I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Villa Rusconi Clerici in Verbania, Italy offered a breathtaking backdrop on Lake Maggiore for Anastasia and Michele’s elopement. Edelweiss Weddings designed the day with a lemon yellow theme that carried through the florals and tablescape by Della Bella Fiori. We’re definitely loving the gorgeous views captured beautifully by Daria Lorman Photography along will all of the other cheery details.

What made the wedding special and unique?

The venue the couple have chosen together with their planner Diana. Villa Rusconi Clerici is located in the small town of Pallanza on Lake Maggiore. Walking along its embankment, for a moment it may seem to you that you are on the French Riviera, and sea waves are beating on the shore. The villa was built in the late 1800s. It is impossible not to notice it from the water. Bright yellow color and stucco windows of this villa stand out among others. It is surrounded by a luxurious garden, has enviable and rare specimens of flowers of various kinds, such as rhododendron, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and others, some of which were planted for more than 200 years, even before the construction of the villa itself. This place is an endless source of inspiration for artists and poets, and for all beauty lovers. From the bride: “On this day, everything came together so that it is impossible to highlight some special part of the celebration, leaving others behind. Everything was beautiful, starting from a clear sunny morning, after a long rainy week.”

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I tried a lot of dresses, but still couldn’t choose just one. I had a dilemma between two completely different styles: sophisticated and luxury mermaid and more romantic dresses. So I got both of my favorites from two different designers in two boutiques. First, I felt in love with that beautiful sparkling lace dress from Honeymoon Sposa Italia, which was shining in the sun. I felt like this was my dream dress. And for the dancing part of the day I went with a light and airy organza dress from Cristian Spose, which was very comfortable but still exquisite as I didn’t want anything too simple either.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We built our concept around such a simple element as lemon. On such a hot June day, which was June 12, 2019, a glass of cold lemonade came to everyone’s taste and was very welcomed. And it added that Italian touch to everything.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Our ceremony was the most memorable part of the day and a couple of minutes right before it when we were both standing a couple of meters from each other and impatient to finally see each other. We also had lots of fun when trying to get those cute Pinterest photos with Baloo, the villa’s dog. Daria did her best trying to make the dog sit still and pose with us, while Baloo was clearly more interested in getting snacks.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

That day I had a big event planned at a restaurant, which I was supposed to attend in the company of my two friends. I definitely did not plan to meet my destiny – my future husband. He was in our big company at that restaurant. Nothing special, the usual acquaintance. Everyone was getting to know each other there, talking. The evening has passed. That evening we did not even talk a lot.

Some time later Michele started calling me, chatting on the phone. Later we saw each other a few more times at various events. Then he invited me on a date. I refused, and he had planned a trip to his homeland, Italy, for work, for a whole month. He flew away. He kept calling me the whole month, despite my refusal to go on that date. Apparently he decided not to give up! When he returned, he called me on a date again, this time I agreed.

After 1.5 years, he proposed to me. Now we are husband and wife. And three years ago, on one happy summer day, we first saw each other in that restaurant and I could not even imagine that I was sitting there and talking with my future husband.

Photography: Daria Lorman Photography // Planner & Organization: Edelweiss Weddings // Flowers & Décor: Della Bella Fiori // Stationery: Edelweiss Card Design // Venue: Villa Rusconi Clerici // Muah & Styling: Anna Poliakova // Wedding Dress #1: Honeymoon Sposa // Wedding Dress #2: Cristian Spose // Headpiece & Earrings: Della Bella Gioielli // Cake: LallabyCakes