Italy—a forever favorite destination wedding location—has been hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis, and our hearts go out to all of those affected in the country that we love so much. When we first came across this styled shoot a few weeks ago, we never could have imagined what was in store for the world. Now, we feel it’s important to highlight the beauty that was created in Lake Como, right before everything changed.

The editorial shoot, photographed by Laura Gordon, showcases Bella Belle’s “Poetry of Love” collection of shoes and was shot with gowns and accessories from various brands and seasons. Inspired by the writings of female poets, the ‘Poetry of Love’ editorial explores the depth and complexities of love, according to the Bella Belle team. Each shoe pictured is endearingly named after a famous female poet, such as the “Sylvia” and “Emily.”

The looks were captured at two villas, Villa Sola Cabiati and Villa Balbiano, in Lake Como. Joy Proctor, who creative directed this series, wanted the woman in the photos to be a living depiction of a poet’s muse and even commissioned a poem to be written on the model’s body to mimic the bodice of a wedding gown. Shasta Bell Calligraphy, which makes handmade wedding invitations, also wrote a full poem on a silk ribbon in calligraphy.

For the shoot, makeup and hair artist Harold James created a whimsical and elegant beauty look on the model, and throughout the day Zen Film Works masterfully captured everything on video. Featured gowns were by: Paolo Sebastian, Rime Arodaky, Nicole + Felicia, Andrea Sedici, Costarellos, Xtabay Vintage, Claire La Faye, and Bongiwe Proctor. And the accessories edit included the work of Nicola Bathie, Twigs and Honey, Haute Bride, and Lauren Taylor Creates.

Click through some of our favorite images from shoot below:

The Bella Belle Poetry of Love Collection is available online now!