Romance & Style Collide at This Lake Como Wedding | Sean Thomas Photography

Mikayla and Collin’s Lake Como wedding was truly one for the books. When their planner, Sarah from Keestone Events, first reached out about their plans to get married at Villa Erba, I was immediately intrigued. A historic villa, Lake Como as the backdrop, and a couple who valued editorial storytelling—it was the perfect combo. After jumping on a call with Mikayla and Collin, it was clear we were a great fit. They were drawn to photography that felt natural but elevated—blending fashion-forward imagery with real moments. They loved the idea of cinematic, documentary-style storytelling mixed with refined portraits, which aligns exactly with how I approach my work as a destination and editorial wedding photographer.

We planned more than just the wedding day, starting with a half-day shoot in Milan’s fashion district. Mikayla and Collin wanted their pre-wedding day session to feel straight out of a magazine — urban, bold, and sophisticated. Later that evening, we headed to Lake Como for their rehearsal dinner at Villa Vittoria. Set under the villa’s stone terraces right at the water’s edge, the dinner was nothing short of magical. The planning team crafted a long tablescape lined with florals and candlelight, perfectly placed between towering pillars recessed within the natural cliffside caves. Even with a slight delay in the guests’ arrival, the extra time allowed the setup to look flawless. As guests arrived and made their way down to the terrace, you could see the awe on their faces — it set the tone for the incredible weekend ahead.

Villa Erba itself was like a character in the story. The morning of the wedding, Mikayla and her bridal party were tucked away in one of the villa’s grand upstairs suites, getting ready as sunlight streamed through oversized windows. Her custom gown was being steamed while she sipped champagne and laughed with friends. Meanwhile, the ceremony setup was taking shape on the back lawn, where rows of chairs faced the lake, framed by lush gardens and the soft lapping of water against the stone shore. Inside, the reception was coming to life — tables adorned with white, yellow, and green florals under sparkling chandeliers, perfectly reflecting the elegance of a Lake Como wedding.

Before the ceremony, we made time for portraits around the villa and a quick boat ride on the lake—because, let’s be real, no Lake Como wedding is complete without it. Mikayla and Collin exchanged private vows on the water before heading back for their ceremony, where guests watched as they married against the iconic Como backdrop. Post-ceremony cocktails flowed in the villa’s garden before everyone transitioned into the ornate dining room for dinner. The evening was filled with heartfelt toasts, candlelight, and the kind of effortless elegance only Italy can provide.

As the night went on, the energy never dipped. Dancing took over the villa’s grand ballroom, and Mikayla and Collin soaked up every moment. As a destination wedding photographer, it’s moments like these—authentic, unscripted, and full of energy—that make me love what I do. Capturing this Lake Como wedding in such a cinematic setting was the perfect blend of storytelling and timeless elegance.

Planner: @keestone_events
Photography: @seanthomasphoto
Videography: @agstudiovideography
Florals: @figlideifioricomo
Rehearsal Venue: @relaisvillavittorialakecomo
Venue: @villaerbaofficial
Catering: @sunlake.catering
Rentals: @latinidesign
Band, Lighting, Ceremony + Cocktail Music: @bdm.weddings
Hair + Make Up: @vlady_mua
Boat: @comoclassicboats
Stationery : @leycolettering
Transportation: @rampininiviagg

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