A Fairytale Wedding in Lake Como: Creating Memories Under the Italian Sun
The glistening waters of Lake Como, the gentle caress of the summer breeze, and the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions – these elements formed the backdrop for a wedding unlike any other. I had the incredible privilege of being a part of this magical celebration, crafting the hair and makeup magic for the stunning bride, Keerti. As I weave this tale, allow me to transport you to this dreamlike destination wedding in Italy, where love, laughter, and cultural beauty intertwined.
Imagine shimmering waters reflecting the Italian sun, the vibrant tapestry of Indian traditions, and a love story unfolding amidst breathtaking scenery. This was the essence of Keerti and Avinash's wedding in Lake Como, a celebration that I had the privilege of being a part of. As their makeup artist, I witnessed firsthand the emotions, cultural richness, and the sheer joy that permeated every moment.
A Journey Begins: Embracing the Festivities
The entire saga began with an enquiry from Avinash - the groom, seeking my expertise for his wife-to-be Keerti's bridal hair and makeup in the picturesque Lake Como. Having had the pleasure of creating the magic for numerous weddings in Lake Como over the years, I was familiar with the venue's enchanting charm. The prospect of returning to this captivating location filled me with immense excitement. Upon arriving in Como, I was once again greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the lake, its turquoise waters reflecting the Italian sunshine. My hotel, overlooking the Lake in central Como, offered a sense of tranquility, the perfect prelude to the whirlwind of festivities that awaited. I was warmly welcomed by the bride and the groom and they went above and beyond to ensure my comfort throughout my stay.
A Tapestry of Traditions: Unfolding the Beauty
The 15th of August dawned bright and early, marking the beginning of a three-part celebration. The first event was the Haldi ceremony, a joyous occasion brimming with turmeric paste, blessings, and laughter. Held at the enchanting Villa Geno, a historic gem overlooking the famous Como fountain, the setting added a touch of grandeur to the intimate ceremony.
Keerti, radiating warmth and joy, opted for a natural and minimal makeup look that perfectly complemented the intimate and joyous occasion. I used soft, dewy tones to enhance her natural beauty, allowing her radiant skin to take center stage. Her hair was styled in loose, effortless waves, adorned with delicate baby's breath. She wore flower jewellery to complete the look. The overall look exuded elegance and simplicity, perfectly in sync with the celebratory spirit of the Haldi ceremony.
As the day progressed, the mood shifted to a vibrant celebration with the South Indian Telugu wedding ceremony, also held at Villa Geno. The villa's lush gardens provided a picturesque backdrop for the traditional rituals. Keerti, adorned in a stunning saree, exuded elegance. I draped the saree with meticulous care, ensuring every pleat fell into place. Her makeup, this time, was a touch bolder, featuring soft smokey eyes and a pop of colour on her lips, reflecting the festive atmosphere.
The evening brought the lively Sangeet, a night filled with music, dance, and revelry, again at the charming Villa Geno. The villa's spacious rooms and elegant atmosphere provided the perfect setting for this energetic celebration. Keerti's vision for this event was a warm, sun-kissed look. I channelled my inner hair & makeup artist, creating bronzed, glowing skin, smoky eyes, and a sleek ponytail, leaving not a single hair out of place. Keerti looked like a glamorous diva dazzling away in her sparkling outfit, ready to steal the show with her infectious energy.
Watch the behind-the-scenes video of Keerti's stunning sangeet look!
Having had the privilege of being part of the celebrations throughout the day, I found myself seated at a dinner table, enjoying the vibrant energy of the event. The evening unfolded with a series of captivating performances. Bride and Groom's friends and family took turns showcasing their talents, each act brimming with enthusiasm and cultural flair. Keerti and Avinash's captivating performance, filled with synchronised steps and absolute joy, stole the hearts of everyone present. But the most heartwarming moment arrived when the dance floor cleared for Keerti and her father. Their graceful movements reflected a deep love and bond that transcended words. Witnessing this intimate dance, filled with unspoken emotions, was undoubtedly the highlight of the Sangeet, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.
The Grand Finale: A Day Steeped in Emotion
I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to create Keerti's dream bridal look. The anticipation crackled in the air as I prepared Keerti in my room overlooking the serene lake at the breathtaking Villa Regina Teodolinda. Steeped in history and boasting stunning lake views, this exquisite venue provided a truly magical setting for the couple's vows.
Upon my arrival at the majestic Villa Regina Teodolinda earlier that day, I found myself in the company of Keerti's cherished family and friends. The hotel staff, exuding genuine warmth and hospitality, extended a gracious welcome, complete with refreshing beverages.
I set up my makeup station in my room, and soon after, Keerti walked in with her outfit and her dazzling diamond jewellery. Her wedding lehenga, a stunning creation in lilac hues, was unlike anything I had seen before. It was intricately detailed and adorned with exquisite embellishments. To complement the lehenga, Keerti opted for two dupattas: one draped elegantly over her body and the other beautifully styled as a veil for her head.
As I began working my magic, Keerti and I chatted away, filling the room with laughter and excitement. We turned on some music, opened the windows to let in the fresh lake breeze and warm Italian sunshine, and soaked in the breathtaking views of Lake Como. The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore and the occasional sight of boats gliding across the water added a touch of serenity to the atmosphere.
