A Joyful Lakeside Wedding Filled With Heart at Villa Balbiano

By Kevin Harson1 August 2025

Gold, ivory and pastel pink and lilac

Our wedding combined a classic, timeless feel with the magic of an intimate celebration at Villa Balbiano. We envisioned a day where our closest family members could share in our joy while still experiencing the elegance and magic of a larger celebration, complete with a string trio to set the perfect tone. It was important to us that the groom’s brother officiate the ceremony, making family a central part of our day. With a stunning lakeside backdrop, meaningful cultural elements, and personal touches like a DIY-crafted seal, our wedding felt uniquely our own—both timeless and deeply emotional.

We first met while training to be cardiologists, but just six months into our relationship, the bride had to move across the country to continue her training. For the next five years, we maintained a long-distance relationship, only able to see each other for a few precious days each month.

While attending a medical conference in San Francisco, the groom told the bride they were going to a dinner meeting with fellow physicians. The bride was a bit suspicious but didn’t press for details, only asking if she should wear a professional suit or a dress. The groom, not wanting to spoil the surprise, subtly encouraged her to wear the dress. Little did she know, there was no dinner meeting. Instead, the taxi took them to the stunning Palace of Fine Arts. As they arrived at the breathtaking location, the groom dropped to one knee, and the bride’s suspicions melted into pure joy. A pre-arranged photographer was on hand to capture every unforgettable second, from the groom’s heartfelt proposal to the bride’s ecstatic “Yes!”

Bride’s ceremony dress: Ines Di Santo Bride’s reception dress: Varca Bride’s shoes: Bella Belle

We kept the menu simple yet authentic, serving delicious Italian food with fresh appetizers and classic Aperol Spritz for drinks. It wasn’t overly fancy—just good food that brought everyone together. Our wedding cake was a light and flavorful strawberry Chantilly cream, perfectly capping off the meal with a sweet, memorable touch.

The floral arrangements were the crowning touch of our décor, exceeding all expectations and elevating the natural beauty of Villa Balbiano’s surroundings. We chose lush, romantic blooms that created a soft yet striking contrast against the grand setting, with flowers framing our ceremony and reception spaces. The florals truly made the day visually unforgettable.

Our wedding cake was completely white, and despite its minimalism, it was truly delicious!

One of the most special touches was the ceremony itself, officiated by the groom’s brother, where we honored both of our cultures. The groom wore his late grandfather’s watch, a cherished heirloom, while the bride’s wedding jewelry and personal items were held in a handmade Arabic chest. Passed down through the groom’s family, the chest was given to the bride the night before as a wedding gift, symbolizing prosperity and welcoming her into the family. The Chinese decorative symbol for double happiness adorned our invitations and menu, with the seal being specially chosen and DIY-crafted by the bride, adding a personal and meaningful touch. These thoughtful details made our day uniquely reflective of who we are, individually and together.

Our first dance was especially meaningful, as we danced to the same song we had first danced to on our very first date—a perfect reflection of our journey together. Another deeply emotional moment was our first look. That private moment allowed us to pause and truly take in the significance of the day. After six years of being apart due to long distance, standing there together as we prepared to marry felt like a dream finally realized. After years of separation, we were finally able to be together and travel across the world to our dream wedding location, symbolizing the end of our journey apart and the beginning of our life together. Sharing this moment with the family who supported us through it all made it even more unforgettable.