Kirsten and Jake’s Lake Como elopement feels like a study in contrasts – intimate yet cinematic, deeply personal yet visually striking in every detail. Their choice of Villa Pizzo brings a quiet grandeur: historic walls, lakefront light, and layered gardens shaping the rhythm of the day. The design leans into a chic Italian mood with a subtle gothic edge – moody tones, romantic florals, and a sense of intentional restraint that lets each setting speak. Inside the villa, the ceremony carries a dramatic softness, elevated by live violin. Kirsten’s look anchors it all: a Floure gown that balances structure and fluidity, paired with a long, statement veil that moves effortlessly through each scene. There’s a feeling of stillness, of time stretching just enough to hold every glance and vow. Captured by our member Georgia Grace, the day reads as both refined and instinctive. Their celebration continued later with a civil ceremony and a backyard dinner shared only with their closest circle – an extension of the same honest, thoughtful approach that defined it all.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
We actually met on Hinge and talked for months before we ever met in person. Jake had left Oregon and was working a contract job in Hawaii, while I was living in North Carolina at the time. It just felt right, so I booked a flight to Hawaii to finally meet him. I was only planning to stay for a week, but we ended up extending my trip because we just wanted to spend more time together. That was five years ago, and we’ve been together ever since.
The Proposal
The proposal took place in Arizona, right in the middle of the desert! Jake’s parents have a house out there, and we had flown in to spend some time with them—we don’t get to see them often since they live in Oregon. I definitely wasn’t expecting him to propose on a trip with his parents, so I think that’s how he knew it was the perfect time. It completely caught me off guard and surprised me in the best way.
Our Wedding
The Location
Villa Pizzo was everything I hoped it would be! I actually booked it without ever seeing it in person. I loved that it’s lakefront and one of the oldest villas on Lake Como. The staff were amazing, and we had so many beautiful areas to choose from for photos, our vows, and the ceremony itself. It truly exceeded all my expectations!
The Vision
My vision was romantic, Italian, Roman Catholic, with gothic vibes.
The Ceremony
We had our ceremony inside the villa because it was absolutely breathtaking. I hired a celebrant and a violinist to play as I walked down the steps. It was so dramatic and absolutely gorgeous.
The Special Touches
After our ceremony at Villa Pizzo, we went to Chiesa Anglicana dell’Ascensione for a wedding blessing at the church. It was stunning and moody, and the blessing was incredibly special. The priest and his wife were the sweetest people, and I’m so glad we took the time to have that moment.
Our Favorite Moment
Our favorite moment of the day was definitely reading our vows in the rose garden with Lake Como as the backdrop. It was absolutely beautiful.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I knew I wanted to wear Floure Studio because their designs are so unique and definitely my vibe. I absolutely loved the Lyn—the dress I ended up wearing. It was everything I wanted: dramatic yet classic. I also knew from the start that I wanted a long, dramatic veil with a blusher to really bring the look together.
The Groom Looks
Jake wanted something timeless and understated, so he went with a Nordstrom tux—simple and classic.
Our Advice
For the Planning Process
The process can feel stressful, but always keep you and your partner at the center of all your plans. We didn’t want a large wedding because we wanted it to feel intimate and meaningful, and I wanted to remember every single moment of that day with Jake.
For On The Day
Try to let go of any worries about things going wrong and just live in the moment! I remember several times throughout the day thinking to myself, “I can’t believe I’m here, about to marry the love of my life in this perfect villa on Lake Como!” Everything feels more surreal on your wedding day.
For Post-Wedding
We planned a dinner at one of the most beautiful hotels on Lake Como. I’d recommend planning something just for the two of you so you can truly soak it all in and spend quality one-on-one time together as husband and wife.
Vendors
Photographer: Georgia Grace
Venue: Villa Pizzo, Church on Lake Como
Florist: Fiorigraphia
Hair & Makeup: Wedding By Joy
Style
Ceremony Dress: Floure from Lovely Bride NYC
Shoes & Accessories: Jimmy Choo, Alexandra Grecco