As Alyssa made her entrance, guests held white parasols that, viewed from above, transformed the lawn into a sea of white circles. “It felt like a garden party in the clouds,” Erik says.
“Looking at all the smiling, teary-eyed faces of people we love from various chapters of our lives was absolutely surreal and deeply comforting,” Alyssa remembers. “And to see Erik waiting for me at the end of the aisle filled my heart with immeasurable joy. I’ll remember this moment forever.”
After exchanging vows, the newlyweds slipped away for their first Champagne toast as husband and wife. Then, they hopped onto a Riva boat and set off across Lake Como, waving to their guests as they cruised into the golden-hour light.
They returned in time to catch the end of cocktail hour before guests were ushered into the reception marquees. As “I Dare You” by the xx blasted through the speakers, Alyssa and Erik made their entrance.
After some tear-jerking speeches, the band started playing “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and the dance floor filled up quickly. “My friend Gillian had everyone grab the skirt of my dress, and we all jumped and belted the lyrics together,” Alyssa says. “This happened spontaneously before the main course was even served… but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Parent dances, the couple’s first dance, and the cake cutting all followed. After a quick wardrobe change, Alyssa and Erik emerged from the villa to Charli XCX’s “Party 4 U” and made their way to a Champagne tower. “We poured Champagne into our tower and kissed as fireworks lit up the sky behind us,” Alyssa remembers. “It felt like a movie—pure magic.”
From there, the newlyweds changed once more and descended the villa’s grand staircase to join their guests at the after-party. “Cocktails were flowing, conversations happening between family and friends from all chapters of our lives—all under the beautiful stars in Lake Como,” Erik says. “There was something in the air that night—love, gratitude, a hint of cigarette and firework smoke—I was all for it!”
