Lewis & Loretta’s 3 day destination wedding on Lago di Como

Lewis and Loretta have that movie kind of love – the kind you aren’t even sure truly exists. They met on the school bus as teenagers and have been each other’s forever since. In all my years as a wedding planner, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a couple quite like them.

Lake Como is famous for its romance, but I’ll be honest – many of the wedding venues feel a little tired and in need of a proper renovation. It can sometimes feel like a case of the Emperor’s New Clothes, fuelled by great PR. That was until Villa Bonomi arrived on the scene with its multi-million-euro makeover. Stylish, contemporary, and perched high above the lake with spectacular views – Lewis and Loretta instantly fell in love.

The celebrations began with a rooftop welcome party at the Hyatt Regency. Lewis then moved to the Mandarin Oriental, with plans to make a glamorous entrance to the wedding by Riva boat. But the weather had other ideas. One of our team dashed off in our trusty rental car, “Albie,” and Lewis embraced the switch – driving himself while eating a homemade prosciutto and cheese sandwich. Not quite the glamour of a Riva, but certainly unforgettable!

On arrival, Lewis got straight to work with the florist, hand-making Loretta’s bouquet. My heart melted when I later discovered that Loretta had spotted him from her window as he worked.

The wedding itself was intimate, personal, and overflowing with love. Every detail reflected who they are as a couple. Their first dance was just the two of them, with only the singers present (and us sneaking a peek through the curtain!). It was a day filled with magic, unforgettable moments, and a once-in-a-millennia kind of love.

Photographer – Andrew Bayda