Italy Destination Wedding Inspiration: Emily and Jonah’s Romantic Lake Como Wedding
Emily and Jonah’s wedding day felt like something out of a dream (but better, because it was real and unique to them!) Instead of a huge, traditional wedding with hundreds of guests, they invited only their closest family to join them for an intimate destination wedding in Italy. They had their wedding at a historic villa perched on Lake Como: Villa Regina Teodolinda. It was so dreamy, romantic, peaceful, and completely intentional (which was exactly how they imagined it!)
If you’ve ever thought about skipping the stress of a big wedding to celebrate somewhere meaningful, this is your sign! Emily and Jonah’s celebration was proof that you don’t have to go the traditional route to create a day that feels magical. Sometimes, all you need is a beautiful setting, your favorite people, and a few thoughtful details to make it unforgettable. So, whether you’re just here for pretty pictures, looking for destination wedding ideas, or seriously planning your own intimate wedding abroad, this wedding will give you all the inspiration you need!
Planning an Italy Destination Wedding That Feels Personal
Emily and Jonah knew from the start that a cookie-cutter wedding wasn’t for them. They wanted something small, travel-packed, and full of intention, basically, a day that actually felt like them instead of following some Pinterest-perfect checklist. At first, the idea was a cozy, coastal Big Sur celebration (which honestly sounds dreamy enough). But then, after a few chats, they were like, “Wait… why not dream bigger?” And that’s how the plan leveled up from California cliffs to an Italian adventure.
The whole “let’s get married in Italy” thing checked every box for Emily and Jonah, they’re obsessed with traveling and wanted something that felt like them, not like anyone else’s wedding. Plus, by keeping the guest list to just immediate family, they avoided all the drama of a 200-person seating chart. It made the whole day feel super personal, totally stress-free, and just about the love and the people who mattered most. 10/10 recommend!
Lake Como Wedding Locations: Villa Regina Teodolinda
When Emily and Jonah began looking for Lake Como wedding locations, Villa Regina Teodolinda completely stole their hearts. And honestly, I can see why—this venue is a dream. Right on the water with that old-world charm, it somehow manages to feel both grand and incredibly intimate at the same time. Personally, I think it’s one of those spots that instantly elevates a wedding. It’s romantic, cozy in its own way, and the backdrop? Let’s just say it’s nearly impossible to take a bad photo here!
This villa is straight out of a fairy tale (without feeling overly fancy or stiff). It offered the perfect mix of Italian elegance and intimacy, making it a dream choice for a destination wedding in Italy. One of its best features? A private dock (I was literally in love!) That little detail turned out to be one of their favorite parts of the day because it allowed them to take a boat ride immediately after their ceremony. It felt like a cinematic ending to the most beautiful chapter of their love story!
The Details That Made It Personal
Instead of overwhelming themselves with layers of decor, Emily and Jonah chose details that enhanced the natural beauty of the villa. Their floral designer, Marta Sandri Studio, leaned into a style that felt organic and timeless, creating arrangements that blended seamlessly with the Italian gardens. Think soft, textured blooms in muted colors that felt like they’d been plucked right from the venue itself!
This is such a good reminder for any couple: when your venue already has gorgeous character (like, hello, Lake Como villas), you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Pick a few thoughtful design elements that highlight the space rather than cover it up. Trust me, it’ll feel way more cohesive and personal, and bonus, your photos won’t feel dated five years from now.
Behind the scenes, Danila Stella Events worked her magic, managing everything from timelines to styling to make sure Emily and Jonah could truly enjoy their day. Having a planner who knows the area is huge for couples planning an international wedding. Not only did she handle logistics, she also helped them create a celebration that felt effortless (which is exactly what you want when you’re traveling abroad with family).
A Day That Felt Effortless
One of my favorite things about Emily and Jonah’s wedding day was how calm it felt! No rushing around, no crazy-tight timeline, no stressing about making everything look “perfect.” Instead, they got to get ready slowly and intimately with their family, enjoy the stunning location, and soak in all the precious moments!
