Taylor (a former intern of DID’s) is an Arizona girl through-and-through. Thus, she never imagined having a far-flung destination wedding. “Growing up my entire life in the same neighborhood in Phoenix…I had always dreamed of a large, local wedding,” says the bride. When it came to finding a local venue – within budget – that could accommodate their guest list, Taylor and Chase struck out. So, about six months into the planning process, the couple shifted gears.

The bride had visited Lake Como a few years earlier and fell in love with Villa Regina Teodolinda. “The more we talked about it and tried to find the perfect [local] venue, the idea of going to Italy became more and more appealing,” says Taylor. When reflecting back on her time writing about other couples’ destination weddings, Taylor remembers couples stressing how special it was to have extended, quality time with their loved ones. “That was ultimately the reason we chose to get married in Italy – we felt it would be such a special experience for whoever could make it…it was the best decision we ever made!”

Chase and Taylor were most nervous to share their updated plans with Chase’s grandfather, who had agreed to marry the couple. He had been excited about the wedding for months and the couple was worried he wouldn’t be up for the trip. After breaking the news to him at his eightieth birthday party, he heartily signed on! In the end, 65 guests joined Taylor and Chase in the destination of their dreams.

The couple wanted to let their beautiful setting take the spotlight, so they settled on a few important aspects of the wedding day: music, food and drinks and overall vibe. “Our dinner playlist and the sparkly lights in the trees set the mood perfectly,” says Taylor. “Everything combined and created the most magical, whimsical ambiance at our little villa on the lake. It was such a dreamy evening!”

Even though the couple loved every moment of their wedding day, it was actually the extended time with their guests that they cherish most. “As magical as our wedding day was, the day after [exploring the lake by boat] was hands-down the best day ever!” says Taylor. “There was no pressure for everything to be perfect, no expectations and we were just able to enjoy the time we had with our friends and family.”

This article originally appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall/Winter 2019 Issue.

Vendors: Photographer: Jarrod J. Photo; Wedding Designer & Planner: Elegant Occasions by JoAnn Gregoli; Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Regina Teodolinda; Florist: Barbara Botta Fiori; Bride’s Gown: Allure Bridals; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Kenneth Cole; Bridesmaids’ Dress Designer: Hayley Paige; Catering: Sunlake Catering; Painted Favors: Coley Kuyper; DJ: Blunotte Eventi