A DESTINATION WEDDING IN LAKE COMO FILLED WITH WHIMSICAL BEAUTY AND AUTHENTIC ITALIAN EXPERIENCES
Katya Mihaletos and Joey Spangehl just missed each other in high school, as Joey was a few years older and had just graduated when Katya was entering. While they never attended school at the same time, however, they did have some mutual friends and ran in the same social circles.
“In 2016, I applied for an internship in Barcelona, Spain,” Katya shares. “As I was prepping to go, I got reintroduced to Joey through my best friend who dated someone friendly with Joey. We clicked right away and although I was leaving soon, I knew there was something special there. I remember telling Joey I would be gone for 3 months and I didn’t know if this would turn into anything between us. As fate had it, he was going to Barcelona for a Spanish program for a similar amount of time!”
Joey and Katya spent time together in Spain; and by the time they returned and the dust had settled on their summer romance, they were inseparable.
“I never wanted to be a white dress kind of bride, and D&G helped to bring my vision to life.”
A Destination Engagement in Barcelona
With Spain being such a special place for the couple and their love story, it only made sense for them to have a destination engagement in Barcelona. Joey surprised Katya with a trip to their beloved city, but she didn’t know what else was in store.
“On the third day, he told me to get ready early in the morning,” Katya recalls. “As we walked downstairs, he had a vintage Porsche waiting to drive us along the coastline of Costa Brava. As we were arriving, I had a slight inclination he was going to propose but I wanted to go along with it. We arrived at a beautiful botanical garden and although confused, I followed him to the most gorgeous spot I had ever seen.
We walked down almost 300 steps to this incredible view overlooking the ocean of Costa Brava. At that moment he turned me to face him and got down on one knee. As he was proposing I distinctly remember hearing three beautiful singers and the next thing I knew, they were singing our song, ‘Say You Won’t Let Go’ by James Arthur.”
Joey didn’t miss a detail when planning their destination engagement, as he organized photographers, a videographer, and a group of singers to create the perfect moment. The couple spent the next several hours taking photos around the botanical garden and enjoying their newly engaged bliss.
Planning a Wedding With Sacks Productions
There was absolutely no rush down the aisle for Katya and Joey, who knew they’d prefer having a longer engagement and wedding planning process.
“It was supposed to be enjoyable and low-stress,” Katya explains, “so once we found the perfect planners, we spent almost two years planning. I think having that extra time made it even less stressful for us. Every vendor we hired went above and beyond because they saw our vision and wanted to bring it to life for us.
What truly helped ease our stress was our wedding planners. I’ll never have enough good things to say about Sharon and Robin from Sacks Productions. Not only were they there for every trip, every call, every meltdown, but we built a lifelong connection and friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Whimsical Beauty and Authentic Italian Experiences in Lake Como
After two years of planning, the couple hosted a destination wedding in Lake Como that was filled with whimsical beauty and authentic Italian experiences for their guests to enjoy. Upon arrival, loved ones were greeted with hand-painted itineraries detailing what was to come. They were then whisked away by yacht to a private beach, where they were surrounded by vibrant fuchsia and orange hues for an all-night party. A welcome dinner took place the next day, during which guests were dressed in all-white while the bride and groom wore blue and grey.
The Bride Wore Alta Moda Dolce & Gabbana
When the wedding day arrived, an outdoor ceremony took place during an exquisite Lake Como sunset. The bride wore an Alta Moda Dolce & Gabbana gown, and the couple exchanged vows under a breathtaking custom altar designed by Vincenzo Dascanio.
“I was so blessed to be able to design not only my wedding dress, but my bridesmaids’ dresses as well,” says the bride. “My wedding dress was a custom Alta Moda Dolce & Gabbana gown. It is one-of-a-kind and will never be replicated. I never wanted to be a white dress kind of bride, and D&G helped to bring my vision to life with my incredible wedding dress and veil.”
The groom also wore Dolce & Gabbana, completing the couple’s wedding wardrobe which was timeless yet reflective of their own individual style.
“Each day was so unique and special, it’s difficult to decide my favorite,” Katya says. “But if I could highlight a few moments, I’d say the day I spent getting ready with all of my closest girlfriends and family, and walking down the aisle toward my soon-to-be husband. Those are memories I relive daily.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Villa Erba; Planner: Sacks Productions; European Coordination: Alejandra Poupel Events; Florals & Decor: Vincenzo Dascanio; Glass Tent: Le Coperture; Caterer: Class Eventi; Wedding Dress: Dolce & Gabbana; Groom’s Attire: Dolce & Gabbana; Paper: River & Bridge; Music: Elan Artists; Immersive Entertainment: Gabriele Rizzi Lab; Photo Studio: The Collective You; PR: Rayce PR + Marketing; Cinematography: Chromata Films Weddings; Photography: Bottega 53