Blair & Charles

MENU

OUR WEDDING

Wednesday June 12, 2024

Villa Aura del Lago

Ceremony at Four O'clock

Limonta | Lake Como, Italy

Transportation from Bellagio to be provided on wedding day.

Welcome cocktail cruise around Lake Como June 11, 2024 departing from Lido di Bellagio at One O'clock
Returning to Lido di Bellagio Four O'clock

VISIT LAKE COMO


Glitzy, glamorous, and effortlessly easy-going, Lake Como is at the center piece of the Italian ‘lake district’, that encompasses the lakes of Maggiore, Lugano, Como, Iseo, and Garda. Located at the foot of the Alps, Lake Como provides one of the most picturesque sceneries in the world. Its characteristic shape, reminiscent of an inverted Y, results from the melting of glaciers combined with the erosive action of the ancient Adda river.

The entire perimeter of Lake Como is studded with charming villages and towns. The most popular destinations are definitely Bellagio, Varenna, Menaggio and the city that gives its name to the lake, Como. There is so much to explore!
Use the links here to help navigate your way to Bellagio and other areas in Northern Italy

TOWN OF BELLAGIO


Tour Villa Serbelloni, 50 acre park with unique views of Bellagio and Lake Como

Visit the Villa Melzi Gardens, home to a large number of exotic trees, camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, a hidden cave, and Japanese-style pond

See the Basilica di San Giacomo, a parish church of San Giacomo dating back to the 12th century



TOWN OF VARENNA


See the Church of S. Giorgio: 14th century, roman gothic style, and hosts many paintings from the late 15th and 16th century

Visit Riva Grande, Varenna’s lakefront filled with colorful houses, cafes, restaurants, local artisan shops, and ice cream parlors

Tour the botanical garden of Villa Cipressi, a real gem that tells the biodiversity of each area of ​​the country; a mix of contemporary architecture and ancient gardens

See the Castello di Vezio, an ancient medieval fortress overlooking Varenna


TREMEZZINA TOWNS


Tour Historic villas like Villa Carlotta and Villa del Balbianello

Hike the Greenway del Lago, a 3-6 mile hike that will guide you through the entire area of Tremezzina

Walk through Parco Olivelli and stop for a drink at Acqua Cheta Lounge Bar for lake view




COMO CITY CENTER


See the Como Cathedral, “Duomo di Como” recognized as one of the most important buildings of northern Italy

Visit the Como Silk Museum, “Museo della Seta di Como”

Take a Como-Brunate cable car ride for incredible views!

See the “balcony in the Alps,” panoramic views of the entire western Alps, the Po Valley, and the Apennines

Visit the Voltiano Lighthouse


TOWN OF MENAGGIO


Walk the Town Center for streets and streets of small boutiques and shops of craftsmen

Pop over to “Old Town” and walk along what remains of the Via Castellino da Castello perimeter walls

See Villa Mylius Vigoni, built in the first half of the 19th century and surrounded by a large English garden

Play a round of golf at the Menaggio-Cadenabbia Golf Club, the 2nd oldest golf club in Italy

Rent pedal boats, canoes, or row boats near Lerai public beach

HOTELS NEAR TO THE WEDDING



BELLAGIO, LAKE COMO


Our wedding location is in LIMONTA, which has no amenities near by and very few options for B&Bs. We suggest guests who are not staying at the Villa to stay in Bellagio for easy access to shops, restaurants, ferries and taxi's.

Wedding day transportation will be organized closer to the wedding day.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS

HOTEL EXCELSIOR SPLENDIDE


The Hotel Excelsior Splendide overlooks Lake Como. The hotel facilities include a beautiful garden with swimming pool, a restaurant on the terrace with lake view and a Lounge Bar with a gourmet pizzeria. Most of the rooms offer a view of the lake.

HOTEL DU LAC BELLAGIO


In the historic centre of Bellagio, the 42-room hotel has been completely renovated to guarantee elegance with all comforts. The exclusive Leoni Terrace is a panoramic rooftop where you can have breakfast, relax sunbathing or enjoying an aperitif in the evening whilst admiring one of the most beautiful views of Bellagio and the lake. The bar is open until late at night and offers high quality tastings. You can also have lunch or dinner on the terrace or in the covered restaurant.

Please note this hotel is different from Hotel du Lac in Varenna

HOTEL FLORENCE


Located in the historic centre of Bellagio, this 3-star boutique hotel sports 12 cozy rooms, a boutique spa and great service with a 24 hr front desk. It is an old building which since its construction 160 years ago has been managed by the same family who built it. It is characterised by a nice period atmosphere and vintage furnishings but always guarantees the highest comforts and great attention to detail. The hotel offers B&B accommodation but also a restaurant which serves excellent dishes prepared with locally-sourced products and also dishes for vegetarians.

LUXURY HOTELS

HOTEL BELVEDERE

RATES STARTING €575


Hotel Belvedere welcomes its guests in an exceptional panoramic location, inside a large, peaceful private park with a view of the lake. The hotel has a beautiful heated outdoor swimming pool with hydro-massage, an exclusive Spa, where you can relax with wellness paths and treatments, and an excellent restaurant featuring large windows with a view of the lake. There is also a private car park available to guests.

Closest to Wedding Venue, 10 min Taxi

VILLA SERBELLONI

RATES STARTING €800


The only 5-star luxury hotel in Bellagio boasts a privileged position: it is surrounded by a large garden and has direct access to the pier and to the private beach. The hotel also has a Michelin-starred restaurant, an exclusive outdoor swimming pool overlooking the lake with a sun deck, a covered swimming pool with a relaxation area, a large Spa, a beauty salon with qualified staff and a modern fitness centre.

