A Timeless Lake Como Wedding in the Sun: by Vlasta Weddings

Mastering the light and the landscape of Lake Como, Vlasta Weddings show off a rare balance of emotive and location-driven portraiture in this sun-soaked celebration.

May 27, 2025

Our goal was to keep everything natural, ensuring the images felt both timeless and true to the day's real atmosphere.

“The ceremony's lighting was, to put it bluntly, a photographer's nightmare. But we waited for the perfect moments”

Our couple, all the way from Thailand, placed immense importance on intertwining the natural beauty and iconic atmosphere of Lake Como into their celebration. Yes, the amazing Lake Como views were very important to show off.

Having worked extensively in Thailand, we shared a deep understanding of the country's customs and aesthetics. Collaborating with their planning team, with whom we've partnered for years, made the whole experience seamless.

“Why we chose this”
In this photo we decided to separate the couple from the shadowed foreground. So we placed a flash subtly under a lounge area by the pool. It’s barely noticeable, but it adds just enough light to bring them forward in the frame.

We took the shot from a terrace above, using the green umbrellas and pool as visual anchors. Again, this was about showing the environment—they chose Lake Como for a reason, and we wanted that to be a visible part of their portraits.

Gear and Details

  • Cameras: Canon R6 with 28-70mm lens using Profoto flash

  • Coverage: 2 photographers over 2 days (approx. 11 hours)

  • Three words that describe the day: Elegant. Exciting. Sophisticated.

  • Couple: Baifern & Sun

  • Planners: The Wedding Bliss Thailand & Dentelle Weddings and Events

  • Location: Passalacqua, Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, and Villa Aura del Lago

Our Approach

Our photography background is pretty traditional—Vladan’s mother, a formally trained photographer, taught him the fundamentals, and he passed that foundation on.

Our time working in fashion brought in that edge, especially with lighting and editorial-style shots, but our roots are always in structure, balance, and timelessness. It’s a great balance we feel. We don’t like to chase trends unless they really serve the story.

Getting Ready

The morning unfolded in a classic Lake Como villa. Instead of focusing on traditional "getting ready" shots like buttoning up or dress zipping, we prioritized crafting elegant portraits of each individual, capturing their essence before the ceremony.

These shots were inspired by the venue itself. We didn't follow a strict plan; instead, we let the surroundings guide us. The interplay of natural light through windows, the texture of antique furniture, and the villa's architectural details all played a role in shaping these images.

This shot of the groom is one of our favorite types of compositions—playing with natural light, reflection, and layers. The window light casts a soft rim around his figure, while the mirror captures his profile, giving the photo a quiet duality. Framing through the drapery and the windows points directly to the lake view, anchoring the image in the story of place. It’s moody and cinematic but still structured—something we always strive for.

The Bride in the Ceremony Setup
We positioned the bride on a chair in the aisle to get her at just the right height. Framed by the floral arch and perfectly lit by the sun streaming in. The background remained open, allowing the lake and mountains to shine through, and the florals created natural leading lines that pull your eye straight to her. We love shooting bridal portraits in the ceremony setup when possible—there’s something about the fullness and intentionality of that scene that aligns with our preference for maximalism over minimalism, especially in weddings.

Ceremony

The ceremony's lighting was, to put it bluntly, a photographer's nightmare. With the couple in shade, the aisle illuminated, and the lake's brilliance threatening to overpower, it demanded rapid adjustments and split second flash integration. Our team working together between drone, aisle shots and flash was invaluable here; each member knew their role, ensuring it turned out perfect.

A standout moment was capturing the bride's entrance via drone. We had pre-discussed the optimal angle and conducted test shots. Timing was crucial. We waited until she stepped into the sunlit portion of the aisle to capture a radiant and balanced shot.

Reception

The reception was an intimate affair, with around 20 guests gathered around a single, elegantly adorned table. The floral and candle arrangements were exquisite, creating a warm and inviting ambiance.

There wasn't a traditional party, but the evening was filled with heartfelt toasts and shared stories. We alternated between using flash and embracing ambient light, capturing the mood authentically.

This shot is just a favourite, plain and simple.

The composition, the tones, the atmosphere—it all came together in a way that felt cinematic but still intimate. Blue hour is always such a rewarding time to shoot, and with the lake and villa lights adding that glow, this one felt like a still from a film.

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