sophisticated lake como elopement rachele brady
April 2024

A Sophisticated Lake Como Elopement at Hotel Passalacqua: Rachele & Brady

Brady and I couldn’t be happier with our Italian wedding and our photographer was a big part of making our day so special. Jules is professional, knowledgeable and has great energy.

He made our elopement photo shoot so enjoyable and the pictures exceeded our expectations. We were able to get many different shots efficiently while having fun. He is wonderful!

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Rachele Mason

For Rachele and Brady, the choice was clear. They wanted a sophisticated Lake Como elopement, an experience defined by quiet luxury and complete privacy.

Hotel Passalacqua was the only answer. It is more than a hotel; it is the De Santis family’s revival of true Italian villeggiatura, a place designed for guests to feel utterly at home.

sophisticated lake como elopement rachele brady

This was the perfect setting for their personal story, a day that unfolded with the elegance and ease of a private residence.

Their day began in the serene corners of the estate. Rachele prepared in the calm of the spa, while Brady found a quiet moment in one of the villa’s historic library rooms.

sophisticated lake como elopement rachele brady

They exchanged vows in the magnificent terraced Italian gardens, with the dramatic Alps and the waters of the Lario behind them. It was a beautiful, intimate ceremony for two.

sophisticated lake como elopement rachele brady

Portraits in the Passalacqua Gardens

After the ceremony, we explored the private grounds. This is a place where every corner is a composition. We moved from the shade of centuries-old cedars and magnolia trees to the vibrant, JJ Martin-designed parasols by the pool.

The villa’s Baroque elegance provided a timeless backdrop, allowing us to create portraits that felt both grand and personal, completely undisturbed.

sophisticated lake como elopement rachele brady

Our Favorite Moment

Just as we prepared to head to the dock, a light rain began to fall. A classic Lake Como moment.

We waited. The sprinkle passed, leaving behind crisp, pre-Alpine air and soft, beautiful light. It was the perfect window to board their private vintage boat.

That brief shower created the opportunity for some of the most romantic and atmospheric images of the day, capturing the two of them on the water as we passed the iconic facade of Villa del Balbianello. It’s proof that a perfect day isn’t about perfect weather, but a perfect feeling.

sophisticated lake como elopement rachele brady

Create Your Own Italian Elopement Story

Seeing a place like Hotel Passalacqua is one thing. Knowing how to make it feel like your own is another.

Our deep familiarity with Lake Como and its most exclusive properties allows us to create an experience that is both grand and deeply personal. We handle the logistics so you can simply enjoy the moment.

If you are dreaming of your own elegant escape, we invite you to start the conversation.

Photos by Jules Bower