wedding invite that opens like a villa gate.

Deborah’s creative touches extended to every aspect of the wedding, from the floral arrangements flown in from the Philippines to custom-designed Italian mulberry silk scarves for the entourage. The couple’s attention to detail even reached the wedding favors, with guests receiving swag bags containing mini Bottega prosecco, Italian chocolate cigars, and more.

Planning from Afar: Challenges and Triumphs

Despite the challenges of planning a destination wedding from afar, Deborah applied her creative director skills to navigate the process. “I created project briefs, toolkits, and organized digital files and assets,” she shares. While they only had one site visit six months before the big day, meticulous planning and communication with vendors ensured a seamless celebration.

Inspiring Others: A Journey into Wedding Consulting

Deborah’s experience has inspired her to embark on a new journey as an intimate luxury destination wedding consultant. Her advice to newly engaged couples planning a destination wedding is to do thorough research and prioritize what truly matters to them. “Decide what kind of day do they want to have, how do they want to feel, and what do they want to remember about that day,” she advises.

Vendors: Photographer: Francesco Bognin; Event Designer: Casa Officiale Delle Emozione; Beauty: The Studio Como, Noemi Pescialli, Merita Celpica; Venue: Villa Aura Del Lago; Florist: OggettHi; Officiant: Manuele Facchini; Caterer: Class Eventi; Stationery: Designed with Amore; Stationery Watercolor: Casa Officiale; Gown Designer: Essence of Australia; Videographer: Films Diary; Video Edit: Alexander and Fox Productions; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Alan David Custom Suits