Arianne + Artur by House of Love

We envisioned our wedding as something intimate, romantic, and timeless.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re a couple who deeply value meaningful experiences, travel, and creating a life built on love and shared dreams. At our core, we’re best friends who love to laugh, explore, and make ordinary moments feel special. We’ve always felt a deep connection not just in how we love, but in how we live — balancing ambition with softness, adventure with grounding. He’s passionate about hockey, a sport that’s been part of his whole life for years, and I love how it reflects his dedication and playful spirit. We love discovering new places, sipping coffee slowly in the mornings, and dreaming about our future while soaking in sunsets. What defines us most is our shared belief that life’s greatest luxuries aren’t things but moments — the feeling of being seen, supported, and deeply loved. That belief guided everything we did for our wedding. For us, it wasn’t just about a single day, but about creating an unforgettable experience that reflected the beauty, calm, and depth of our relationship. Every detail was intentional and personal, a reflection of who we are and what we love most.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met in college in Wisconsin — a time in our lives that felt both exciting and uncertain, which made finding each other feel so special. What started as a casual friendship quickly grew intosomething much deeper, built on conversations, shared ambitions, and an effortless sense of comfort. My first impression of him was how genuine and kind he was. He had this calm, grounded energy that made me feel at ease from the start. His first impression of me, he later told me, was that I carried a lightness and warmth that drew him in immediately. I’ve always believed that God writes our stories with purpose, and ours is a beautiful reminder of that. He’s from Ukraine, and I’m from Bolivia — two people from opposite sides of the world, crossing paths in the most unexpected place. Over the years, we grew together, evolving individually and as a couple, always supporting each other’s dreams. Looking back now, it feels poetic: a love story written long before we even knew it, beginning in the simplicity of college life and becoming the foundation of forever.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding.

From the very beginning, we envisioned our wedding as something intimate, romantic, and timeless. Lake Como, with its breathtaking views and classic elegance, felt like the perfect backdrop to bring that vision to life. Passalacqua captured everything we were dreaming of — understated luxury, old-world charm, and a sense of warmth that felt like an embrace. We leaned into a soft, neutral color palette with touches of white, cream, and muted blush tones. The goal was to let the natural beauty of the venue shine while adding delicate, romantic details. We wanted everything to feel elegant but effortless — nothing overdone, just a celebration that felt true to us. Candles, soft florals, and natural greenery created a serene and intimate atmosphere. It wasn’t just about creating something beautiful to look at; it was about creating a feeling — romantic, joyful, and deeply personal.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you?

The scenic beauty of Passalacqua was the heart of our wedding design. The villa itself radiates old-world romance, so our styling approach was to complement, not compete with, its natural elegance. Lush white and cream florals, delicate greenery, and soft lighting set the tone. We added candles throughout the evening, creating that warm, glowing ambiance that felt both timeless and intimate. One of the most striking visual elements was the garden ceremony overlooking Lake Como. The view alone felt like something out of a dream — we hardly needed to add much more. Minimal, refined touches allowed the scenery to do the storytelling. We also loved how the tablescape came together. Elegant linens, crystal glassware, and simple yet stunning floral arrangements made every dinner moment feel like a scene from a romantic film. In the end, it was the combination of nature, history, and thoughtful styling that made everything come alive.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

What we enjoyed most was seeing our shared vision slowly come to life piece by piece. Planning a destination wedding in Lake Como required a lot of coordination, but it also gave us the opportunity to be intentional with every decision. Each choice felt meaningful — from the florals to the tablescape, to the music that would set the tone for the day. We loved making decisions together, and the moments where everything clicked — like finding our venue at Passalacqua — felt truly magical. Our biggest tip: stay true to yourselves as a couple. It’s easy to get caught up in trends or expectations, but your wedding should reflect you. Trust your instincts, invest in what matters most to you, and allow yourselves to enjoy the process. And don’t underestimate how much having great vendors can make everything smoother — it’s absolutely worth it.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Our wedding was an intimate elopement, and having the right team was everything. Our planner was truly at the heart of it all. From the start, working with her was effortless — Stefania understood our vision so deeply and made every step feel calm and seamless. She took care of every single detail, allowing us to be fully present on the day. Even though it was just the two of us, it felt magical, elegant, and perfectly curated. Studio Como did my hair and makeup, and they were incredible. They understood exactly the soft, timeless look I envisioned and made me feel like the best version of myself — confident yet natural. We also had a violinist playing during the ceremony, which created such an emotional and romantic atmosphere. Those little details made the day unforgettable. Choosing the right photographer was one of the most important decisions for us. Since elopements are so intimate, the photos become the way you share your story with those you love. We wanted someone who could capture not just the beauty of the setting but the feeling of the moment — and James did that so perfectly. Every image reflects exactly how our day felt: personal, timeless, and full of love.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

For my bridal look, I chose the Sophia gown by Lihi Hod — a dress that felt made just for me. I wanted something timeless, romantic, and elegant — a gown I would still love decades from now. The delicate lace, long sleeves, and structured silhouette struck the perfect balance between classic and modern. More than anything, it made me feel completely myself. I paired the gown with a simple, ethereal veil and minimal accessories, letting the details of the dress take center stage. My hair and makeup were done by Studio Como, creating a soft and effortless look. During the ceremony, a violinist added the perfect touch of romance, filling the moment with music and emotion. For him, a custom tuxedo from State and Liberty completed the aesthetic — perfectly tailored, timeless, and effortlessly refined. Getting ready at Passalacqua, with soft light spilling over Lake Como, felt almost surreal. Every detail of our outfits was chosen not just for beauty, but for how it made us feel — elegant, comfortable, and authentically us. From the gown and tuxedo to the music and the setting, everything came together to create a look and a day we’ll always remember.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Our rings are deeply personal — simple, elegant, and full of meaning. My engagement ring is a half-bezel oval, a classic shape that feels timeless yet uniquely mine. The wedding bands were crafted by a family-owned jeweler back in my country, giving them a personal story that makes them truly one-of-a-kind. A subtle detail makes them even more special: a hidden halo of sapphires in my ring, a quiet nod to my husband’s birthstone. It’s an intimate touch that makes the rings uniquely ours, meaningful in a way that goes beyond design. These rings are more than jewelry — they symbolize everything we’ve built together since our college days in Wisconsin and everything we’re stepping into as husband and wife. Slipping them onto each other’s hands in front of Lake Como, with the sun setting behind us, felt like the most beautiful promise. Every glance at our rings reminds us of our story, our love, and the life we’re building together.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on?

The most important elements for us were the venue, photography, and florals. We always dreamed of a wedding that felt like stepping into a timeless, romantic world — and Passalacqua gave us exactly that. We knew from the moment we saw it that it wasn’t just a venue; it was the centerpiece of our story. We also wanted to invest in photography, because capturing the emotion and beauty of the day meant so much to us. These are the memories we’ll hold onto forever, and having them preserved in a way that reflects the magic we felt was worth every bit. Florals were another priority — soft, elegant arrangements that elevated the natural beauty of Lake Como without overpowering it. Everything came together so beautifully, and looking back,those investments are what made the day feel like us in every detail. It was a celebration that felt both luxurious and deeply personal.