All the details,
at a glance.

Everything you need to know — from travel and timing to what to pack and where to be. Our goal is to make your experience as smooth and memorable as the setting itself.

  • Beachwear for the welcome party, and summer formal for the ceremony!

    For the welcome party, come ready to unwind. Swimsuits, breezy linens, and effortless summer pieces are perfect for an evening by the pool and lake.

    For the wedding, we’re keeping it elegant yet easy. Floor-length or midi dresses in light, breathable fabrics for the ladies, and lightweight suits or relaxed tailoring for the gentlemen. Think refined, comfortable, and ready to dance as the sun sets over the water.

  • It can get quite warm during the day, which is why both of our events begin in the evening. By then, the air cools down and the lake breeze sets in — it’s that perfect Italian summer comfort. Sunset is around 9:00 PM, so we’ll still have plenty of golden light before the night begins.

  • We’d appreciate your RSVP as soon you can. Since this will be an intimate destination wedding, knowing our guest list early helps us shape the experience for everyone joining us. And knowing guests’ accommodations early will allow us to plan to make your experience as seamless as possible. To that end, we kindly ask that you complete your RSVP by January 31.

  • On the RSVP page, entering your name will notify you whether a plus one (or in some cases, your little one!) is included. As we're planning a more intimate celebration, we're keeping the guest list limited and are only able to accommodate those listed. We’re so grateful for your understanding and can’t wait to celebrate with you!

  • Yes! We just ask that they stay relaxed and settled during the ceremony and first dance so everyone can enjoy those moments together. If you do plan on bringing your children, please let us know when you RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

    Please note that the wedding itself (which is at a private villa accessible only by boat) runs late, with a shared boat departure at 11:30 PM. If you’d prefer to arrange childcare, we have a list of vetted local babysitters who can meet with you via Zoom in advance and tailor care to your family’s needs.

  • The welcome party venue, Victoria Beach Club, is located in the heart of Menaggio. It is just a short walk or a quick car ride away from where we recommend that folks stay. For guests staying across the lake, for example, in Bellagio, the ferry to Menaggio drops you only a few minutes from the venue. For ferry schedules or assistance, please contact Jimmy. Once you share your accommodations with us, we are happy to help facilitate any travel needs.

    The wedding venue, Villa del Balbianello, is accessible only by boat. We will be arranging a private boat to pick up guests from designated docks on Lake Como and will return for pickup at 11:30 PM. The list of designated docks will be shared once accommodations are finalized - this is why we kindly ask that you let us know in your RSVP where you will be staying.

  • Let us know of any dietary restrictions on your RSVP form. We’ll make sure your meal is as lovely as the view!

  • We recommend that guests stay at least three nights - checking into their accommodations on Saturday, August 1st, and checking out on Tuesday, August 4th. That way, guests can comfortably attend the evening welcome party on August 2nd, and the wedding on August 3rd.

    That said, it is technically feasible for guests to check into their accommodations early in the day on August 2nd, and then attend the evening welcome reception that night, and therefore stay only two nights (August 2nd and 3rd) at their accommodations. But we encourage guests to stay the night of August 1st if they can, so that they aren’t exhausted for the evening welcome party on August 2nd.

    And of course, guests are always encouraged to stay longer, and use the occasion for a longer European getaway!

  • Yes, the ceremony and dancing will take place outdoors, while dinner will be served indoors. We recommend keeping the weather in mind when planning your attire.

  • The entire villa will be exclusively ours for the evening, so after arriving by boat, guests are welcome to explore the gardens, terraces, and pathways until our departure.

  • We know that traveling for a destination wedding takes time, effort, and commitment — and your presence alone means the world to us. Having you with us to celebrate is truly the greatest gift we could ask for.

  • Milano Malpensa (MXP) is the closest major airport to Lake Como. We recommend that you fly into this airport.

  • A rental car is not required, but it can be a convenient option if you’d like more flexibility to explore the area. If you choose to rent one (we personally use SIXT), we recommend picking it up at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) for a smooth drive directly to your accommodations. Most hotels offer complimentary parking.

    Please note that ride-sharing services like Uber are not widely available in this region. If you’d prefer not to drive, we strongly recommend booking a private transfer in advance. To arrange transportation, you can contact Christian at KM Logistics(click the name). Be sure to mention that you’re a guest of Dawn and Jimmy’s wedding so he can coordinate a transfer that fits your schedule.

    Alternatively, there is a fairly inexpensive train (roughly $15) that runs regularly and can take you from MXP airport to the city of Como (the name of the station is Como Borghi), which is on Lake Como. You can prearrange to have a van pick you up in the city of Como to take you to your hotel, a short ride away. For the train trip from MXP airport to Como Borghi, please note that you will transfer trains in Saronno.

    Once you're settled at your accommodations on the lake, getting around by ferry or private boat is often the most convenient—and scenic—option. Parking can be limited, and local taxis are not always readily available. Traveling by water tends to be both more efficient and a beautiful part of the experience.

  • Our planner, Gionata, will be your go-to person for any questions or logistics as the wedding weekend approaches. He and his team will take great care of you.

    WhatsApp(preferred) +39 320 650 6449
    ciao@gionatarussoweddings.com

    Please note that emails may get delayed during the busy planning season.

  • If you have extra time, we highly recommend turning the trip into a European getaway. You can fly into Milan, Rome, or even a nearby Swiss city to unwind, explore, and adjust to the time zone before the celebrations begin.

    Milan is about an hour’s drive from Lake Como, while Rome and several Swiss cities are just a short flight or scenic train ride away. Trains are one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel through Europe — consider a rail pass if you’d like to explore neighboring countries before or after the wedding.

    And if you love the charm of Lake Como but want to experience something a little quieter, Lake Garda offers the same breathtaking views with fewer crowds — a beautiful hidden gem, especially in the summer months.

    If you want some advice about planning a longer trip, please feel free to reach out to Jimmy.

  • You’re welcome to leave the welcome party early if needed — it’s easily accessible by foot or car from most nearby hotels.

    For the wedding day, the venue is only accessible by boat. All guests will arrive and depart together (arriving at 5PM and returning at 11:30PM). If you think you may need to head back earlier, just let us know and we’ll help you make arrangements.

  • We understand that a Monday wedding may seem a bit unusual. However, the complete privatization of our chosen villa is available only on Mondays and Wednesdays. We sincerely hope you will be able to join us for this intimate celebration at a place that means so much to us.