Initially, Amanda and Eric envisioned their wedding in the serene mountains of North Carolina, but if they were honest with themselves, Italy held a special place in their hearts. They figured, “That’s where we’ll go for our honeymoon.” But when cracks started to show in their logistics of a North Carolina wedding, the couple began casually researching several areas around Italy in case a wedding overseas was in the cards for them.

“We chose Lake Como because of the scenery and overall setting,” Amanda says. “Although neither of us had ever been before, we just had a special feeling about the Lake and all that it had to offer. It seemed to be the perfect combination of mountain and water views.” That “special feeling” turned out to be right on the mark—Lake Como didn’t just meet their expectations, it delivered a celebration the couple and their guests won’t soon forget.

A Grand Arrival

Knowing every guest would be traveling from the U.S., Amanda and Eric wanted to make their welcome party a grand affair. So, they rented an almost 100-year-old steamboat and took everyone on a sunset cruise around the lake. “It was truly such a magical experience for us all and the perfect way for us to welcome everyone to Italy,” Amanda recalls. It also gave the couple the opportunity to connect with guests who’d traveled many miles to support them.

Choosing Villa Erba

Amanda and Eric say that when they first laid eyes on Villa Erba, the connection was practically instantaneous. The gilded embellishments, sweeping staircase, and lakeside views embodied every bit of romance they could hope for. Still, they kept looking… “just in case.” Every search brought them back to this villa. “We truly felt like it was meant to be,” Eric says. With just a few September dates available, they locked it in and started planning.

Soft Romance and Personal Touches

“We didn’t want robust colors or over-the-top arrangements,” Amanda explains. Instead, the couple focused on customizations like napkins featuring their dogs and an illustration of Villa Erba, and capturing a calm yet celebratory essence.

With another clear focus being on guest experience, Amanda and Eric went all out. Live music delighted ears at every turn in the form of a saxophone player, string quartet, and electric violinist. Unique food moments, like a live mozzarella-making station, a gelato cart, and customized espresso martinis passed during the reception brought that quintessential Italy experience. “Those espresso martinis really got the party started!” Amanda laughs.

Intimate Lakeside Ceremony

Officiated by one of the couple’s closest friends, Amanda and Eric’s lakeside ceremony made hearts swell. They opted for a small wedding party—just three on each side—and included a “blessing of the rings,” passing their bands through the hands of immediate family for prayers and blessings. “Our ceremony was absolutely perfect for us,” Amanda says. “It had the most incredible view and the exact ambiance we had hoped for.”

The Experience of Planning from Afar

While they never saw their venue or tasted the menu before the wedding week, their trust in their team paid off. Sunlake Catering impressed every guest, and Romeo and Juliet Weddings handled every detail flawlessly. “Honestly, I can’t believe we planned a wedding at a destination we had never been to before,” Amanda admits. “But it worked because we had an incredible team.”

The Gift of Letting Go

One unexpected benefit of a destination wedding? “We were way less stressed,” Eric shares. “It forced us to give up a bit of control and just enjoy ourselves.”

Vendors: Photographer: Sophie Mort Photography; Wedding Planner: Romeo and Juliet Weddings; Ceremony & Reception Venue: Villa Erba; Florist: Figli dei Fiori; Stationery: Truly Engaging; Cake & Catering: Sunlake Catering; Hair & Makeup: BLBS Management; Ceremony Dress: Allure Bridals; Reception Dress: Berta; Groom’s Attire: New York Bride & Groom; Videography: Sara Canducci; Music: La Bottega della Musica; Furniture Rentals: Latini Design