Sally Sephora
KAMIKA & AARON
VILLA BALBIANELLO WEDDING
ONE COUPLE'S WEDDING EXPERIENCE
After the Isle
Ceremony at Villa del Balbianello and reception at Villa Cipressi
Lake Como, Italy
13/07/2023
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Can you name one moment from your wedding day that you'll never forget?
Standing hand in hand, saying our vows to each other.
Something that still makes you smile or laugh when you think about it?
Walking down the aisle with my veil whipping violently in the wind LOL. Also, it was storming moments before the wedding, and the sun came out literally as the ceremony started, felt like this was a sign
Were there any areas of the planning that you found particularly
difficult or problematic?
We struggled with deciding on venue regarding ceremony and reception in same location or split into two villas. Glad we decided on both, the grounds at Balbianello were
exceptional and glad our guests got to experience it.
If you could give three tips to a newly engaged couple who are just starting their
wedding planning journey, what would they be?
Firstly, Be smart with choosing a wedding planner! I was so blessed to have found the planners at Weddingbox, I had been in contact with at least
a few other planners beforehand and no one else gave us quite the same sense of trust, reliance and transparency as Sally and her team.
Next, you can easily be stressed with all the decisions, so try to make it or perceive it as fun rather than a chore or a worry.
And third, it’s never too early to start planning, we started just under a year and half and it made everything all the less stressful.
Did you embrace any wedding traditions?
My lovely bridesmaids made sure I had something old, new, borrowed and blue.
Were there any wedding traditions that felt outdated that you
chose to leave out?
Garter and bouquet toss!
The dance floor is often a highlight. What's your favorite memory from the dance floor—either a special dance or a moment that got everyone on their feet?
I am from Trinidad and Tobago, my husband is from Canada. It was a sight and joy to see his Canadian family and friends get down to some Trini Soca and Caribbean dancehall!
When you first started the planning. Can you remember thinking what parts of the day would be the most important or special to you? Did that end up happening?
Walking down the aisle to a string quartet. Wildest dreams by Taylor Swift played by a string quartet was beyond
dreamy and romantic for us both and it happened and it was everything.
What made you choose your particular venue? What made you fall in love with it?
The arches on the terrace at Balbianello, under which we had our ceremony were incredibly dramatic and gorgeous.
We saw a wedding inspiration picture in the same spot and could not get it out of our heads. Villa Cipressi for our reception was perfect.
First off the town of Varenna was ideal for our guests, so quaint and allows for easy access around the lake as well as to and from Milan.
Villa Cipressi blessed us with, dare I say, the best views of Lake Como. Then dinner under those twinkly lights, the pergola adorned
with vines, the fountain with the cherub…*chef’s kiss*
Was there a part of your day that was eye-wateringly more expensive than expected? Was it worth it?
Sally was amazing here, when our eyes popped with some quotes from vendors, she found us alternatives with just as exceptional work but at a kinder rate for us.
What tune did you choose for your first dance and how did you
make this decision?
Hoppipola by Sigur Ros.
We had a few songs we were thinking of, but ultimately it came down to which one made us feel the most. We’ve always loved this song, and it evokes the feels for us for sure.
Were there any decisions that you had to make during the
planning that you really struggled with?
Food, because we wanted everything.
Did the planning bring you closer together or test your relationship?
Brought us closer together, it was nice to see hubby so invested in minor details and the vision for the day.
Tell us about your most favorite wedding photo from your day and why you treasure it.
I don’t know that I have one single favourite photo. The setting of the wedding lent to so many gorgeous shots that I will always treasure.
Did you miss the planning process once it was over or did you love having
so much time back on your hands?
I missed it for sure, it was all this great anticipation for this beautiful day that still was more beautiful than we have even hoped for.
If you could go back and relive any 15 minutes of your
wedding day, which part would you choose and why?
What made that particular moment so special?
The whole ceremony including vows, the amount of just pure love and emotion was overwhelming.
What was going through your minds in the last 60 seconds just
before your wedding ceremony began?
The wind in my veil is going to make me take flight.
What was your favorite element of the wedding décor?
Was there anything in particular on the day that you were especially proud of choosing or designing?
The flowers, my goodness.
Extraordinarily beautiful, fresh flowers that fit my envisioned colour scheme to a T.
Now that the wedding planning is finished, do you have a new project to work on?
​What’s coming up next for you both?
We are always updating our current home, DIY improvements here and there.
We’re also always taking or planning a trip somewhere. We can’t sit still.
.
.
Special Thanks to:
​
Venue - Villa Balbianello
Wedding Planner - WeddingBox Lake Como
Flowers - Mario Pirovano
Photos - Katerina Kutas
Hair and Makeup - Hair Point