By the time the wedding day arrived, Keerti had completely entrusted me with her vision, allowing my artistic freedom to work its magic. I channeled her desires for a soft yet striking, romantic look, incorporating a delicate updo at the nape of her neck. A middle parting ensured the perfect placement of her maang tikka, while fresh jasmine flowers added a touch of elegance and cultural significance. The final result was a stunning bun, simple yet sophisticated, that perfectly complemented her radiant bridal glow.
Witness the magic in video: Keerti's stunning bridal look!
For Keerti's reception look, we faced a significant time constraint, which was a bit unfortunate. Given more time, there were so many additional elements I could have explored to enhance her look further. Nonetheless, within the tight timeframe of approximately 30 to 40 minutes, we managed a complete transformation. This included makeup touch-ups, crafting an entirely new hairstyle, and transitioning her into another outfit. Despite these challenges, the outcome was nothing short of spectacular. Keerti looked absolutely brilliant, radiating beauty and grace for her reception.
Beyond the Celebrations: Unforgettable Moments
The wedding festivities culminated in a beautiful reception dinner at Villa Regina Teodolinda. It was an evening filled with heartfelt speeches that resonated deeply with me. The groom, Avinash, expressed his love and devotion to Keerti in a moving speech, followed by equally touching tributes from the father of the groom, the sister of the bride, and the brother of the groom. Witnessing the outpouring of love and support from their families and friends was truly heartwarming.
Keerti herself took the stage to deliver a heartfelt speech that resonated deeply with everyone present. She spoke fondly of her sister, her father, her best friend and all those who had supported her throughout her life. The significance of Indian family traditions and their role in shaping her values and identity held a central place in her speech. Her genuine emotions and heartfelt expression touched everyone's hearts, leaving a lasting impression of the strong bond she shared with her family and the importance she placed on her cultural roots.
I felt incredibly honoured to be a part of this intimate celebration. As I sat amongst the guests, I couldn't help but be swept away by the emotions and the genuine joy that infused the atmosphere.
One unique aspect of the evening that particularly captivated me was the Italian cake-making ceremony. Instead of a pre-made cake, the guests watched in delight as the wedding cake was assembled from scratch. This delightful Italian tradition added a touch of personalisation and interactivity to the celebration, further solidifying the sense of community and shared joy.
Throughout my stay at Villa Regina Teodolinda, I couldn't help but notice the excitement surrounding the proximity of George Clooney's villa. Avinash and Keerti, like many others, were enthralled by the possibility of spotting the Hollywood star. While I didn't have the opportunity to personally encounter Mr. Clooney, his possible presence undoubtedly added another layer of intrigue and excitement to the already remarkable experience.
As the night drew to a close, I retreated to my exquisite room within the villa, feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend one last blissful night in this breathtaking location. Exhausted from the whirlwind of emotions and festivities, I surrendered to the comfort of the bed, instantly drifting off to a deep sleep.
The next morning, a bittersweet farewell awaited. After a delicious breakfast with the couple, it was time for me to depart. However, Keerti and Avinash surprised me with a truly unforgettable gesture. They whisked me away to their luxurious honeymoon hotel Grand Hotel Tremezzo, offering panoramic views overlooking the lake. There, I indulged in a Michelin-star meal, followed by a relaxing dip in the pool and jacuzzi – the perfect ending to a whirlwind adventure.
As I bid farewell to Lake Como in the wake of the wedding, a poignant mix of emotions welled up within me. Having forged a profound connection with Keerti and Avinash, witnessing the blossoming of their love story had been an honour beyond measure. The enduring warmth of their hospitality, the location's breathtaking splendour, and the indelible memories etched in my heart will forever remain a cherished treasure.
From the intimate Haldi ceremony adorned with turmeric paste and blessings, to the vibrant Sangeet filled with music and dance, each event unfolded with its own unique charm. Keerti, a vision of elegance, embraced each look with grace and confidence. Whether it was the natural beauty of the Haldi ceremony or the glamorous touch for the Sangeet, I poured my heart into creating looks that reflected her personality and resonated with the cultural significance of each occasion.
The grand finale, held at the breathtaking Villa Regina Teodolinda, was a day steeped in emotion. Witnessing Keerti walk down the aisle, her radiant beauty accentuated by the intricate details of her wedding lehenga, was a truly unforgettable moment. Creating her bridal look was a collaborative effort, filled with creative energy and a deep understanding of her vision. The final result – a soft, romantic look with an elegant updo – perfectly captured her essence and the joy radiating from her heart.
This Lake Como wedding wasn't just a celebration of love; it was a tapestry woven with cultural beauty, genuine connection, and the creation of memories that will forever be cherished. Throughout the experience, I interacted with various wedding vendors, including photographers, wedding planners, villa staff and florists, who were all extremely kind and contributed to the overall wonderful experience.
This experience reaffirmed my passion for my craft and the profound impact it can have on people's lives. Being a part of Keerti and Avinash's wedding wasn't just about creating beautiful makeup; it was about celebrating love, fostering connections, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved. It was a story not just about the bride and groom, but also about the individuals who came together to make their dream wedding a reality.
CREDITS
Vendors
- Wedding Planner: My Dolce Vita Italia
- Photography: Andrea Gallucci
- Videography: Giovanni De Rosa
- Floral Design: Fiori Quotidiani
- Mehndi: Myam Mehndi
- DJ: Bick Naya
Makeup Brands
Outfit Designers
- Haldi: Mishru
- Saree: Ekaya
- Sangeet: Seema Gujral
- Wedding: Mrunalini Rao
- Reception: Ridhi Mehra
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