Our Story

Shannon and Alex met during 2020, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex had just moved away from growing up in New England and had just arrived in Florida. They were introduced through Shannon’s sister Brooke. At the time Alex was living in Miami and Shannon was living in Jacksonville. After exchanging Instagram direct messages, texts and numerous facetimes the couple had their first date in Jacksonville on the beach in August 2020.

Sharing common interests such as fitness, good food, the love of travel and family, Shannon and Alex instantly hit it off and have been inseparable ever since. They spent the first 2 years of their relationship living in Miami visiting their favorite spots such as Carbone, Papi Steak, and of course, the gym.

Almost 3 years later and Shannon and Alex got engaged on April 7, 2023 in Amelia Island, FL- just a handful of miles up the beach from their first sushi date. Over the years they have changed careers and cities but are now settling down in their new home in the Orlando, FL area near Shannon’s family, and will officially become The Tuccio's at Villa Balbiano on June 24, 2024.



Buongiorno!

We hope you'll join us in Lake Como 🩶

WELCOME APERITIVO

Sunday, June 23, 2024 from 5-7 PM

Light bites & drinks will be provided.
Boat en Blanc attire is requested.

We will be departing promptly from the boat dock across from Bar Gelateria Helvetia in Tremezzo, located at:
Via Sampietro, 16, 22019
Tremezzo CO, Italy.

OUR WEDDING

Monday, June 24, 2024

Gates will open to Villa Balbiano at 3:30 PM
Ceremony will begin at 4:00 PM
Aperitivo and Reception to follow
An after party will take place in the villa for those that would like to join from 10:00 PM - 1:00 AM.

All guests must arrange transportation to & from Villa Balbiano and depart no later than 1:00 AM.

Black Tie Required

Villa Balbiano
Piazza Cardinal Durini, 22010
Ossuccio CO

Pool Party &
Sunset Soirée

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 from 11 AM-8 PM

Join us for one last party, poolside, back at Villa Balbiano.
Beach Club attire is requested.

Gates will open at 11:00 AM and all guests must depart by 8:00 PM.

Villa Balbiano
Piazza Cardinal Durini, 22010
Ossuccio CO

Experience Villa Balbiano

Lake Como, Italy

Glitzy, glamorous, and effortlessly easy-going, Lake Como is at the centerpiece 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, and the city that gives its name to the lake, Como.

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

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 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

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

TREMEZZINA TOWNS

Tour Historic villas like Villa Carlotta, Villa Melzi d'Eril, 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 Teresio Olivelli Civic Park and stop for a drink at Acqua Cheta Lounge Bar for lake views

Restaurant Recommendations

Ristorante Mistral | Bellagio
The restaurant, reviewed in leading Italian food guides and holding its own Michelin Star, is headed by chef Ettore Bocchia. Passionate about Mediterranean cuisine, he is peerless at hunting down the highest quality ingredients, and ahead of his time in finding new solutions in gastronomic excellence.

Ittiturismo Ristorante Mella | Bellagio
Ittiturismo Mella offers a homemade cooking with different lake fish recipes. The aim is to give value also to the unknown fish species. The menu is composed by traditional lake fish recipes and homemade dessert. Our menu specialities are cooked starting from raw materials from local farms and local producers.Featured on Michelin Guide Italia.

Trattoria La Vecchia Magnolia | Menaggio
A real country trattoria, outside the tourist center, a small oasis of serenity. A welcoming environment where you can enjoy traditional dishes and specialties of Lake Como, accompanied by carefully selected fine wine and great music to brighten your experience.

Il Ristorante di Paolo | Menaggio
Paolo, Andrea, Alessia, and chef Aurelio are more than the staff of a restaurant. United by a common passion for genuine ingredients and local food secrets, they bring joy, taste, and a pinch of their enthusiasm to every table they serve. A 100% authentic experience: even the bread is homemade

Vecchia | Varenna
You can’t get closer to Lake Como than these 15 or so tables set on a terrace suspended over the water. Which means you can dine on lake fish, duck breast in espresso reduction or little gnocchi cooked in goat cheese, cream and truffle oil while gazing over towards Como’s western shore.

Al Veluu | Tremezzo
Situated on a steep hillside with panoramic lake views from its terrace, this excellent restaurant serves up home-cooked dishes that are prepared with great pride. They also reflect Lake Como’s seasonal produce, so expect wild asparagus and polenta in spring.

Bar Recommendations

Enoteca Cava Turacciolo | Bellagio
A contender for Bellagio’s most charming address, this cosy wine bar occupies a candlelit, stonewalled space tucked down a lane near the waterfront. The encyclopedic wine list covers every region in Italy, and there’s excellent charcuterie and cheese boards on offer – as well as a few pasta and fish plates.

Bar Il Molo | Varenna
The tiny terrace of Bar Il Molo is Varenna’s most sought-after aperitivi spot, although the cocktails sometimes morph into huge pitchers of beer. It’s raised above the water with cracking views north right up the lake and there’s live music in the summer.

Il Gabbiano | Menaggio
The lakeside terrace here provides some of the most expansive views of Como’s glittering waters. Set 300m northeast of Menaggio’s cute cobblestone center, it’s the perfect spot to order gelato or a glass of wine and sit back to enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Bar Rossi | Bellagio
Dating from 1905 and with original walnut wood furnishings, this classic Art Nouveau-style café has the polished, sophisticated air of a bar fit for the cast of Mad Men. Revel in the elegant interior or take a seat outside under the arches and watch the ferries come and go.

