This Lilac and Chartreuse Wedding on Lake Como Was Classic With a Twist

Timeless, but energetic details defined this small celebration at a lakefront villa.

Serena and Nik met in August 2019 when they both joined mutual friends at the U.S. Open. “It was a group outing, but we didn’t expect to meet each other there,” says Serena.

In October 2022, Serena was again caught unaware when Nik surprised her with a helicopter ride over New York City—during which florists and event planners set up a proposal in the couple’s apartment.

“Upon our return home, I was surprised to find first, fresh floral petals on the floor, and I thought ‘Oh no, our little foster dog is wreaking havoc again!’” says Serena.

As I traced the petals, I quickly realized it wasn’t our little puppy’s fault! An elegant, beautiful pink and white floral arch, a flower cart, and many other arrangements were set up on our patio.” Nik led Serena to the patio and dropped to one knee to pop the question. “Then, I realized it was really happening!” says Serena.

Serena didn’t have a firm location in mind for the wedding, but she could imagine the view: She had always dreamed of being married on the water, surrounded by mountains.

Her research led her to Lake Como, Italy, and to the 16th-century Villa Balbiano. Exclusive Italy Weddings helped the couple implement the other details that fit Serena’s vision: the iconic elegance of classic films; a color palette of lilac, pink, chartreuse, and white; traditional Italian food and music.

“The wedding ceremony and reception drew inspiration from the 1995 movie Sabrina: The scenes of the lavish parties at the Long Island estate with an 18-piece orchestra, overflowing Champagne, and the flower-filled solarium were just so romantic and timeless,” says Serena.

“I wanted to give a classic, timeless feeling to my guests, just like that.” She also embraced the glamor of vintage Italy, planning a photo shoot—with couture outfits and an antique Vespa—for the week of the wedding.

The couple exchanged vows in a waterfront ceremony on August 24, 2023, in front of 35 guests. After choosing their venue in spring 2023, they had only months to finalize the rest of their plans (while also making trips to Paris and Asia, carving out time for designer fittings, and adjusting for their planner’s time zone).

“It was hectic,” says Serena. “Thankfully, our family and bridal party all pitched in to help. With two international trips and working full time, I am glad we still were able to successfully execute the best day of our lives.”

Serena and Nik set the tone for their “classic, timeless” aesthetic with a multi-piece invitation suite from Rachel Zuch Design that included watercolor images and a tri-fold card. The color scheme for the day focused on the bride’s go-to shade. “I adore hues of lilac—it’s also my mother’s favorite color,” she says.