From the photographer:
Cassandra and Dan’s wedding took place amidst the exquisite backdrop of the Villa Balbiano on Lake Como. Its clean, simple lines, lush green gardens and lakefront, provided a perfect canvas for the classic aesthetic of Dan and Cassandra – an aesthetic that was inspired from the deep blues and umber of vintage Italian tiles. As the sun began to set on the Lake, the bride and groom arrived by boat and their happiness rivaled the beauty of the villa!
The ceremony took place on the lakefront side of the villa. Simple, custom benches which mirrored the clean lines of the villa, provided seating for the guests. A beautiful combination of specialty garden roses, hydrangeas, queen anne’s lace, and garden vines flanked the sides of the benches, echoing the gardens that flank the villa. Guests witnessed the marriage of Dan and Cassandra with the deep blues of the Lake as their backdrop.
The ceremony was followed by cocktails on the opposite side of the villa, where the grand entrance to the villa, naturally cordoned by tall green hedges, provided the perfect place for a cocktail party. Simple decor — large hurricane votives, textiles in deep blues and umber colors, and exquisitely displayed antipasti tables – created a visual and virtual feast. Guest were serenaded by a local quartet.
As the cocktail party came to a close, the music faded and guests were escorted through a hidden entrance in the tall hedges to the villa’s edible garden, where the dinner reception was held alfresco on the garden lawn. One long wooden table was surrounded by tall, metal, hand-crafted sconces which lit the “room” for the guests. The table itself was adorned with a regal, deep-blue velvet runner. Silver candlesticks and votives held candles and garden florals. A sumptuous meal of seared ahi, fresh tagliolini with black truffle and lamb was enjoyed by all.
The bride, the groom, and their guests celebrated well into the night. Just when it was time to dance inside the villa, the skies opened and it began to rain. Perhaps it was a sign from the heavens to take the party indoors – which is exactly what the bride, the groom and guests did… until dawn!
