Haute Couture Inspired Elopement in Lake Como

Once upon a time there lived a girl who loved to do things her own way. She didn’t let the opinions of others cloud her thinking. And she relished every opportunity to be different and stand out in a crowd. When it came to her fairytale wedding, our bride Irina went against the “norms.” She created her own vision for a haute couture inspired wedding…rather, elopement.

There’s nothing average about an elopement, as this haute couture bride knew. To escape all of the expectations of a traditional wedding and avoid the potential pressure from family and friends, just to say “I do” is just about as romantic as it gets. But an elopement in Lake Como… that takes the idea of it to a whole new level.

The Vision for the Elopement in Lake Como

In times as wild as these, people are having to reestablish their idea of the perfect wedding. Others are even cancelling their big day. But this bride let love lead the way. That landed her and her fiancé to their intimate wedding day at Villa Balbiano. It’s easily one of the most beautiful wedding venues in all of Lake Como.

An Extraordinary Haute Couture Bridal Gown

Irina let go of all preconceived notions. She let her true style dictate the direction for her bridal gown. The dress was anything but average, embracing couture in every way possible. For a dress like this, Lebanese designer Sara Mrad was the obvious choice. Her designs are bold and defy the rules of what’s expected of a traditional bridal gown “should be.”

There was nothing ordinary about the gown, to say the least. Irina’s choice embraced everything unexpected. Yet it still clung to the fairytale vibe, all at the same time. Without having to worry about the influence of others, Irina found her perfectly pink gown in the most incredible, jaw-dropping silhouette. As if the dress itself wasn’t picture perfect, the fact that Irina was able to get her hands on one of Sara Mrad’s designs is even more of a miracle.

The handmade gown was in Mrad’s store. It was one of the few designs to survive the catastrophic blast that rocked a Beirut port. The majority of Mrad’s storefront was destroyed. But this piece survived. Clearly, Irina was meant to wear this dress. It’s just another piece of the modern day fairytale!

Of course, Irina wore her dress perfectly. Even photos taken in the most boring of settings would be nothing short of fabulous. However, there was nothing boring about the photos of this elopement in Lake Como. All of the details together, including the backdrop of Villa Balbiano, made sure this couple’s elopement was anything but.

Drawing Inspiration from the Interior Design of Villa Balbiano

The interior of Villa Balbiano was all the inspiration we needed for this elopement in Lake Como. The classic and traditional elements were the perfect framework for each shot. The luxurious jewels tones and rich textures inside the villa were both expected, yet unexpected, all at the same time. It was obvious that each piece, from the crimson-toned tufted headboard, to the Asian folding screen, was carefully cultivated to fit the natural ambience of the villa. The contrast in colors was incredible. The neutral shades from the statues complimented the patterns found everywhere from floor to ceiling. But just to give you a feel of the villa’s beauty itself, you could remove all of the furniture and decor, and still have the perfect setting.

The Immaculate Ceremony Details for the Elopement in Lake Como

Outside was a different setting, but still just as purposeful. And even though the exterior took on a completely different vibe, the flow from inside to out was impeccable. The lakefront ceremony was framed by a boho-chic, asymmetrical arch created with greenery and the perfect balance of earthy toned florals. And of course, there were a few pops of pink here and there, the perfect compliment to Irina’s gown. The shape of the arch allowed the natural beauty from the subdued hues of the florals to shine, but the lake itself was still a major focus. It was the eclectic mix that dreams are made of. But both the lake and the arch were mere accessories compared to the bride and groom. The floral designers at Lada Fiori truly nailed the ceremony flowers, they were beyond perfection.

The Elopement Reception Details

The lucky guests in attendance made their way from their garden stools at the ceremony to the luxe tables, adorned with more jewel tones and rich fabrics, carrying the feel of Villa Balbiano’s interior through to the celebration outside. Allegoria Textiles provided the handmade table linens, complimenting the table florals from freelance designer Elena Atabaeva Flowers & Decor. That’s right, these linens weren’t just locally sourced, but actually handmade right in Lake Como. The hints of gold from the accents inside the villa translated perfectly to the fabrics, serving as the perfect framework for the tablescapes.

The table linens weren’t the only handmade pieces to grace the tables. The colorful dishes were also handcrafted by Laboratorio Paravicini. The linens, the serve ware, the florals, a nod to the tropics… it all came together for an entirely new level of perfection. Even the stationery was perfectly woven into the fabric of the event. But that’s what the folks at Letterink: Letterpress & Design Studio are known for. Picture perfect, yet functional designs.

Sure, the photos will grace the vision boards of future brides for years to come, but these aren’t just photos. This is an actual wedding. Don’t let these visions just be a pipe dream, they can be a reality! What made this event truly special was the way the local elements came together to meet couture in the most perfect way, without compromising in creativity.

By not following any rules, and staying true to the idea that eloping really is escaping expectations, brides can stay true to their own style. With careful planning and an eye for detail, an elopement in Lake Como can be the definition of uncompromising perfection. Anyone that wants to have a gown made of feathers should go for it. Wanting a tropical vibe but still maintaining formal elements… why not?! The magic of an elopement lives outside the confines of tradition, this is where creativity lives!

Discover more destination elopements on our blog!

Elopement Vendors:

Photography: Lilly Red
Venue: Villa Balbiano
Bridal Gown: Sara Mrad
Floral Designers: Lada Fiori & Elena Atabaeva Flowers and Decor
Textiles and Table Linens: Allegoria Textiles
Handcrafted Dishes: Laboratorio Paravicini
Stationery: Letterink: Letterpress & Design Studio