Fresco Cocktail Shop | Como
Master mixologist Andrea conjures up imaginative and colorful concoctions, served with tasty snacks at his petite and highly popular cocktail bar in central Como. Wooden ceiling beams and stone walls combine successfully with clean contemporary lines for an interior that’s as fresh as the bar’s name.

Lido Di Lenno | Lenno
The amazing charm of the “Gulf of Venus” and its ambient atmosphere is the ideal setting for non-stop service. On Friday and Saturday nights the restaurant and beach bar are transformed into a fully-fledged nightclub, complete with a proper dance floor and DJ.

BOUTIQUE RECOMMENDATIONS

Lopez Vintage | Via Vitani 32, Como
On one of Como’s most atmospheric streets, Lopez Vintage lures you in with its whimsical window displays. Inside, the tiny jewel box of a shop has elegant vintage pieces – slim-fitting dresses, oversized sunglasses, hats, accessories, and other eye candy. Prices can be high, but you’ll discover unique outfits, hats, and jewelry you won’t find elsewhere.

A Picci | Via Vittorio Emanuele II 54, Como
First opened in 1919, this is the last remaining silk shop in town dedicated to selling Como-designed-and-made silk ties, scarves, throws, and sarongs. Products are grouped by price category, reflecting the skill and workmanship involved.

Il Tornio | Via Contrada Pirelli 18, Varenna
This delightful ceramics shop is a fine place to browse for gift ideas. You’ll find artfully wrought vases, bowls, vases, mugs, ornaments, picture frames, and platters, as well as jewelry. Everything is created by Italian artists at Il Tornio’s bigger studio and store (located at Via Carlo Catteneo 62, Lecco), which is open all year.

Atelier | Salita Mella 27, Bellagio
Lili Barone and Gabriel Kantor turn out exquisite etchings, engravings, and other design products from their studio high in Bellagio’s old town. Opening hours can be a bit hit-or-miss.

Pierangelo Masciadri | Via Roma 12, Bellagio
Known as ‘Bellagio’s tie guy’, some of his clients include HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, both Republican (George W. Bush) and Democrat presidents (Bill Clinton), and Microsoft mogul Bill Gates, among others. The eponymous owner used to work in fashion for a number of the big houses like Armani, Pierre Cardin and more, and now designs his own line of ties, scarves, bags, shawls, and more creations in silk.

TESSABIT | Como, Cernobbio, Menaggio, & Bellagio
Founded in Como in 1953, TESSABIT is high-end chain of 14 family-run luxury boutiques showcasing a directional, contemporary selection of high-end fashion from around the globe.

For over three generations the Molteni family has pursued innovation, excellence and constant research, in perfect balance with the stunning, sophisticated backdrop of Lake Como and with the international fashion jet-set.The history of TESSABIT is a journey through style, exploration and tradition. The beating heart of TESSABIT is its boutiques, displayed throughout the shores of Lake Como and in the city center of Como to offer the most exclusive shopping experience for women, men and kids.

GETTING TO LAKE COMO

Fly into Malpensa

From Malpensa, your options to get to Como are:
• 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 or taxi to your hotel

• 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)

Fly into Linate

From Linate, your options for getting to Como:
• 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

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

Fly into Milan Bergamo

From Bergamo, your options for getting to Como:
• 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 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 (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)

GETTING AROUND LAKE COMO

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 Cars

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 Boat 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.

Travel Concierge & Recommendations

At no cost to our guests, our preferred Travel Concierge, Wedaways, is able to assist with booking hotel accommodations & private transportation and can be reached at wedaways@benarrivati.com.

Be sure to include "Shannon and Alex's Lake Como Wedding" in the subject line, and then detail your request including dates.

We highly recommend staying on the west side of Lake Como in the Tremezzina area to be close to the venue. Please note that Lake Como is quite large and can be costly to navigate by car or boat service.

The Wedaways team is unable to assist with booking private home/apartment rentals, but a list of our suggested properties via Airbnb and Booking.com can be found below, which you can review and book directly by following our shared links.

Summer in Lake Como (May-September) is a haven of tranquility & beauty and is extremely popular during this high season. Prices for lodging are expected to be more expensive than usual, with availability booking up quickly. We hope the guide provided below will provide transparency into expected travel costs and that you’ll consider our tips to follow when planning your trip.

Below are some of our recommended hotels in the main towns near our wedding events which you can search & book directly, or work with the Wedaways team to build your itinerary.

Grand Hotel Tremezzo

($$$$$)

Mandarin Oriental Lake Como

($$$$$)

Il Sereno

($$$$$)

Villa Serbelloni

($$$$)

Filario Hotel & Residences

($$$$)

Grand Hotel Victoria

($$$$)

Hotel Villa Cipressi

($$$)

Hilton Lake Como

($$$)

Sheraton Lake Como

($$$)

registry

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for!
If you would like to honor us with a gift, you can find a link to our wedding registry below.

RSVP

Kindly Reply by March 31, 2024

Our Wedding Day – Monday, 6/24/24

Aperitivo Cruise – Sunday, 6/23/24 from 5-7 PM

Pool Party & Sunset Soirée – Tuesday, 6/25/24 from 12-8 PM

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Please share your arrival and departure flight information.

Please let us know where you plan to stay while in Lake Como.

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