GETTING TO BELLAGIO, LAKE COMO

Fly to Milan Malpensa (MXP)

From Malpensa, your options for getting to Bellagio are:

• Train/Bus to Varenna, Ferry to Bellagio (4hrs approx): 40 min to Milano Porta Garibald, change to Lecco train, change to Fiumelatte train, walk to Ferry for Bellagio.

• Train/Bus to Como Town A, bus/taxi to Bellagio (2 hrs): 20 min Malpensa Express train ride to Saronno and then take a 40-50 min train from Saronno to Como Nord Lago (in the town of Como); from here you’ll need to bus to Bellagio or taxi to your hotel. See bus schedules below.

• Train/Bus to Como Town B, bus/taxi to Bellagio (2.5 hrs): 50 min Malpensa Express train ride to Milano Centrale (or take the bus), and then take a 40 min train ride from Milano Centrale station to Como San Giovanni station (in the center of the town of Como); from here you’ll need to bus or taxi to your hotel

• Book a car service direct from the airport to your hotel (most convenient), approx €150-200

Fly to Milan Linate (LIN)

From Linate, your options for getting to Como are:

• Train to Como, bus/taxi to Bellagio: Taxi or a ~25 min shuttle bus to the Milan Centrale and then take a 40 min train ride from Milano Centrale station to Como San Giovanni station (in the center of the town of Como); from here you’ll need to bus or taxi to your hotel in Bellagio

• Book a car service direct from the airport to your hotel (most convenient) €150-200

Fly to Milan Bergamo (BGY)

From Bergamo, your options for getting to Como are:

• 15 min shuttle bus ride to Bergamo station and then take a train to Varenna, Como (Ride ranges from 1 hour 16 min-2 hours. You will have to transfer trains in Lecco); from here you’ll need to bus or taxi to the Ferry and ferry to Bellagio, then taxi or walk to your hotel.

• 50 min shuttle bus ride to Milano Centrale station, then take a 40-minute train ride from Milano Centrale station to Como San Giovanni station (close to the center of the town of Como); from here you’ll need to walk to the ferry station and ferry to Bellagio, then taxi or walk to your hotel.

• Book a car service direct from the airport to your hotel (most convenient), approx €250

GETTING AROUND LAKE CIOMO

General

To visit a town on the western side of Lake Como (Como, Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzina, etc.) boat service and buses are the best.

To visit a town on the eastern side (Lecco, Varenna, Colico, etc.) train service is likely the best option.

Taxi Service

Traveling by taxi can be the fastest but most expensive way to get around. Your hotel concierge can arrange taxi service, or they are often queued outside of train stations.

The most commonly used taxi companies are Bellagio Taxi and Radio Taxi.

Rental Car

Renting a car provides the most flexibility if traveling to towns that are further out or not wanting to be tied to a public transit schedule. Many hotels offer free parking, but keep in mind that roads are narrow and winding, so it can be difficult to drive.

Public Ferry Service

Public boat ferries are the most popular and convenient way to get to most of the towns along the shores of Lake Como.

Utilize Navigazione Laghi itinerary search online or download their app to find the best routes and timing.

Train Service via Trenord

Como is the only town on the western branch of the lake with a train station, so train travel is most frequently used to travel on the eastern branch.

The Trenord website and app or Omio is a great tool for planning trips via train.

Train Service via Trombetta Express

The Trombetta Express runs between Menaggio and Ossuccio stopping at various points along the way including; Menaggio Lido, Villa Carlotta and Lenno square.

Stops and timetables can be found on the Trombetta Express website for easy planning.

RSVP Below

KINDLY REPLY BY 15 MARCH 2023

The Wedding

Eve of the wedding cocktails

Add Invited Guest

What town will you be staying in?

Contact Information

OUR STORY


In June 2016, Sheri and Vlad's paths crossed. Little did they know that this encounter would be the beginning of a remarkable love story. As they worked side by side, they realized that their interest in each other grew stronger, and by December of that year, they began meeting outside of work and embarked on a beautiful journey together. Their shared love for adventure took them to countless breathtaking destinations. There was Peru, with its culinary tradition and the fireworks of Christmas day. Then, the enchanting streets of Paris followed by the majestic mountains of Switzerland. Then from the crystal-clear waters of Croatia to the vast landscapes of Australia, they explored the world hand in hand. Each new place they discovered brought them closer, deepening their bond and creating lifelong memories.

As the world faced a global pandemic, Sheri and Vlad stood united. Both dedicated professionals in the hospital, they worked tirelessly to help others, their shared mission reinforcing their connection. Together, they weathered the storm, finding solace in the comfort of their home and the company of their two adorable cats, who provided endless joy and amusement.

But destiny had more in store for them. In April of 2022, they embarked on an unforgettable journey to Spain. Amidst the romantic backdrop of a rose garden in the Maria Luisa Park in Sevilla, Vlad took a leap of faith and decided to make his love for Sheri eternal. With a trembling heart and a sparkling ring in hand, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his partner for life. Overwhelmed with joy, Sheri's tear-filled eyes conveyed her resounding "Yes!"

From that moment on, their love soared to new heights. The engagement symbolized a promise of forever, and they revelled in the joy and excitement of planning their future as husband and wife. They dreamed of a life filled with laughter, shared dreams, and unwavering support.

With hearts full of gratitude and a deep appreciation for the love they share, Sheri and Vlad continue to write their love story, cherishing each moment and building a future brimming with love, adventure, and unwavering commitment. Together, they invite you to be part of their story as they celebrate their marriage, knowing that with love as their compass, their story will forever be filled with hope, happiness, and endless love.