Artful Restraint: An Elegant Elopement on Lake Como

With the cinematic sweep of Lake Como as backdrop and a pared-back approach to decor, Carleigh and Rob’s elopement unfolded as a masterclass in artful restraint. 

The ceremony at Villa del Balbianello’s Loggia Durini was left untouched, its arches and panoramic views providing ample atmosphere, placing emphasis on the experience rather than ornament.

For the reception, the gardens of Grand Hotel Tremezzo became muse. Dinner at Dimmidisi was punctuated by minimal details (rose petals and lanterns), rendering the space understated yet immersive.

The bride wore a gown by Khya studios with Black Suede Studio heels.

Our Story

Names / Carleigh & Rob Watson

Location / Lake Como, Italy

Wedding Date / June 1st, 2025

Guest Numbers / 0

How We Met

We met in high school, but it wasn’t until we both ended up at the same college that we became inseparable. That’s when our friendship grew into something deeper, and we knew we had something special.

Our Engagement Story

In 2023, Rob and I planned a trip to Paris, a city I had always dreamed of visiting. We spent our days exploring, visiting all the sights and restaurants I’d been dying to see. One morning, Rob told me he had a special day planned and insisted I didn’t need to worry about a thing. We took a car to Trocadéro, known for its breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower. As we searched for our “tour guide,” Rob asked a man nearby (who was actually an undercover photographer he hired) to take a quick photo of us. As the camera clicked, he turned to me and asked me to marry him while the photographer captured it all. That moment was pure magic and one we will always cherish.

What we love most about each other…

What I love most about Rob is how deeply he cares, not just for me but for everyone around him. His kindness, passion for life, and charisma make me fall in love with him every day.

What I love most about my wife is her natural ability to be caring, nurturing, and kind. Her presence brings warmth, and I know our future children will feel the same happiness and comfort from her that I do every day.

The Setting

Wedding Location

Villa del Balbianello, perched on a lush promontory that extends into Lake Como, offered sweeping views of the lake and surrounding hills. The quiet lapping of the water and the soft light of the morning made the moment feel intimate and almost suspended in time. At the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, dinner unfolded among the gardens with the lake stretching beyond. The gentle evening light, the rustle of leaves, and the calm water created a relaxed, immersive setting that made the celebration feel quietly special.

Aesthetic

Romantic and timeless, with an emphasis on classic beauty that will never fade from memory. Every detail was designed to evoke a sense of elegance that felt both effortless and enduring.

Preparation

The morning of our elopement, Rob and I shared breakfast together and then went for a swim in the “Water on the Water” pool at GHT. Swimming in a pool floating in the lake was the most incredible way to start the day. Then we got ready separately so the first look still had that special spark.

“Perched above Lake Como, Villa del Balbianello offered quiet, sweeping views that made the moment feel suspended in time.”

Photography

Georgia Grace captured our elopement beautifully. We were immediately drawn to her ability to evoke so much emotion through her work. Blending film with digital, her work carries an editorial elegance while preserving the raw beauty of each moment.

We loved how seamlessly she moved throughout the day, documenting candid moments with ease yet offering thoughtful direction when it mattered most. The result is a breathtaking gallery that tells the story of our day perfectly.

Videography

Wedding Raw Memories. We booked a content creator to capture truly raw, behind-the-scenes moments of our day.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

We didn’t have any decor at the ceremony. Loggia Durini at Villa Balbianello is breathtaking as it is, and we didn’t feel the need to add any other details.

Reception Décor

Our intimate candlelit dinner at Dimmidisi, tucked in the gardens at Grand Hotel Tremezzo, was decorated with red rose petals, candles, and surrounded by lanterns.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

We booked Love Gracefully as our officiant and day-of coordinator for the boat and ceremony at Villa Balbianello. They helped coordinate the arrival of the boat at GHT, the ceremony, and the private boat tour, and ensured everything flowed seamlessly.

Flowers

For my bouquet, I wanted something simple with white and green tones. I had used calla lilies for my courthouse ceremony, so it felt special to use them again for our elopement with a few extra details.

Stationery

The owner of Suite Scape, and a dear friend, created a stunning mood board and mock invitation to perfectly capture the details of our day.

Cake

Millefoglie, a traditional Italian wedding cake, was a must for our Lake Como elopement.

Food & Beverages

We enjoyed a four-course menu at Grand Hotel Tremezzo with wine pairings for each course.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

The Salacea by Kyha Studios. I added off-the-shoulder straps and extended the train by 12 inches. Shoes were Black Suede Studio.

Wedding Rings

My wedding ring is an emerald cut with a gold band and a 4 mm yellow gold band. My husband’s is a 6 mm white gold bevel wedding band.

Hair & Makeup

I wore my hair down in a bouncy blowout that naturally fell and became a bit messy and romantic throughout the day. My makeup was natural with soft pink tones.

“Before planning our Italy elopement, I worried it might not feel like a true wedding, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turned out to be the most beautiful, intimate day filled with so many moments we continue to look back on and cherish.”

The Details

Transport

We took a wooden boat from GHT to Villa Balbianello. After our ceremony, we had a private boat tour around the lake before heading back to GHT for dinner.

Honeymoon

We traveled down to the Amalfi Coast, where we stayed in Praiano for a relaxing trip filled with food, views, and ocean swims.

Wedding Songs

“In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young.

Celebrant

Love Gracefully, Daniele Gagliardi. They were wonderful to work with, and the ceremony beautifully captured our relationship, bringing so much emotion to the day.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Our ceremony in Loggia Durini at Villa Balbianello was the most special and beautiful moment for us. The platform overlooking the lake and mountains felt like the world stopped, and it was just us sharing our love for each other.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

Before planning our Italy elopement, I worried it might not feel like a true wedding, but I couldn’t have been more wrong. It turned out to be the most beautiful, intimate day filled with so many moments we continue to look back on and cherish.

If I could give one piece of advice to other couples…

If I could give other couples one piece of advice, it would be to slow down and truly take in every moment of the day together. And don’t steam your dress on the day of your wedding!

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Villa del Balbianello

Photography / Georgia Grace Photography

Content Creator / Wedding Raw Memories

Bride’s Dress / Kyha Studios

Bride’s Shoes / Black Suede Studio

Wedding Rings / Mavilo Jeweler

Grooms Formal Wear / Suit Supply

Hair / The Studio – Federica Serinelli

Makeup / The Studio – Federica Loiodice

Invitations / Suitescape Design

Florist & Celebrant / Love Gracefully

Cake & Catering / Grand Hotel Tremezzo

Transport / Lake Como Boat

Honeymoon Destination / Florence and Amalfi Coast