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

Ever since visiting Italy two years ago, I’m counting down the days until I can return! There never was a more romantic (or tasty) place on earth–at least as far as I’m concerned! So Melisa and Christopher’s wedding in Lake Como, Italy is an absolute dream. And if I can’t actually live the dream, I suppose these images of the dream by Shawn Connell of Christian Oth Studio will have to do!

lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_1
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_2
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_3
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_4
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_5
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_6
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_7
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_8
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_9
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_10

From Christian Oth Studio:

Melisa Moehlman and Christopher Melling had crossed paths many times before they began dating at the end of 2009. They shared a circle of friends that kept insisting they were made for each other. It turns out, their friends were right. Chris proposed in January of 2011 aided by a scrapbook filled with the reasons why he loved Melisa and a diamond ring tucked into one of the pages.

Intrigues by the idea of an overseas destination wedding, the couple was elated when they secured an historic Italian setting, Villa del Balbianello, for their September wedding. “We loved the idea of a celebration with a timeless, Old World feel,” Melisa admits. “Because the venue was so beautiful, we kept everything very elegant and simple.”

They recited their vows under a romantic ivy-covered loggia overlooking Lake Como. Cocktails were served in the garden and a candlelit dinner for 100 followed. “I would not have changed a thing,” the bride reflects. “It was a wonderful time to spend with our family and friends, and the perfect beginning to our lives together.”

The newlyweds spent the next two weeks in Africa on a safari and exploring the beauty of the Seychelle Islands.

lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_11
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_12
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_13
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_14
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_15
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_16
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_17
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_18
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_19
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_20
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_21
lake_como_italy_destination_wedding_22

Venue: Villa del Balbianello // Photography: Shawn Connell/Christian Oth Studio // Cake and Caterer: AFM Banqueting // Planner: Daughter of Design // Floral Design: Figli dei Fiori // Tuxedo: Domenico Vacca // Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier