Amanda & Mattia
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We are so excited to celebrate our wedding with our closest family and friends in one of our favorite places in the world.
We hope this website makes planning your trip to Lake Como easy. Here you’ll find information about the wedding events, accommodations, transportation, and everything you need to know before joining us in Italy.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Amanda & Mattia
Under the stars in the Wahiba Sands Desert · Oman
The Proposal Story
Mattia had planned a private dinner just for the two of them beneath the stars and a full moon in the Wahiba Sands Desert. Amanda had no idea what he had planned — although, looking back, there may have been a few clues. The private dinner wasn’t part of their original itinerary, and when Amanda began getting ready casually, Mattia suggested that she might want to dress up a little more. He even mentioned that she may want to put on some makeup, “in case we take pictures.” This was completely out of character for Mattia, who would never normally suggest that Amanda wear makeup. For a moment, she wondered if he might be up to something, but she never imagined what was waiting for her.
In the middle of the desert, Mattia had arranged for an intimate setting beneath the night sky, complete with a rug, blankets, candles, and a cozy sitting area for the two of them. He had even brought a speaker all the way from their home in Miami so they could listen to their favorite songs, with RÜFÜS DU SOL providing the soundtrack to the evening.
As they sat together talking beneath the stars, surrounded by the stillness of the desert and the glow of candlelight, Mattia suddenly left the couch and dropped to one knee. He opened a ring box that illuminated a beautiful ring and, in one of the most private and romantic places imaginable, asked Amanda to marry him.
Only afterward did another part of the journey begin to make sense. Mattia had secretly carried the ring from Miami to Italy for Christmas, then to Dubai for Amanda’s birthday, and finally to Oman for their last days in the desert. Throughout the entire trip, he never wanted to let his carry-on bag out of his sight — even when given the opportunity to check it. Amanda finally understood why. There had been something far too special inside for Mattia to ever let it go. Under a full moon, with their favorite music playing and nothing but miles of desert surrounding them, the two of them had a moment that was entirely their own — private, romantic, completely unforgettable, and the perfect beginning to the next chapter of their story.
Mother of the Bride
Joan Norgren
Parents of the Groom
Massimo Balasini & Katya Bonori
Maids of Honor
Lauren Solimando
Maid of Honor
Samantha Decristofaro
Maid of Honor
Lauren & Samantha — Maids of Honor
I met Lauren and Sam in college at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and for nearly two decades they have been two of the most constant people in my life. We have truly grown up together — through college apartments and years as roommates, spring break vacations together, moves to different cities and across the country and back again, watching one another step into new chapters of life, building our careers, and stepping into motherhood. There are twenty years of memories between us, far too many to choose just one.
Back in college, we even had a name for the three of us — “LoSAManda,” a combination of Lauren, Sam, and Amanda. Sam was a competitive cheerleader at USF, and I may have been her biggest fan. I would be at football games with my sorority, but whenever I spotted her on the sidelines, I’d make my way down to the front of the stands just to cheer her on. While she was cheering for the team, I was cheering for her.
We also came of age in a very specific millennial moment — college from 2004 to 2008, before iPhones and before every second of life was instantly captured and shared. Sam was usually the one carrying the digital camera, which meant one person took all the photos, everyone waited until the next day to see them, and then a hundred pictures from one night would end up in a Facebook album for us to tag, comment on, and relive together — usually under some ridiculous album name that made perfect sense to us at the time.
As we moved into the next chapter of our lives, our friendship grew right along with us. Lauren and I both built careers in the medical sales industry, and at different points we even found ourselves working for competing companies. The evolution of our lives never changed the way we showed up for one another. We have supported, encouraged, and cheered each other on through every stage of our careers, and it has been incredibly special to watch each other grow and find success along the way.
Life looks very different now than it did when we first met. We no longer live down the hall from one another or have the simplicity of knowing we’ll all be in the same place that night. There are careers, marriages, families, different cities, busy schedules, and all the responsibilities that come with growing up. But through all of it, we have continued to make a point of showing up for one another and finding our way back to time together. Through the highest highs and the lowest lows alike, we have been one another’s steadiest support — and I don’t think any of us has ever truly had to face a hard chapter alone.
The plans may take a little more effort now, but the feeling never changes. When we’re together, there is an ease that comes from twenty years of friendship — the kind where no explanation is needed, you can pick up exactly where you left off, and you’re laughing like no time has passed at all. I think that is one of the things I treasure most about us: our lives have changed so much, but our friendship never became something we simply looked back on. We kept choosing it.
Through every new chapter — including standing by Samantha’s side as her Maid of Honor, and celebrating in spirit as Lauren said her vows in her own intimate beach ceremony — the three of us have remained the three of us. They know me better than almost anyone and have been there through every version of me. As an only child, they are the sisters I never had — my constants, my chosen family, and the friends I know I will grow old with. Some of the very best times of my life have been with them, and having them beside me on my wedding day means more to me than I could ever fully put into words.
Best Men
Eugenio Genova
Best Man
Andrea Di Maro
Best Man
Eugenio & Andrea — Best Men
Some friendships start with small talk. Ours started with the classic Abercrombie & Fitch greeting: “Hey, what’s going on?!”
2012, my very first day of work — my first job ever, at Abercrombie & Fitch. Riding up to the offices in the elevator, a guy turned to me and said, “Ciao, I’m Andrea. Is it your first day here? Because it’s my first day too.” From there, it played out like a scene from an Italian comedy: me, the reserved northerner, and Andrea, warm and easygoing — Neapolitan through and through, taking life at his own pace. It worked instantly.
Not long after, we met Eugenio, who was already working there before us. The three of us clicked, and for a couple of years we were practically inseparable — working together by day, going out together by night, back at work again the next morning. Few friendships get to be lived that intensely.
Then life took us in different directions, each in our own way. Eugenio never thinks twice — London, Asia, Turkey, and now Mexico City, always the first to take a leap. Andrea built a life for himself in Milan, and even from there, Naples is never far from his heart. And me — always the more deliberate one, but with a dream of my own since I was young: to end up in Miami. Manchester became my stepping stone, until the opportunity came to move back to Italy, and eventually to the city I’d always pictured — where I also found Amanda, the piece that made it all make sense.
Different countries, different lives. But we’ve always said: far, but always close. Whenever the chance came up, we found our way to each other — Eugenio flying in from wherever he was, me making the time no matter the distance, and Andrea once flying straight from Naples to Mexico City just to spend Halloween with us, because he wasn’t going to miss it. One of those times, I was flying from Miami to Milan, Eugenio was living in Rome, and Andrea came up from Naples — so Rome became our meeting point, the place to finally sit down together, face to face, and tell them I was getting married and that I wanted them as my best men.
We met when we were 23. Sixteen years later, they’ll still be the first ones asking, “What’s going on?” — this time, on the most important day of my life.
Our Engagement Party · Miami
Tuesday
22·June·2027
The Welcome Dinner
Cernobbio, Lake Como
Join us for a relaxed evening in Cernobbio as we welcome everyone to Lake Como.
Wednesday
23·June·2027
Wedding Day
Cernobbio, Lake Como
Catholic wedding ceremony and Mass.
Followed by
The Reception
Cernobbio, Lake Como
Our reception will be held at Villa Erba, overlooking Lake Como.
The Evening
These are our recommended places to stay near the wedding celebration. Tap or hover on a hotel for details.
June is one of the most popular times to visit Lake Como, and hotels can fill quickly. We strongly encourage you to reserve your accommodations early to ensure the best availability and rates.
A sophisticated Lake Como resort surrounded by a private park, featuring beautiful pools, a spa, and several dining options — all just a short walk from our wedding celebration.
A contemporary lakeside hotel known for its rooftop infinity pool, panoramic views, spa, and stylish rooftop dining, located near the beautiful Villa Olmo.
A charming four-star boutique hotel in the heart of Cernobbio, just steps from the lakefront and within easy walking distance of Villa Erba.
Complimentary wedding transportation will be provided from our three recommended hotels: Sheraton Lake Como Hotel, Hilton Lake Como, and Hotel Centrale Cernobbio. These will be the designated hotel pickup and drop-off points for wedding transportation. Guests staying elsewhere are welcome to make their own way to one of the designated pickup locations if they would like to use the wedding transportation.
Lake Como is conveniently located just a short journey from Milan. Most guests will fly into one of Milan's two main airports — Milan Malpensa (MXP) or Milan Linate (LIN) — with Como approximately 45–60 minutes away by car under normal traffic conditions.
Milan Malpensa (MXP) offers the widest selection of direct international and long-haul flights.
Milan Linate (LIN) is another convenient option for international travelers, particularly when connecting through another European city, and has the added advantage of being much closer to central Milan.
Travel times may vary depending on traffic and the final destination around the lake.
Pre-booked private transfers are available between Lake Como and Milan, including Milan's airports, hotels, and other accommodations. This can be a convenient door-to-door option both when arriving for the wedding and when continuing your travels afterward.
Advance reservations are recommended, particularly during the busy summer season.
Uber is also available throughout the area and can be a convenient app-based alternative to a pre-arranged private transfer.
Book a Private TransferDirect trains run regularly between Milano Centrale and Como San Giovanni, making the train an easy option for guests spending time in Milan before or after traveling to Lake Como.
The train is also a convenient and significantly more affordable option compared with a private door-to-door transfer. Once guests arrive at Como San Giovanni, taxis are available outside the station for the short journey to Cernobbio and nearby hotels.
Buy Train TicketsOfficial taxis are available at the designated taxi ranks at Milan Malpensa (MXP), Milan Linate (LIN), and outside Como San Giovanni station. Taxis are also available throughout the Lake Como area, although availability may be more limited — advance arrangements can be useful for longer journeys or airport transfers.
Reserve a TaxiPlease make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Europe.
Italy uses the euro (€). Major credit cards are widely accepted, although carrying some euros can be useful for smaller purchases.
Italy uses Type C, F, and L electrical outlets, so U.S. travelers should bring an appropriate European plug adapter.
Consider arranging an international phone plan or eSIM before traveling so you have mobile data for maps, transportation, and communication.
For travel between Milan and Lake Como, the train is a convenient and significantly more affordable option. For guests who prefer door-to-door service, a pre-booked private transfer or Uber offers a confirmed pickup and fare.
Transportation will be provided for the Welcome Dinner, Wedding Ceremony, and Reception.
Complimentary wedding transportation will be provided from our three recommended hotels:
These will be the designated hotel pickup and drop-off points for wedding transportation. Guests staying elsewhere may arrange their own transportation via Uber or taxi, or make their way to one of the three designated pickup locations to use the provided wedding transportation.
Please note that guest parking will not be available at Villa Erba, and parking near the church may be limited. We strongly encourage guests to use the provided wedding transportation whenever possible.
Welcome Dinner Transportation
Time to be announced
Pickup locations: Sheraton Lake Como Hotel, Hilton Lake Como, and Hotel Centrale Cernobbio
Hotel Pickup → Church
Time to be announced
Guests are picked up from the three designated hotels and transported to Chiesa di San Vincenzo.
Church → Reception
Time to be announced
Following the ceremony, guests are transported from Chiesa di San Vincenzo to Villa Erba.
Reception → Hotels
Time to be announced
At the end of the celebration, return shuttles transport guests from Villa Erba back to the three designated hotels.
Detailed shuttle times will be provided closer to the wedding.
Semi-Formal
Formal
Please note, tuxedos should not be worn.
Welcome Dinner & Wedding Day Color Palette Inspiration
Amanda & Mattia's own favorite spots around Lake Como — the places we would happily send friends and family to. Click on any recommendation below for more information.
For guests with a little extra time before or after the wedding, Milan is well worth adding to your Italian itinerary. Elegant, energetic, and effortlessly stylish, the city offers incredible dining, world-class shopping, beautiful architecture, art, nightlife, and some of Italy's most iconic sights.
Milan also holds a special place in Amanda and Mattia's story. As Mattia's hometown and the city where his family lives, it has been part of their relationship from the very beginning. Over the years, it has also become a place filled with favorite restaurants, memorable nights, family traditions, and countless moments together.
Below, they've shared some of their favorite places alongside a few Milan essentials — a collection of where to eat, drink, shop, explore, and experience the city they have come to know and love.
We're continuing to add more Milan favorites here — check back for more recommendations.
Several of our Dine recommendations — particularly those in Dine — Elevated — observe a smart-casual or elegant dress code. We'd recommend checking each restaurant's own guidelines when planning your visit.
Visitors who live outside the European Union may be eligible for tax-free shopping on qualifying purchases in Italy. Ask for the tax-free paperwork when making your purchase and keep your receipts for validation when you leave the EU.
Our Tip: Bring your passport when shopping, as it may be required to complete the tax-free paperwork.
We invite you to join us for one last wedding toast at The Club Milano.
The Club holds a special place in our story. During our first trip to Milan together, it was where we spent our first night out dancing in the early days of our relationship — and where Amanda first met Andrea, one of Mattia's Best Men. It feels only fitting to return, this time surrounded by the people who came to Italy to celebrate with us.
We'll have a private reserved section for our wedding guests. Come dance with us and help us close out an unforgettable wedding week.
Simply let the door know you're “with the Balasinis” for expedited VIP entry, and they'll direct you to our private section.
Please let us know if you’ll be joining us by searching for your name below.
Kindly RSVP by March 15, 2027.
Please complete a line for each member of your party.
You’ve already responded — feel free to update any details below and submit again.
We recommend arriving by the afternoon of Monday, June 21, 2027, so you have time to settle in before the Welcome Dinner on June 22. Add any additional guidance here.
Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the closest major international airport to Lake Como. See the Travel section above for more details.
We've put together a few recommended hotels near the wedding events — see the Stay section above for details. You're welcome to stay anywhere you like; these three hotels will also be the designated pickup and drop-off points for wedding transportation.
Yes. Complimentary wedding transportation will be provided from our three recommended hotels: Sheraton Lake Como Hotel, Hilton Lake Como, and Hotel Centrale Cernobbio. Guests staying elsewhere may arrange their own transportation via Uber or taxi, or make their way to one of these designated pickup locations. Please note that guest parking will not be available at Villa Erba, and parking near the church may be limited, so we strongly encourage guests to use the provided wedding transportation whenever possible. Detailed shuttle times will be provided closer to the wedding.
Due to the intimate nature of our celebration, we are only able to accommodate the guests specifically named on your invitation. If a plus-one has been extended to you, it will be indicated on your invitation and reflected in your RSVP. Thank you for understanding.
While we adore the little ones in our lives, our wedding celebration will be an adults-only occasion. We kindly ask that only the guests named on the invitation attend. We hope this gives everyone the opportunity to relax, celebrate, and enjoy the evening with us.
Attire details are coming soon and will be posted in the Attire section.
Late June in Lake Como is typically warm and sunny, with mild evenings. We recommend packing light layers and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets.
Yes, all international guests will need a valid passport. Please make sure it is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Europe.
Kindly RSVP by March 15, 2027 using the RSVP section above.
Please see the Travel Assistance section below for a contact name, email, and phone number.
If you have any questions as you plan your trip, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our wedding travel advisor.
Sophia Gomez
Founder & Executive Curator
A La Luna Travel & Lifestyle
Photos coming soon — check back closer to the wedding.
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Personal Note
Why We Love It
