J and M’s intimate Lake Como, Italy wedding week at Relais Villa Vittoria on a Tuesday in June was a culmination of a beautiful journey that began during the pandemic. Their love story began during the pandemic when they met on Hinge. M initially hesitated to share her phone number, but their connection blossomed, and their bond grew stronger. The magical day of their engagement took place at Disneyland (a place M cherishes being a HUGE Disney fan), where J surprised M with a proposal in front of Snow White’s Grotto, creating a fairy tale moment.

It’s not the size of the venue or the number of guests that makes a wedding special; it’s the intention. Before any other wedding planning, sit down with your partner to discuss the elements that mean the most to you and what you want your wedding day to feel like. Really, really, really dig into it!

Even if your only references for what Italy is like are the Lizzie McGuire Movie & Letters to Juliet, you know this country is steeped in romance & culture. The pictures & movies simply don’t do Italy justice, I truly believe you have to see for yourself to really understand how breathtaking it is. In order to visit a place like Italy you need a few things: a valid passport, excellent walking shoes, a hearty appetite, curiosity, & a sense of adventure. There are so many different ways you can experience this country whether that’s the northern, central, or southern areas—each area offers something different.