Lake Como Wedding at Villa Erba

Nestled along the shores of Lake Como in Northern Italy, Villa Erba—a grand neoclassical villa with a deep sense of history—became the breathtaking backdrop for Catherine and Christophe’s Persian wedding. With its stunning views of the lake and perfectly manicured gardens, the Villa was an ideal setting for their celebration, welcoming up to 400 guests.

At the heart of the ceremony was the “sofreh aghd,” a beautifully decorated arrangement set up in the garden. This traditional Persian display, rich with symbolism, represented the couple’s connection to their families and each other. It was filled with fruits, nuts, and meaningful items from both sides, and often featured a family tree or heart design, adding even more personal significance. Special rocks, placed for the bride and groom, symbolized their individual bond. After the touching ceremony, the Villa transformed into a lively party space, where the couple and their guests danced the night away in celebration of their love.

The ceremony centered around a traditional “sofreh aghd,” an elaborately decorated spread laid out in the garden. This symbolic display, representing the couple’s connection to their families and each other, featured an arrangement of fruits, nuts, and special foods from both sides. The pattern itself, often a family tree or a heart design, held particular meaning, while special stones placed for the bride and groom signified their individual bond. Following the heartfelt ceremony, the venue transformed into a lively space for the couple and their guests to enjoy a celebratory wedding party.