Melisa Moehlman and Christopher Melling had crossed paths many times before they began dating at the end of 2009. They shared a circle of friends that kept insisting they were made for each other.
It turns out, their friends were right. Chris proposed in January of 2011 aided by a scrapbook filled with the reasons why he loved Melisa and a diamond ring tucked into one of the pages.
“WE LOVED THE IDEA OF A CELEBRATION WITH A TIMELESS, OLD WORLD FEEL”
Intrigued by the idea of an overseas destination wedding, the couple was elated when they secured an historic Italian setting, Villa del Balbianello, for their September wedding.
“We loved the idea of a celebration with a timeless, Old World feel,” Melisa admits. “Because the venue was so beautiful, we kept everything very elegant and simple.”
They recited their vows under a romantic ivy-covered loggia overlooking Lake Como. Cocktails were served in the garden and a candlelit dinner for 100 followed.
“I would not have changed a thing,” the bride reflects. “It was a wonderful time to spend with our family and friends, and the perfect beginning to our lives together.”
The newlyweds spent the next two weeks in Africa on safari and exploring the beauty of the Seychelle Islands.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Villa del Balbianello owned by FAI - Italian Heritage Trust, Lenno, Italy; Photography: Christian Oth Studio, New York, NY; Cake and Caterer: AFM Banqueting, Milan, Italy; Event Planner and Design: Daughter of Design, Inc. New York, NY; Floral Design: Figli dei Fiori, Como, Italy; Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier; Tuxedo: Domenico Vacca
