Eloping at Lake Como is a thing of dreams, and Meredith and Ben’s elopement in June 2024 was nothing short of magical. As both their wedding planner and celebrant, I had the privilege of crafting a deeply personal and intimate experience for this wonderful couple whom I'd gotten to know so well during the planning process. With just the two of them present, every moment was designed to focus on their love story, and their love story alone.
A Morning of Elegance: Getting Ready at Grand Hotel Victoria
The day began at the luxurious Grand Hotel Victoria in Menaggio. Meredith and Ben spent the morning in serene anticipation, with Meredith’s hair and makeup flawlessly executed by Laura Cawte, who flew in from Bordeaux to lend her expertise. The morning was calm yet filled with excitement as the bride prepared for her unforgettable entrance.
The Ceremony: An Intimate Exchange at Villa Monastero
The ceremony took place at the breathtaking Villa Monastero in Varenna. To the strains of Aaron Zigman’s "Main Title," played beautifully by a harp and violin duo from Fix the Music, Meredith made her way down the aisle. Before the ceremony began, I ensured she was comfortable, centered, and, of course, picture-perfect with a quick “floof” of her stunning dress.
I opened with the words: “Today, we gather not with a crowd, but with just the two of you, the love you share, and the boundless potential of your future together.” This set the tone for a ceremony that was heartfelt, sincere, and entirely focused on the couple’s journey.
Taking them back to the day they met, I guided them through the story of their relationship, helping them reminisce about what brought them to this extraordinary moment. As we moved to the vows, I reminded them: “Today, without the presence of guests or the distraction of a large ceremony, it’s just the two of you, your love, and the promise of a future filled with shared dreams and endless adventures. This elopement is a testament to the authenticity of your love, a love that needs no grand audience but thrives in the simplicity and purity of the moment.”
Meredith and Ben’s vows were deeply personal and moving, and I stepped back to give them the space to truly connect and absorb one another’s words. I then returned to lead their exchange of rings, symbolizing their official union.
A Toast to Forever: The Wine Ceremony
To add a unique touch, Meredith and Ben chose to include a wine box ritual in their ceremony. Here it is:
“Like a fine wine, a happy marriage will mature with the years. As part of today’s ceremony, you have chosen to include a wine ritual to celebrate this.
The wooden box you have selected contains a bottle of wine and a love letter from each to the other. The letters are sealed in separate envelopes and describe the reasons you first fell in love and for choosing to marry each other here today.
Meredith and Ben, this box is to be opened on the occasion of your 5th wedding anniversary, the wine enjoyed together, your letters shared and read together. Display this box in a prominent place in your home as a constant reminder of the vows you’ve taken today and your commitment to each other. However, should you find your marriage enduring insurmountable hardships between now and then, open this box and drink the wine together, then read the letters you wrote to one another when you were first united as a couple in marriage.
Meredith and Ben, you may now seal the wine box.”
This beautiful moment added depth and a touch of timeless romance to the ceremony.
The Grand Finale: A Kiss and a Celebration
With the wine box sealed and the marriage certificate signed, the ceremony concluded with Meredith and Ben’s first kiss as husband and wife. They exited to Nat King Cole’s "L-O-V-E," played once again by the harp and violin duo, setting a joyous tone as they began their married life together.
To celebrate, the couple shared a glass of Prosecco and cut their retro heart-shaped cake before embarking on a private boat provided by Menaggio Water Taxi. Their sunset cocktail hour cruise on Lake Como featured Aperol Spritzes and grazing boards—courtesy of the brilliant catering team at Villa Monastero.
Capturing the Magic: Photography by Katy Lunsford
The entire day was immortalized by the immensely talented Katy Lunsford, whose images perfectly captured the intimacy, emotion, and sheer beauty of Meredith and Ben’s elopement.
A Day to Remember
Planning and officiating Meredith and Ben’s elopement was an absolute privilege. Their love story, told in its purest form, is a reminder of what truly matters in a wedding: the connection between two people and the promises they make to each other. If you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony or elopement, I would love to help make it a reality. Let’s create something magical together.
Ready to plan your dream elopement or wedding? Contact me here or follow me on Instagram for more inspiration.
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Follow the Team:
Planning + Design: @sarahthomasevents
Photography: @katylunsfordphotography
Florals: @opera_de_gardenia w/ @guillaumebernardcreative
Hair + Makeup: @laura-cawte
Celebrant: @soleil_amour_ceremonies
Music: @fixthemusic
Hotel: @grandhotelvictoriamenaggio
Ceremony Venue: @villamonastero_official
Dinner Venue: @amandusristorante at @villalarioresort
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