Hanna & Justin
August 16–17, 2026 Lake Como, Italy
Hanna & Justin’s story began in Varenna, one of the most beautiful villages on the eastern shore of Lake Como, where their welcome evening unfolded over cocktails by the water and an intimate Hanbok portrait session. As the evening progressed, the weather became increasingly unpredictable, with a summer storm rolling across the lake and transforming the sky into something almost cinematic. Far from taking away from the atmosphere, the changing weather became part of the story - adding movement, drama and an almost dreamlike quality to the first evening of their celebration. The following morning, the clouds gave way to sunshine. After getting ready in Varenna, Hanna and Justin shared a quiet first look before setting off by boat towards Lenno and the iconic Villa del Balbianello. Perched on the western shore of Lake Como, the historic villa is one of the region’s most recognisable landmarks, known for its spectacular gardens, elegant arcades and views across the water. It has also become famous as a filming location for both Star Wars and James Bond, making it a setting that feels almost unreal in person.
With around forty of their closest friends and family travelling from Toronto and across the world, the intimate celebration felt incredibly personal. Guests arrived dressed in elegant black tie, with the women in flowing evening gowns and the men in classic tuxedos. Beneath the villa’s iconic arcades, Hanna and Justin exchanged their vows surrounded by the landscape of Lombardy and the gentle movement of the lake. The weather was close to perfect - around 25°C, with a light breeze that caught Hanna’s veil beautifully throughout the afternoon. After the ceremony, the couple took a few quiet moments for themselves before joining their guests for an aperitivo filled with cocktails, music and beautifully prepared finger food. We always love when couples allow themselves these few minutes after the ceremony to simply pause and take in what has just happened. It creates space for the emotion of the day to settle before the celebration continues.
The afternoon moved effortlessly into an editorial-style portrait session against the unmistakable landscape of Lake Como, followed by an elegant three-course dinner overlooking the water. Between courses, heartfelt speeches brought laughter, tears and some of the most emotional moments of the evening. We found ourselves getting caught up in them too — the kind of speeches that remind you why being invited into someone's wedding day is such a privilege. As the evening continued, the atmosphere shifted from intimate dinner to celebration. After the cake cutting came Hanna and Justin’s first dance, followed by beautiful dances with their parents. The party then moved through different parts of the villa, making use of its many distinctive spaces and creating an entirely new energy as the night unfolded. Hanna and Justin surprised their guests with a performance of their own, while Justin and his groomsmen prepared a surprise dance for Hanna that had everyone on the dance floor. Between the dancing, champagne and cigars under the Italian night sky, the celebration became every bit as lively as we had hoped.
And then, just after midnight, the entire evening came full circle. Together with Hanna, Justin and their guests, we boarded a boat back towards Varenna, crossing Lake Como beneath the night sky.
Venue villa del Balbianello & hotel royal victoria varenna
Planner bellagioweddingco & cosolafranco
Photo victoriaandlouis
Film victoriaandlouis
Styling noemi.bridalbeauty
Florals mariopirovanobellagio
Entertainment blunotteventi
Catering sunlake.wedding