In the heart of picturesque Lake Como, Italy, love blossomed in a way that even Hollywood romance scripts would envy. Laura and Wahib, both from Sydney, Australia, met through work, when Wahib walked into Laura’s office as a client. It wasn’t until their friendship groups joined that they became good friends, with their friendship turning into a love story for the ages.
The decision to have a destination wedding was inspired by Laura’s dream of a magical wedding in a far-off land. Laura had been to a destination wedding before and it was something she would never forget. While tradition held a special place in their hearts due to their Lebanese backgrounds, they craved an experience that transcended the conventional. Italy, with its charm and elegance, beckoned them, specifically the enchanting shores of Lake Como. The couple, who shared a love for travel, found solace in the idea of exchanging vows in a place that felt like a dreamy haven.
The choice of Italy was a meticulous decision. After exploring options in the South of France, they fell in love with Lake Como’s scenic beauty, with the tranquil waters providing the perfect backdrop for their heartfelt vows. The town of Como, a small, intimate enclave, played host to their friends and family, creating an atmosphere where every corner was adorned with love and laughter.
Planning a wedding thousands of miles away from home might seem daunting, but Laura and Wahib approached the challenge with grace and diligent organization. With the help of a local wedding planner, they turned their dream into reality. From coordinating vendors to weaving in their Lebanese traditions seamlessly, the couple was hands-on, ensuring every detail was perfect.
The process, spanning 15 months from their engagement in May 2022 to the grand day in September 2023, was a rollercoaster of excitement and anticipation. Thanks to the power of technology, the couple orchestrated their dream wedding while bridging the gap between continents.
The festivities kicked off at the Grand Imperiale Hotel with a Pre-Wedding/Rehearsal Dinner, a Laylieh in Lebanese culture. The celebration continued the next day with separate events, keeping with tradition of the bride and groom not seeing each other the day before the wedding. The groom hosted a lively pool party and brunch at their villa, whilst the bride organized a captivating boat cruise/party around the lake.
The wedding day, the pinnacle of their journey, was a tapestry of emotions. Father Assaad Saad, a Lebanese Maronite priest based in Milan, blessed the couple, adding a touch of their homeland’s traditions to the Italian landscape. The ceremony, performed outdoors with hymns sung in Arabic, left their guests mesmerized. The day continued with joyous festivities, including a breathtaking cake cutting ceremony and a spectacular fireworks display, etching these moments into the memories of all who attended.
Bride: @laura.ewehbe
Groom: @wahibwehbe
Photo & Video: @saltatelier_wedding
Wedding Gown: @paolo_sebastian
Venue: @villapizzo
Event planners: @ilesevents.italy
Florist: @riccardociceri
Makeup: @vanessaindari_mua
Hair: @thestudiocomo
Shoes: @aquazzura @louboutinworld @manoloblahnik
Mini Gown: @lilliankhallouf
Rosary & Picture Clip: @rosariesforlife
Groom Suits: @thebespokecorner
Place cards and menus: @azalea_calligraphy
Fireworks: @francopozzibrightlight
Sound: @bdm.weddings
Music band: @amiryazbeckofficial
Drummers: @_davidkhoury
Flute player: @michaelaoun_
Cameras: @tawostudio
Cake: @afmbanqueting
Beauty Advisor: @theglowjob.aus
READ MORE: 10 TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDING IN ITALY
