There are two things in life that will always excite me to no end: Weddings and traveling abroad. When you’re able to combine the two? It turns a lifelong dream into a reality. Pack your bags, we’re going on a journey across the pond to beautiful, magnificent Lake Como, Italy to celebrate the love and marriage of Taylor & Aaron.

On a warm, sunny morning, I woke up in Bellagio, Lake Como to birds chirping after a night of much needed jet lag rest. (if you know, you know) I packed up my tiny hotel room and walked up a very large hill to meet my friends halfway up what we now refer to as “The Hill of Death”. Madi & Matt greeted me halfway and very kindly dragged my heavy bags up the rest of the way to Poggio di Bellagio. As if my breath couldn’t have been any more shallow, once we arrived to the top of the hill, the view of the lower Swiss Alps swept across the skyline, completely knocking the wind out of my body.

The rest of the crew was sitting out on the lawn, taking in the sweeping views that Poggio provided. Taylor & Aaron, Mike & Elke, and Tom & Linda, soaking up the sun and the sweet, cool mountain air.

Welcomed with open arms and offers of coffee, I knew the next few days would be some of the best. I immediately felt at home and one with this beautiful family.

After a full day of exploring, eating so much food and drinking our weight in spritz and coffee, and getting those steps in (my health app counted about 14,000!) we arrived back at Poggio and decided to take a load off while some others went to get ingredients for dinner. Clouds rolled over the mountains as the sun peaked through, creating a shimmering glow upon everything the sunlight touched. Madi & Matt sat quietly in the yard, watercoloring and journaling to their hearts’ content. It was starting to get cold, despite all the wine that was coursing through our veins, when we were called to dinner.

Taylor was in charge of dinner this night, can you believe this giant block of Parmesan she’s biting into was only 10 euro?! That wasn’t even the entire thing!

The kitchen was a lively sight, Aaron was grating cheese and chopping immense amounts of Parsley as Taylor prepared the pasta. All the while, wine is being poured, the table is being set, and jazz lightly filled in the in between moments of stillness, which were few.

Gratitudes were shared amongst the table as we gathered around to enjoy yet another feast. Laughter billowed through the house along with the clinging of forks and plates and wine sloshing into glasses as we enjoyed the warmth of the home and reveled in each other’s company.

The day before the wedding was cloudy and cold, yet so colorful and full of life. Even though the jet leg was jet lagging, I was okay with being exhausted in such a magnificent place. We headed to Taylor’s bridal luncheon across the lake, making sure to walk through the beautiful garden to Villa Meltzi, where Taylor and Aaron would be getting married the next day.

Azaleas were in full bloom, flaunting their most beautiful pinks and purples. Their floral scent alone practically had us in a trance. Of course, we had to stop for some photos.

We hopped on a ferry and crossed the lake to Tremezzo for lunch. Glasses of champagne clung together to celebrate and it’s safe to say the best tiramisu of my life was had here.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!!!!

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived – it’s wedding day!

It was a perfect, sunny morning. The breeze was chilly and the coffee was flowing early. I was called into the bridal suite to take some detail photos.

Taylor’s younger sister, Madi, drew their wedding invitations. They’re the cutest things I’ve ever seen!!!! She also watercolored Taylor’s wedding vows. Everything turned out unbelievably stunning.

Taylor’s jewelry was handmade my her mom, Elke. Seriously, these are some of the most beautiful pieces of art. The talent that comes from this family is incredible.

The main photographer arrived and before we knew it, it was time to head to Villa Meltzi!!! It could not have been a more perfect day. We arrived to the gardens and walked to the Villa where we waited for Taylor and Aaron to arrive.

Taylor & Aaron exchanged their vows on Monday, April 24th 2023 at the Villa Meltzi, in Bellagio, Lake Como Italy. Surrounded by friends, family, and a few bystanders, they shared their first kiss as husband and wife and began their forever. Their ceremony was short, sweet, and filled with laughter.

Taylor and I managed to find some time before dinner to take some bridals, and O M G. It was the most stunning evening. Blue hour engulfed our surroundings and the wind created the most amazing movement in her wedding dress. She was such a beautiful bride. <3

How can I fully express my gratitude and appreciation for this family? I’ve thanked them for what feels like millions of times – for allowing me to be a part of this, for flying me out, for having me capture one of the most special weeks in their lives. I’ve never been so grateful, and at the end of it all, I felt like part of their family. Friends, family, people like this are what makes my line of work so so enjoyable – they’re a reminder of the value of life and love. The big moments wouldn’t be as special if we didn’t have a community to share them with. What a dream to go to Italy, photograph and celebrate a wedding, and leave with so much more than just a few pictures. We are all so lucky to have been here. Here’s to Aaron and Taylor, and to their beautiful new journey as husband and wife. Salute!