Ashley and Jordan’s wedding at Villa Balbiano was big in every sense of the word. The setting, the fashion, the florals, the entertainment, and somehow we still made sure their day didn’t feel like one long photoshoot. We planned the timeline around what Ashley and Jordan actually cared about, which meant plenty of time for portraits, but also lunch together, cocktail hour with their guests, and actually getting to enjoy the wedding they had put so much into. And this was only one part of their Lake Como wedding weekend. We photographed everything from their time in Milan to their welcome celebrations and the pool party after the wedding, so keep an eye out because there is a lot more from these two coming.
Getting Ready for Their Wedding at Villa Balbiano
We started early because I wanted Ashley to have a ton of time for bridal portraits without making the rest of her morning feel rushed. Instead of having her and her bridesmaids finish getting ready at the same time, we planned for Ashley to be completely ready hours earlier. It gave us this really nice, quiet part of the morning where we could create before the rest of the day got moving. I brought a Willow Canvas backdrop with me and started with portraits that had an almost fine-art boudoir feel before we moved throughout the villa and into the gardens. Her Tony Ward couture gown deserved more than a quick five-minute bridal portrait situation, and Villa Balbiano gave us SO much to work with. We had time for the ornate interiors, fountains, gardens, and architecture without constantly looking at the clock.
Bride, Groom & Wedding Party Portraits at Villa Balbiano
Once Jordan was ready, we moved into their portraits together and wedding-party photos around the property. There are about a million places you could photograph at Villa Balbiano, but I didn’t want to run them all over the grounds just because we could. We chose locations intentionally, got what we needed, and kept things moving so they could still enjoy their day. Ashley also wasn’t interested in doing photos simply because they’re considered a wedding-day tradition. We skipped the staged matching-outfit bridesmaid photos because they didn’t matter to her. Instead, we used that time for the portraits she did care about and made room for her and Jordan to have lunch together before the ceremony. I will always take that over checking another photo off a generic wedding-day list.
The Ceremony Overlooking Lake Como
The ceremony took place outside with Lake Como and the mountains behind them, surrounded by layers of white and soft blush florals. It was one of those settings where you really don’t need to overcomplicate anything. The lake, gardens, and Villa Balbiano were already doing plenty. After the ceremony, we snuck away for portraits on the lake. Ashley’s gown spilling across the turquoise boat, Jordan in his tux, and those mountains behind them, obviously we were going to take advantage of that. It gave us a completely different look from everything we had photographed at the villa and gave Ashley and Jordan a little time together before heading back to their guests.
Cocktail Hour at Villa Balbiano
From the beginning, Ashley made it clear that she wanted to actually go to her cocktail hour. And I completely get it. You spend all this time planning a destination wedding in Lake Como and bringing your favorite people to Italy, you should probably get to hang out with them. Because we had planned so much of the photography earlier in the day, Ashley and Jordan could come back from the boat, grab a drink, talk to their guests, and enjoy everything happening around them. This is exactly why I’m so particular about timelines. I obviously want the photographs, but I also want you to experience the thing I’m photographing.
The Glasshouse Reception at Villa Balbiano
The reception moved into the glasshouse, and this is where the entire wedding shifted. During the day, the space felt bright and open, surrounded by the gardens and mountains. As the sun went down, the chandeliers and candlelight completely changed the mood. White florals filled the tables, greenery hung overhead, and statement chandeliers glowed throughout the glasshouse. It was luxurious without feeling like it was trying too hard, and once dinner wrapped up, the night went in a completely different direction.
And Then the Party Really Started
There were dancers, performers, champagne, costume changes, dramatic lighting, the whole thing. At one point, the exterior of Villa Balbiano was completely lit in red while performers took over the lawn. Ashley eventually changed out of her wedding gown, everyone hit the dance floor, and the night just kept going. And because apparently this wedding hadn’t done enough already, fresh pizza started coming straight out of the oven for everyone still partying. Truly, no notes!
Planning Your Own Wedding at Villa Balbiano? Would Love To Chat!
Ashley Ice Photography | Kansas City and Destination Wedding Photographer
Ashley knew from working with me over the years that I wasn’t going to fly to Italy, show up with my cameras, and wait for things to happen in front of me. We created the photography timeline around what mattered to her, protected the time we needed, came up with concepts ahead of the wedding, and made sure she didn’t have to spend her day managing me or worrying about whether we were getting everything.
If you’re planning a wedding at Villa Balbiano, or taking everyone somewhere completely different for a destination wedding, you don’t have to figure out the photography part by yourself. Tell me what matters to you, what you couldn’t care less about, and how you actually want to spend your wedding day. We’ll build everything else around that. Head to my contact page so we can chat about the ideas you have! If you want to learn more about me and what I do, click here. Can’t wait to hear from you!
Vendors
Publication @stylemepretty
Photography & Content @ashleyicephotos
Planning, Production + Design: @bespokeuniqueweddings
Venue: @villa_balbiano
Florist: @whitepepperstudio
Video @kylemartinfilms
Rentals: @latinidesign
Glass House: @priviteraeventi
Music + Lighting: @blunotteventi
Officiant: @comolakecelebrant
Rentals: @_sofi_design
Stationery + Signage: @letterink
Band + Immersive Entertainment: @blackrabbitprojects
Band # 2 @gatsbyband
Transportation: @servicevill
Boat: @comoclassicboats
Invitation Suite: @morganrileydesign
Custom Veil + Gloves: @veronicacoutureveils
MUAH: @poshkc
Groom Attire: @indochino
Dress: @tonywardcouture
DJ: @djhydan
Bar and Catering: @classeventi
Canvas backdrop @willow_canvas
Welcome dress @millia.london
Bridesmaids Dresses: @azazieofficial
Customization of Robe: @voir.bride
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