Some photoshoots are memorable because of the final images. Others stay with you because of the experience itself.
This wedding styled shoot on Lake Como was definitely both.
Last July, we worked with Yuliya Supin, a US-based wedding planner and design studio, to bring to life a love story inspired by the graceful swans that drift across Lake Como’s waters and the timeless romance of Italy.
Before we arrived, Yuliya shared the inspiration behind the editorial. Rather than talking about colour palettes or mood boards, she spoke about the feeling she wanted to create.
For this editorial, that feeling came from the swans of Lake Como, from their quiet elegance, effortless movement, and the beautiful balance between softness and strength. It became the thread that connected every detail of the day, from the bridal styling to the locations we explored.
Our morning began at Hotel Villa Cipressi.
Joining us for the day were photographers Irena Balashko and Nikita Zharkov, whose style felt perfectly suited to Yuliya’s vision.
By combining film and digital photography, they captured the day with a beautiful balance of luxury editorial and soft nostalgia. The result was a gallery that feels like scenes from an old Italian film.
Although Cipressi is one of Lake Como’s most iconic destinations, the gardens felt surprisingly peaceful.
We followed the winding stone paths through cypress trees and summer blooms until we reached the villa’s iconic lakeside gate, an intimate threshold where the gardens meet the water, revealing the lake in all of its quiet beauty.
The bridal gown, a Made Bride creation by designer Dimitra Antonea, felt like a natural extension of the gardens around us. The flowing A-line silhouette moved gracefully, while layers of soft tulle and delicate 3D floral appliqué reflected the flowers climbing throughout Villa Cipressi.
The look reflected the same duality that inspired the editorial itself: softness paired with quiet strength, femininity balanced by structure. The small bouquet of delicate white roses woven among lighter blooms created a quiet complement to the textures and tones of her dress without overpowering it.
Sebastian’s classic black Carlo Pignatelli tuxedo from Garabaldi Erba brought a timeless elegance that balanced the softness of the bridal look perfectly.
From Villa Cipressi, we boarded a sailboat with Bellagio Sailing for an afternoon on Lake Como.
The wardrobe changed too, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere on the water. Sebastian swapped his tuxedo for a crisp white sailing look. I changed into a sculptural organza dress from Magda Butrym that moved effortlessly with the wind. It felt modern and fashion-forward, but still perfectly at home against the timeless backdrop of Lake Como.
As soon as we left the harbour, the breeze picked up, the mountains stretched out around us, and the lake was so calm it reflected the sky almost perfectly. We spent the afternoon simply enjoying where we were.
Sebastian steered our boat across the lake towards Villa la Gaeta, one of Lake Como’s most iconic villas, famously featured in Casino Royale.
We dropped anchor nearby and took our time. Between photographs, we wandered around the boat with the film camera, captured moments of each other in the afternoon light, and toasted the day with a glass of champagne.
Alongside us, Taras Kokhan from Beautiful Day Films documented the day on video, capturing all the movement between the still photographs: the breeze lifting the dresses, the sails filling with wind, and the laughter that naturally unfolded throughout the trip.
This part of the editorial felt less like a photoshoot and more like an afternoon spent exploring the lake together. Surrounded by historic villas, sailboats, and endless mountain views, it was easy to forget about the cameras and simply enjoy the warm July sun and the breeze drifting across the lake.
As the afternoon slipped into evening, we made our way to Varenna just as golden hour began to fade into blue. We wandered through the narrow streets before making our way back to the lakeside, where swans drifted effortlessly across the water.
Seeing them alongside my custom feather headpiece brought the inspiration behind the editorial full circle. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to fall into place, and Yuliya’s vision felt completely at home in its surroundings.
We finished the day on the pier, watching the last light disappear behind the mountains as the lake turned a deep shade of blue. After a full day of exploring gardens, sailing across the lake, and moving between some of Lake Como’s most beautiful locations, it was the perfect place to slow down and take in everything we’d experienced.
Looking back, what stays with us isn’t just the photographs or the incredible scenery. It’s the opportunity to be part of bringing a creative vision to life. Seeing how every location, every outfit, and every detail came together over the course of the day gave us an even greater appreciation for the thought and intention behind the story.
Days like this remind us why we love working as a model couple in Mallorca and around the world. We get to travel to extraordinary places, collaborate with talented creatives, and step into stories that become lasting memories.
Lake Como will always be unforgettable, but being part of this editorial with Yuliya and such an incredible creative team is what made the day truly special.
We are Francesca and Sebastian, a Mallorca-based model couple bringing our natural chemistry and professional experience to wedding editorials, styled shoots, and commercial productions worldwide.
Planning a styled shoot, photography workshop, or commercial production in Mallorca or Europe? Get in touch today!