What does a classic Lake Como elopement feel like? It feels like the quiet morning light hitting the water, the cinematic sweep of the mountains, and the feeling of being main characters in your own romantic film. For Eva and Michal, their day was the perfect expression of this dream.
Their story began at Hotel Musa, a stylish boutique hotel in the charming village of Sala Comacina. While Michal put the finishing touches on his suit in the hotel’s moody GAIA bar, Eva had her portraits taken on the private balcony of their suite, the lake stretching out below.
We often recommend Musa to our couples for its intimate feel, but also for its strategic brilliance. It is a mere 15-minute private boat ride to the dock of Villa del Balbianello. This is the kind of logistical detail that removes all stress from the day, allowing the couple to travel separately and build anticipation for the ceremony.
A Private Ceremony
Villa del Balbianello is one of the most sought-after locations on the lake. When you book a ceremony during its public opening hours, they grant you 30 minutes of complete privacy at the iconic Loggia del Cardinal Durini. This is more than enough time for a beautiful, intimate ceremony. For total privacy, you can book the villa after it closes to the public, though this comes at a higher investment.
Eva arrived by boat, walking up the garden path to the loggia where Michal was waiting. There, with an unforgettable view, they exchanged their private vows.
After the ceremony, we explored the villa’s famous grounds for their portraits. While there are other visitors during the day, the gardens are so expansive it’s easy to find quiet corners that feel like your own. We captured them beneath the ancient holm oak tree featured in James Bond and on the terrace from Star Wars, creating a set of truly heirloom images.
No Lake Como elopement is complete without time on the water. The three of us then boarded a classic Riva boat for an hour-long tour, capturing candid portraits against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps. It’s a moment of pure celebration and breathtaking beauty.
As the sun began to set, they returned to Hotel Musa, where the day concluded as it began: in quiet luxury, with a romantic dinner for two overlooking the water. It was the perfect final scene to their personal and adventurous story.
Bringing Your Vision to Life
A beautiful day like Eva and Michal’s is born from a clear vision and expert, on-the-ground planning. Our role is to weave together the iconic locations and the quiet, personal moments into a single, flowing experience. We handle the logistics so you can be fully present in your own story.
If their adventure inspires you, let’s start planning yours.
