A wedding in an Italian villa by the lake is proof that classics are eternal

Italy is the destination where you’ll rush for a cinematic dose of elegance. Up there in northern Italy, at the southern foot of the Alps, lie picture-perfect scenes just waiting to be captured, which is why the Piedmont region is a favorite for celebrating life’s important moments. A wedding is certainly one of them, and that’s exactly what Maggie Murray, Director of Strategy and Operations at TechWolf, an innovative Belgian AI startup, and Antoine Parent, Vice President in real estate investment banking at Eastdil Secured, had in mind when deciding where to celebrate their big day.

Every summer, we vacation in Italy, usually in the north, and although we have no family ties to Italy, you can never go wrong with Italian food and wine, the couple from Canada, who met in Ottawa in 2013 while both were home for summer break from university, tells me. They now live in London.

Photo: The Fashion Wedding

For their wedding, they chose Lake Maggiore because, as they say, it is a hidden gem with a unique charm that sets it apart from the more famous Lake Como. “The name ‘Maggiore’ particularly resonated with us because it reminded us of ‘Maggie,’ adding a personal touch to our celebration. As a marine biologist with a deep love for water and having grown up by a lake, it was essential for me that the wedding took place by the water. It’s where we both feel at home and at peace,” Maggie shares, revealing how the historic Villa Rusconi-Clerici became the obvious choice for the venue.

Located directly on the lake in Verbania, the villa offers panoramic views of Lake Maggiore and the famous Borromean Islands. This beautifully preserved house from the late 19th century, with its English garden and eclectic neo-baroque decor, captivated them with its grandeur and historic charm. I come from a family of architects, so I knew my family would deeply appreciate the villa’s design and rich history, adding extra personal significance to our choice, she adds.

Photo: Fashion Wedding

Photo: Fashion Wedding

The wedding day, Maggie continues, it unfolded like a dream, starting with the ceremony in a flower-decorated garden by the shore, where we were surrounded by the soothing sounds of the lake and nature. I had a grand entrance arriving in a vintage Italian wooden boat.

Photo: Fashion Wedding

Photo: Fashion Wedding

Photo: Fashion Wedding

The different parts of Villa Rusconi-Clerici perfectly suited each stage of the celebration, keeping their guests interested and in good spirits throughout the gathering. Cocktail hour was held in the main garden, with the mansion as a stunning backdrop. Later we moved to the beautiful pavilion for dinner, an elegant wrought iron structure reminiscent of late 19th century glasshouses. century. The cake cutting took place in front of the villa, followed by our first dance in the atmospheric old cellars, which with their terra cotta vaults, antique statues and rocaille walls resembled a vintage club.

Photo: Fashion Wedding

The proximity of the Grand Hotel Majestic helped simplify logistics, as most of the guests stayed there, just a three-minute walk from the venue. Impeccable planning by Francesca Caddeo, founder of Isole Weddings, also ensured that the wedding day went smoothly. Additionally, Maggie wanted her wedding to be photographed in the style of a fashion editorial. It’s no coincidence that she chose a photographer specializing in fashion and editorial weddings, The Fashion Wedding.

It’s worth mentioning that the Grand Hotel Majestic also hosted guests for the Louis Vuitton Cruise 2024 show held on Isola Bella. The rich history of the villa and its preserved interiors transported us and our guests back to the days of the Belle Époque, creating an unforgettable experience,”Maggie shares, expressing her excitement about the beautiful Italian villa by the lake.

Photo: Fashion Wedding

For her June wedding day, Maggie wore a custom-made wedding dress designed by The Own Studio. We designed the dress together over 10 months with Rosie, the owner and co-founder of the studio. For the first time ever, The Own Studio will add the dress to its permanent collection and name it ‘The Maggie’! The whole experience of creating a unique custom design with Rosie was a dream come true.

She paired the dress with Gucci slingback shoes adorned with roses from the Aria collection. Her jewelry was also classic and understated, in line with the overall aesthetic of the celebration. I wore freshwater natural pearl earrings by Ellyr, called the ‘Evelin White Pearl Earring Set.’ I also borrowed a family heirloom, my mother’s gold tennis bracelet with diamonds, as my ‘something borrowed,’ she reveals.

Photo: Fashion Wedding

Photo: Fashion Wedding

In her bridal ensemble, the veil played a significant role. In her search for something unique yet elegant and simple, Maggie was drawn to an abstract floral design and an embroidered message. Since Antoine is from France, the inscription Et puis vois mon cœur qui ne bat que pour toi (And then see my heart that beats only for you) held deep meaning, evoking profound emotions for both of them. The connection to Antoine and his family’s heritage made it even more special. The couple had their rings custom-made by Steve Stone in London, and it was very important to them that the rings were stylistically cohesive.

Photo: Fashion Wedding

Photo: Fashion Wedding

For the second part of the celebration, Maggie opted for a chic cool bride look, wearing a cream silk jacquard corset with matching trousers. This allowed me to move freely on the dance floor as we celebrated late into the night, she shares with satisfaction. Antoine kept it classic and simple, donning a custom suit by Kashket & Partners, Joseph Cheaney shoes, and Moscot glasses. The couple concludes by saying that, in addition to being the most beautiful day of their lives, it was also the perfect example of how a wedding can be classic, simple, and elegant, yet still unique.

Photo: The Fashion Wedding
Planner: Francesca Caddeo / Isole Weddings
Location: Villa Rusconi Clerici
Preparation location: Grand Hotel Majestic and Villa Rusconi Clerici
Flowers: Helianthus Fower Lab
Bride: Maggie Murray; custom made dress; The Own Studio , shoes; Gucci, jewelry; Ellyr
Groom: Antoine Parent; suit; Kashket & Partners, shoes; Joseph Cheaney, glasses; Moscot
Band: The Brother Rockers
Catering: Le Muse Banqueting
Equipment: Media Dressing Wedding
MUAH: Anna Kalytyak from BLBS management
Ship: CMA Stresa
Layout: Mary Wong Designs

The article was created in collaboration with The Fashion Wedding and Isole Weddings.