#realchicbride Karina Wears Cecilia by Katherine Tash For Lake Como Wedding

Meet #realchicbride Karina and read our chit chat about her wedding in Lake Como where she wore a Katherine Tash dress for her third look:

Tell us your love story! How did you meet and how did you get to a proposal? 

It all started on Bumble, where Rodolfo and I swiped right and instantly clicked. We quickly moved from chatting on the app to texting and talking on the phone nonstop. Our connection felt effortless, like we’d known each other forever. After weeks of getting to know each other, we met in person, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. A year later, Rodolfo took me to Iceland for our anniversary, where he planned a surprise proposal amidst the stunning landscape. That night, we witnessed the rare northern lights, a perfect symbol of our journey together. From Bumble to Iceland, we’ve built a life full of love, adventure, and magic—and we’re just getting started.

When you started planning your wedding what did you envision? How close did the actual wedding get to that vision? 

When we began planning we envisioned wedding that was timeless, intimate, and magical—something that truly reflected us as a couple. Lake Como, Italy felt like the ideal place, a dream wedding that was about to come true! The lake offered a romantic, private villa for an intimate celebration with our closest family and friends. We chose Villa Pizzo for out wedding. We envisioned exchanging vows surrounded by nature’s beauty, marking the start of a new chapter filled with adventure and elegance. Lake Como was the perfect place to make unforgettable memories on our special day. All that came true and more! We had a three day wedding celebration that began with  our Dolce Vita Welcome Cocktail on a Friday our wedding on Saturday and our farewell boat party on Sunday! It truly was a fairly tale wedding. Our wedding was everything we envisioned and more!

What were a few things that were important to you as a couple to include (or not include) in the wedding? 

One of the most important aspects of our marriage was including God in our union. As a couple of faith, we wanted to honor our beliefs and start our journey together with His blessing. For that reason, having a spiritual connection throughout our wedding was essential! 

Let's talk dress! Give us all the deets! 

I had three incredible looks for my wedding, but for my final one, I knew I wanted something sexy yet elegant—something that made me feel confident and beautiful. That’s why I chose the Cecilia dress by Kathrine Tash. The moment I tried it on, I knew it was the one. It was exactly what I had envisioned: sexy and fitted, yet timelessly elegant. The sleek design hugged my body perfectly, and the luxurious fabric made me feel like I was glowing. I danced the night away in that dress, feeling both stunning and comfortable, and it was everything I had dreamed of.

How did your family, friends, etc play into your wedding planning and wedding day? 

Throughout the wedding planning process, my family and friends played a huge role in making everything come to life. From the very beginning, my mom was my rock—helping with everything from picking out the perfect venue to selecting the flowers. It’s not easy planning a wedding virtually. Her attention to detail made all the difference. My bridesmaids were incredible, offering support and endless encouragement, making the planning fun and stress-free.

On the wedding day, having everyone there to celebrate with us felt surreal. We had people from all over the world attend to witness our special day! My dad, walking me down the aisle, was a moment I’ll never forget—he was so proud and emotional, and it made the day even more meaningful. My friends and family made sure everything flowed smoothly. Their love and presence made our wedding day feel not just like a celebration of us, but a reflection of the amazing people we’re lucky to have in our lives. It wouldn’t have been the same without them.

What's one specific memory you have from your wedding day that you don't think you'll ever forget. 

One of the many memories I will never forget from my wedding was the surprise fireworks show on the Lake. As the evening wore on and we danced under the stars, I thought the night couldn’t get any better. But then, without warning, the sky lit up in brilliant colors. A wave of gasps and cheers echoed through the guests as fireworks exploded overhead, lighting up the night in ways I could never have imagined! I looked at my partner we were both in awe. The fireworks were perfectly timed along with our wedding song, marking a breathtaking end to our celebration. Watching the vibrant bursts of light, I felt like the world had paused just for us, a magical moment frozen in time. Surrounded by our loved ones, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly lucky. It was a stunning, unexpected gift—a memory I will cherish forever!

How did you decide on your hair and makeup look? 

For my wedding hair and makeup, I had a vision in mind long before the big day. During a trip to choose the villa, I did a trial with my stylist, and that’s when I solidified my look. I knew from the start that I wanted a sleek updo. I’ve always admired brides with elegant updos because they really showcase the face, and I wanted to feel both confident and graceful.

As for my makeup, I wanted a natural look that still felt glamorous—something that enhanced my features without overpowering them. When the day arrived, everything came together perfectly. My hair was styled into the sleek, elegant bun I had always envisioned, and my makeup was flawless—radiant yet subtle, with just the right amount of glamour. The entire look felt like it was made for me, and I couldn’t have been happier with how it turned out. It was exactly what I had dreamed of. Thank you to my makeup and hair stylists “thestudiocomo” 

Was there one vendor you used that you wish everyone knew about? 

The moment I hired the “Join Us Lake Como” team, I knew I was in good hands. Specializing in luxurious weddings in the stunning Lake Como area, their team went above and beyond to bring my vision to life. From the very first consultation, they understood exactly what I wanted—elegance, beauty, and unforgettable moments. Their attention to detail was impeccable, and they worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of our wedding and two other events was flawless.

When the big day arrived, everything exceeded my expectations. The setting, the décor, the timing—it all came together perfectly. The “Join Us Lake Como” team not only handled everything seamlessly but did so with such warmth and professionalism that it made the entire process feel effortless. I couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful, stress-free experience. Thank you to the entire team for making our dream wedding weekend! 

Where did you go on your honeymoon and what was the best part? 

Our honeymoon was nothing short of amazing. We began our journey in Sardinia, where the crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches made for the perfect start to our adventure. From there, we traveled to Puglia, where the charming towns, delicious food, and rich history left us in awe. Next, we made our way to Venice, where we got lost in the winding canals, enjoying the romance of the city at every turn. We ended our trip in Paris, the City of Love, where we explored the iconic sights, savored pastries in cozy cafés, and celebrated our love in the most magical way. Every destination was perfect, and our honeymoon was the beautiful escape we had always dreamed of!