published on VOGUE https://vogueadria.com/wedding-italy/

We vacation in Italy every summer usually in the north and although we have no family ties to Italy you can’t go wrong with Italian food and wine. 

We chose Lake Maggiore for our wedding because it is a hidden gem, offering a unique charm that stands apart from the more mainstream Lake Como. The name “Maggiore” resonated with us, especially since it echoed “Maggie,” adding a personal touch to our celebration. As a marine biologist with a profound love for the water and having grown up on a lake, getting married by the water was a necessity. It’s where we both feel at home and at peace.

Villa Rusconi-Clerici became the obvious choice as our venue. Situated directly on the lake in Verbania, the villa offers panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the famous Borromean Islands. This beautifully preserved late 19th-century house, with its English-style garden and eclectic neo-baroque decor, enchanted us with its grandeur and historic charm. Coming from a long line of architects, I knew my family would deeply appreciate the villa’s intricate design and rich history, adding a layer of personal significance to our choice.

Our wedding day unfolded like a dream, beginning with a ceremony in the flower-adorned waterfront garden, where the serene sounds of the lake and nature surrounded us. I made a grand entrance by arriving in a vintage Italian wooden boat.

Villa Rusconi-Clerici’s different regions were perfect for each part of the celebration, keeping our guests intrigued. The cocktail hour was held in the main garden, with the villa as a stunning backdrop. Later, we moved to a beautiful pavilion for the reception dinner, a graceful wrought iron structure reminiscent of late 19th-century greenhouses. The cake-cutting took place in front of the villa, followed by our first dance in the atmospheric old cellars, which felt like a vintage club with their terracotta vaults, antique statues, and rocaille walls.

The logistical ease of having the Grand Hotel Majestic, where our guests stayed, just a three-minute walk from the venue, and the impeccable planning by Francesca Caddeo founder of Isole Weddings ensured that our day was flawlessly timed and perfectly smooth. 

Notably, the Grand Hotel Majestic also hosted guests for the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2024 show set at Isola Bella. The villa’s rich history and preserved interiors transported us and our guests back to the days of the Belle Époque, creating an unforgettable experience.

Photographer: The Fashion Wedding
Planning: Francesca Caddeo of Isole weddings www.isoleweddings.com
Venue: Villa Rusconi Clerici https://www.villarusconiclerici.it/it-it/home
Getting ready venue:  Grand Hotel Majestic https://www.grandhotelmajestic.it
Flowers: Helianthus flower lab https://www.instagram.com/helianthus_flowerlab/
Band: The Brother Rockers https://www.instagram.com/thebrotherockers/
Catering: Le Muse https://www.lemusebanqueting.it/
Equipment: Media dressing https://www.mediadressing.com/
Hair and Make up:  Anna Kalytyak – BLBS management 
Napkins and Cushions rentals: AF opening 
Boat: CMA Stresa 

Maggie dress https://www.theownstudio.com/

Antoine Tuxedo , bespoke Tuxedo