Shayoni and Bhargav’s love story began in Philadelphia, PA, where they met just as Shayoni was preparing to begin medical school. Their connection was instant, solidified by an unforgettable first date at Harp and Crown. After hours of conversation and sharing the tasting menu, they both knew something special had begun. Five years later, Bhargav returned to where it all started, proposing at a park overlooking the Philadelphia skyline. The moment was both sentimental and magical, culminating in a surprise celebration at the speakeasy of Harp and Crown with their loved ones.
When planning their dream wedding, Shayoni and Bhargav chose the breathtaking Villa Erba on Lake Como. With planning and design led by Distinctive Italy Weddings, the couple transformed their vision into an elegant and intimate celebration. The venue's timeless charm, coupled with stunning floral arrangements by Figli dei Fiori, created an ethereal ambiance. Shayoni, inspired by Bengali traditions and her love for the movie Devdas, opted for a classic red Banarasi silk sari sourced from a boutique in Calcutta. Her intricate bridal styling was completed by Beauty by Anuja, who also ensured flawless hair and makeup for all the events.
The couple's wedding celebrations featured a blend of cultures and personal touches. The mehndi, designed by Apsaras Events Italy, set the tone for a vibrant and joyous start to the festivities. DJ Raj K kept the guests dancing through the night, while catering by Class Eventi offered an exquisite fusion of Italian and Indian cuisines. The wedding's luxurious decor and lighting by BluNotte Events added a magical glow to the evenings, perfectly complementing the picturesque setting of Lake Como.
One of the most cherished moments from their wedding was a quiet pause Shayoni and Bhargav took after their ceremony. Sitting together on the rooftop deck of Villa Erba, they overlooked the serene lake, reciting their private vows amidst the beauty of nature.
Their special day was immortalized by Gianni Di Natale, whose photography and cinematography captured every heartfelt moment. Shayoni and Bhargav’s wedding was not just a union of two people but a celebration of love, tradition, and the people who made their journey so meaningful.
How did you meet your groom, and when did you know he was "the one"?
Bhargav and I met in Philadelphia, PA, when I was preparing to start medical school and he was already working in the city. For our first date, he planned a dinner at Harp and Crown in Center City Philadelphia. As soon as we sat down, he confidently suggested ordering the tasting menu. As a passionate foodie, I was immediately impressed. That evening, we shared three hours of wonderful conversation, incredible food, and unforgettable moments. It was clear from the start that this was something special.
Share the scoop on your proposal story!
Bhargav proposed five years after we first met, in the same city where we fell in love. Early in our relationship, we had a memorable date at a park overlooking the Philadelphia skyline—a place where we had a deep and meaningful conversation. He brought me back to that very spot, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. To make the moment even more magical, he had arranged a surprise celebration with our closest family and friends at the speakeasy of Harp and Crown, the restaurant where we had our first date. It was the perfect way to begin our next chapter.
What advice would you give to couples planning a destination wedding?
Amid all the excitement, having a private moment to reflect and soak in the day can be incredibly meaningful. It helps you stay present and truly savor your celebration.
What did your guests particularly love about your wedding?
Our guests loved the intimate atmosphere of our wedding. The breathtaking beauty of Lake Como provided a stunning backdrop, and the smaller size of the celebration allowed everyone to connect, enjoy the surroundings, and truly celebrate with one another.