I’ve been a destination wedding photographer for many years. And because I call Lake Como home, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to photograph many weddings across the many different Lake Como wedding venues. 

But every one feels like photographing at the venue for the very first time again! 

It’s incredible what each couple chooses to do to celebrate their love and infuse their personalities into their celebrations. Nicole, who is a celebrity esthetician and the founder of Nicole Caroline Skin, and her fiancé put together a breathtakingly sophisticated, romantic design for their Villa Balbianello, Lake Como wedding. They worked with their wedding planner to create an elegantly extravagant affair that will be forever unforgettable. 

Keep reading to experience it yourself!

Starting the Wedding Weekend with a Stunning Couple’s Portrait Session

We started the wedding weekend with a stunning couple’s portrait session just before their wedding welcome party for their guests. 

I always love it when my couples choose to make time for a couple’s portrait session either before or after the wedding day itself. 

It’s an incredible opportunity to add more photos to commemorate such a monumental occasion! 

Plus, it’s a way to incorporate more bold, fun fashion into the wedding photography gallery. 
But maybe my favorite reason to include it? It’s another chance for the couple to spend time with one another without the rush of a wedding timeline.

Welcoming the Guests at the Welcome Dinner Party: 

After our couple’s portrait session, the couple hosted all of their guests at their welcome dinner party. 

It was such a bright, vibrant affair set up with a refreshing, garden picnic theme. Red and white gingham tablecloths, fresh fruits and vegetables for centerpieces, and orange and white striped umbrellas were all set up with a view of Lake Como in the background.

Experience the Elegant Villa Balbianello, Lake Como Wedding Day: 

With the welcome party behind them, it was time for the bride and groom to soak up one of the best days of their lives. 

Keep scrolling to experience their elegant, romantic Villa Balbianello, Lake Como wedding day! 

Getting Ready with the Bride: 

Both the bride and the groom opted to get ready at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo which is across the lake from their ceremony and reception venue, Villa Balbianello. 

It was the perfect place for them to get ready (although they were separate before their ceremony)!

The Bride’s Unique Choice for a Floral Bouquet:

To match her incredible, romantic wedding gown, Nicole opted for one of the most unique and gorgeous floral bouquet options. Rather than a traditional bouquet, she went with a fan covered in flowers all chosen to reflect the wedding day’s color palette. 

It couldn’t have been a better option, and it was such a unique spin on the traditional flower bouquet! 

Getting Ready with the Groom: 

Nick spent his morning at the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, too, to get ready for the ceremony. 

He opted for a sharp, modern groom’s suit, complete with black trousers and a white suit jacket. I loved getting to see all of the hidden customized embroidery to highlight the special occasion, too!

Arriving at the Villa Balbianello, Lake Como Wedding Ceremony by Boat: 

The best way to get to the Villa Balbianello, Lake Como wedding venue from the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is by boat. 

Not only is it the quickest way to get there, it’s also the most quintessentially Italian way to get there! 

Both the bridal party and the groom and groomsmen took separate boats to make it over to Villa Balbianello. And it was a spectacular moment to capture in photos!

The Romantic Wedding Ceremony Set Against a Lake Como Backdrop: 

The view of Lake Como from Villa Balbianello is one of the most breathtaking views out of all of the venues in the area. 

With the sharp mountain peaks in the background that slope down to the glittering water’s edge, it serves as one of the most epic settings for a wedding ceremony. 

And I always love to see how couples and their planners and floral designers choose to design the ceremony location. The altar spot was framed by stunning fresh flower arrangements that framed the couple beautifully during the wedding ceremony.

Wandering the Iconic Villa Balbianello, Lake Como Wedding Venue Grounds for a Sunset Couple’s Session: 

After the elegant, romantic wedding ceremony, the couple and I took a stroll through the iconic grounds of the villa for their first sunset couple’s session as husband and wife! 

We walked through the beautifully manicured gardens before hopping on a Riva boat to capture my favorite kind of portraits in Lake Como!

Celebrating the Newlyweds with a Modern Luxe Wedding Reception: 

With their couple’s portraits finished, we made our way back to the villa for the wedding reception. 

The Exquisite Wedding Reception Details at Villa Balbianello:

The couple and their planner designed an impeccable wedding reception, blending both the romantic vision of the entire day with modern luxe details. 

Creamy tablecloths made for a lush foundation for the table designs, while cream, muted pink, and rust-colored roses created astounding floral arrangements. 

Everything was set against the backdrop of Lake Como, providing an incredible experience for all of the guests!

Cutting the Traditional Italian Wedding Cake, Followed by Dancing the Night Away: 

And what’s a magical day without the opportunity to indulge in a true celebration? Nick, Nicole, and their guests enjoyed the wedding reception together under the stars. 

They opted for a traditional Italian wedding cake before they continued the celebration by dancing the night away!

I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to photograph weddings at many of the Lake Como wedding venues. And every one feels so unique and special because each couple’s personalities are crystal clear in how the wedding days are designed. 

This particular Villa Balbianello, Lake Como wedding was no exception! Their romantic, elegant aesthetic throughout the entire day made for epic photography gold.

Looking for more wedding day inspiration? 

Explore the destination wedding photography blog!

Villa Balbianello Lake Como Wedding Day Vendors:

Photography: Lilly Red
Getting Ready Venue: Grand Hotel Tremezzo
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Villa del Balbianello
Planner: My Lake Como Wedding Planner
Floral Designer: Il Profumo Dei Fiori