Shortly after Stan Golubchik proposed to Jennifer Bergman on a trip to San Miguel de Allende in 2022, she booked their first wedding vendor: photographer Jessica Mangia, whom she discovered on Instagram. “Despite not having a wedding venue, date, or planner, I reached out to Jessica because I loved her ability to capture timeless, artistic imagery with an old-world, editorial aesthetic,” Jennifer says. “We connected immediately. It could’ve been because she was born on the same day as my husband; however, it was definitely because she is honest, helpful, and hilarious.”
Originally, Italy was just the couple’s inspiration for the wedding, but after looking at Milan-based planner Gionata Russo’s portfolio, they immediately hired her and decided to host everything in the land of La Dolce Vita. They researched various areas, and Lake Como proved to be the easiest logistically. “Stan and I have never been to Lake Como and didn’t have the opportunity to visit before the wedding,” Jennifer says. They booked their venues sight unseen: Grand Hotel Tremezzo for the welcome party and Villa Pizzo for the wedding. “Villa Pizzo is one of the oldest residences on the lake, built in the 16th century.”
When it came to fashion, the bride again turned to her photographer. “Jessica played a significant role in curating and styling my looks,” Jennifer says. Prior to guests’ arrival, the to-be-weds hopped in a Riva boat outside the opulent Villa D’ Este for pre-wedding photos. The bride wore a lavender tulle dress by Millia London.
For the black-tie welcome party, Jennifer donned the Medinilla halter dress from Rahul Mishra’s Tree of Life Collection (Stan shone in an ivory tuxedo jacket by J. Hilburn—the same designer he’d wear for the ceremony). She styled the look with Valentino earrings and shoes.
Jennifer’s wedding look was aptly named; she wore the Celebration dress from Reem Acra’s Fall 2023 Sweet Dreams Collection. Jennifer Behr earrings and Champagne Jimmy Choo mules completed the look. Her final look was a short reception dress by Retrofete x May Mashiah, draped with ethereal tulle and featuring more than 1,000 hand-sewn crystals.
On Sept. 20, 2023, Jennifer and Stan’s ceremony overlooked Lake Como and the Alps. “The growing aisle of whimsical blooms made for a grand entrance that sprawled to a four-poster structure abundant with flowers,” Jennifer shares. “The colors paired extraordinarily with the colors of the lake, and the unique layout of decor elements made the darsena feel intimate and dreamy for a small group of 37 people.” Live classical music floated through the air as she walked down the aisle before exchanging vows.
Entertainment was a top priority for the couple, who went above and beyond simply booking a band. As guests walked from ceremony to cocktail hour, they were greeted by enchanted garden dancers dressed in floral ensembles. Inside the glass greenhouse reception, performers from NuArt danced in oversized rose headdresses and pulled back feathered fans to reveal the wedding cake.
The decor was grand and opulent yet inviting and intimate yet contemporary. “The lilac tones were inspired by the wisteria that naturally blooms throughout the lake and blends with the colors of the water,” Jennifer says. A long king’s table burst with blue and purple florals, twisted taper candles in glass hurricanes, embossed china, and gold flatware. Massive fringed chandeliers hung overhead.
“We had a captivating live band, Bluenotte, that contributed to the magical ambiance of the evening,” Jennifer says. And the entertainment didn’t end there. For the after-party on the historic villa’s ground floor, a live saxophonist and eclectic violinist accompanied a deejay. “My favorite part of the reception was the ability to stay present and truly enjoy the magnificent food, romantic ambiance, and excellent company. . .And, because we had a smaller wedding, I was able to get a lot of quality time with Stan.” The quality time continued as the newlyweds traveled up the Amalfi Coast for their honeymoon.
