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An Intentional Destination Wedding at Villa Pizzo, Inspired By The Mother of the Bride’s Garden

By  Over The Moon | Photography by 

Jessica Mangia

|Planning by 

Gionata Russo Weddings

Georgia Knox and Andrew Catalfamo first met in 2015 through mutual friends in their hometown, forming a friendship that quietly stretched across years before turning romantic in 2018. Five years later, Andrew proposed in Positano on the balcony of their hotel at Le Agavi, where Andrew managed what Georgia calls “the surprise of the century.” The evening coincided with Ferragosto, an Italian holiday. “To celebrate, there was an incredible fireworks show over the water.” That moment would later resurface in the wedding itself, when fireworks over Lake Como became a deliberate nod to the night they got engaged.

They were married on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Villa Pizzo, a date chosen intentionally—both families consider thirteen their lucky number. From the beginning, Georgia had a clear vision: to bring the magic of her mother’s garden into an Italian setting, while honoring the villa’s timeless elegance. “The creative vision I had for our wedding was to bring the whimsy and magic of my mother’s garden to Italy, while keeping the classic Italian elegance of Villa Pizzo at the forefront,” she shares.

That vision came to life under the direction of planner and designer Gionata Russo Weddings, whom Georgia affectionately refers to as the “King of the Lake.” One of the most meaningful design elements was a custom pattern affectionately named Nancy’s Garden, created as a surprise in honor of Georgia’s mother and her lifelong devotion to gardening. The pattern appeared throughout the celebration—from the ceremony aisle and fans to the reception tablecloths.

Throughout the weekend, photography by Over The Moon Directory Photographer Jessica Mangia captured the celebration with warmth and intimacy. “She was, without a doubt, the best vendor choice we made,” Georgia shares. “Her ability to make us feel comfortable in front of the camera was unmatched.”

The ceremony unfolded outdoors and felt, as Georgia describes it, like “a whimsical, floral dreamland.” Florals by Chiara Sperti Floral reflected Georgia’s love of color and unexpected stems, exceeding even her own expectations.

Georgia’s fashion choices mirrored the balance of romance and intention woven throughout the day. She found her ceremony look at a local bridal shop—Francesca’s Bridal in Maryland—and was immediately drawn to Galia Lahav. The dress she chose, the Shimmer, was only the second she tried on and later customized with removable illusion sleeves and an adjusted neckline and back. She paired the look with deeply personal heirlooms, including an engagement ring worn by her grandmother and great-grandmother. For the reception, she changed into a Clio Peppiatt look. “I’ve loved this dress since Clio Peppiatt first released it,” she says. Beauty was kept soft and romantic, with hair by Olga Akhremenko and makeup by Alena Trigolosova.

The reception, which Georgia calls “the best dinner party ever,” took place under a marquee designed in collaboration with Gionata and Over The Moon Directory Illustrator Dododesign&Co., who designed the graphic pattern woven throughout the evening, including on the carpet, tablecloths, and floral textiles. Green-patterned Swarovski plates, bird-shaped candlesticks, and whimsical florals filled the tables, alongside paper goods by Over The Moon Directory Illustrator Happy Menocal Studio.

Music carried the evening, with Blu Notte performing through cocktail hour and dinner, followed by dancing late into the night. The couple’s first dance to “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole set the tone—joyful, classic, and unforced. Speeches brought both laughter and emotion, particularly one from Andrew’s brother, whose opening line—“What a day. What a view. And most importantly . . . what a bride”—remains one of Georgia’s favorite moments.

As the night drew to a close, guests gathered outside the villa for fireworks over Lake Como—an echo of Positano and a full-circle moment for the couple. Looking back, Georgia describes her favorite part simply: “Laughing and enjoying being in the moment during dinner. We will likely never be in the same place with all of our guests again.”