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.
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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”
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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.
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“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.”
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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.
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“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.”
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The newlyweds spent the next two weeks in Africa on safari and exploring the beauty of the Seychelle Islands.
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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