After their ceremony, they wandered the villa’s grounds for portraits while their families enjoyed cocktails in the garden above. Swans were gliding through the lake (definitely paid actors), sunlight bouncing off the water, and laughter floating through the air. When it came time for their boat getaway, their family gathered on the steps to wave them off. It was a moment that felt so genuine and cinematic all at once!
That’s the beauty of destination weddings, they feel less like a performance and more like a memory in motion. You’re not rushing through a checklist; you’re actually present for your own wedding day!
Destination Wedding Tips for Couples
If Emily and Jonah’s celebration has you thinking, “Could we do this?” the answer is absolutely yes! Here are a few ideas and takeaways from their day that can help you plan your own unforgettable wedding abroad:
Keep it small (!!!) A smaller guest list means more time with the people you love and less stress around travel and logistics.
Make travel part of the fun. Choose a location where the journey becomes part of the memory. Emily and Jonah’s boat getaway is a perfect example!
Work with local vendors. They know the area better than anyone and can bring your vision to life while handling tricky details (and it’s so much easier than having all your vendors travel!)
Choose a venue that speaks for itself. Locations like Villa Regina Teodolinda are already breathtaking, so you can save time and money on decor.
Prioritize experiences over perfection. Some of the best wedding moments are the ones you don’t plan (I literally can’t stress this part enough!)
Capturing Story-Driven Photos
As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite parts of this wedding was how natural it felt. Emily and Jonah didn’t need much direction; they were so comfortable with each other and so present in the moment that the photos practically made themselves!
That’s one of the best parts of a destination wedding in Italy or anywhere abroad: couples tend to slow down. Without the rush of a big wedding schedule, there’s more time to soak in your surroundings and create images that feel authentic.
Some of my favorite shots from this day include Emily’s stunning bridal portraits, their big smiles as they got to take a ride on the water, and the small moments in between! These moments weren’t staged; they were real and deeply meaningful. And those are the moments that make a wedding gallery timeless.
(If you’re planning your own wedding, you can browse more inspiration and ideas over on my Pinterest boards!)
Planning a wedding abroad might feel intimidating, but Emily and Jonah’s day is proof that it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:
Hire a planner. Seriously, this will change everything. Having someone local who speaks the language, knows the vendors, and understands the logistics will make your experience so much smoother.
Book early. Lake Como (and Italy in general) is very popular for weddings, so securing your venue and vendors early is key.
Simplify your decor. When your venue is this beautiful, you don’t need to overcomplicate things.
Build in time to enjoy. Make sure your schedule gives you time to actually experience your wedding day.
Make it a trip for your guests. Encourage your loved ones to spend a few days exploring. This turns your wedding into a memory-filled vacation for everyone.
For even more intimate wedding inspiration, check out my Los Alamos Wedding Venue Guide or browse other destination weddings on the blog to see how couples are making their days feel uniquely theirs!
Vendor Team
Here’s the incredible team that helped bring Emily and Jonah’s vision to life:
Venue: Villa Regina Teodolinda
Planner: Danila Stella Events
Florals: Marta Sandri Studio
Working with experienced local vendors is the key to pulling off a seamless Italy destination wedding. They’ll not only help bring your vision to life but also ensure your entire day feels stress-free!
Ready to Book a Destination Wedding Photographer?
Emily and Jonah’s wedding was proof that intimate weddings can be just as beautiful (if not more!) than traditional celebrations. By choosing a stunning location and focusing on what mattered most to them, they created a day that felt authentic, romantic, and completely unforgettable!
If you’re dreaming of your own Lake Como wedding or searching for intimate wedding ideas that feel meaningful and unique, I’d love to help you tell your story. Get in touch here to start planning your wedding day, whether it’s in Italy or anywhere in the world!