The gentle ripple of Lake Como, sunlight filtering through historic windows, and a bride and groom framed by cascading greenery—it’s the stuff of dreams. With the help of Vivid Symphony Photography, expert photographers based in Lake Como, that’s exactly what inspired this watercolor painting from Nadja and Daniel’s wedding at the breathtaking Villa Regina Teodolinda. In this behind-the-scenes post, I’ll share how I transformed their magical day into watercolor, how the venue and vendors like Vivid Symphony Photography (Mila and Stephen are so talented, and so kind, perfect photographers for your wedding day!) played a key role, and why this piece holds such emotional depth. Stick around—there’s a special story about Nadja’s reaction to the painting at the end!
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1. A Villa on the Shores of Lake Como
Villa Regina Teodolinda is elegance embodied. Nestled on the edge of Lake Como, it offers a perfect blend of lush gardens, charming architecture, and stunning lake views. It was clear this was not just any wedding—it was a moment steeped in beauty and romance, ideal for watercolor storytelling.
- Inspiration: The villa’s iconic windows framed the ceremony and reception, giving me the perfect composition for the painting.
- Vendor Spotlight: Vivid Symphony Photography captured every detail exquisitely, providing reference photos that ensured I could preserve the day’s atmosphere in every brushstroke.
Nadja’s words: “You feel right back at this place. Getting so emotional when looking at the painting.”
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2. Sketching the Scene
The painting began with light pencil sketches to block in the major elements—the villa’s wooden window frames, the greenery, and the soft forms of the couple and their guests. The couple was placed front and center to highlight their intimate connection, while the background’s blurred figures hinted at the joyful buzz of the day.
- Process: I focused on capturing movement and flow, keeping the lines loose to give the painting an ethereal quality.
- Key Detail: The gorgeous twinkle lights in the trees became a visual bridge between the couple and the villa, tying the scene together seamlessly.
Nadja’s favorite part: “My favorite part was the result, how you captured the mood of our day, and the colors—so beautiful.”
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3. Building the Layers
Watercolor painting is all about patience and layering. For the villa’s greenery, I started with light washes of green and yellow, gradually adding depth and texture with deeper hues. The lake was a challenge but a rewarding one—capturing its reflective shimmer required mixing blues with just a hint of gray for a soft, natural effect.
- Technique Highlight: Using the wet-on-wet method for the florals created the dreamy, soft focus that mirrors the feeling of a romantic Italian wedding.
- Personal Touch: I used faint touches of lavender and golden hues to color the bride’s flowing gown — I don’t paint with white or use masking fluid, so this allowed me to paint the depth of the gown, teh movement, a small departure from traditional white, adding a unique warmth to the painting.
Nadja’s testimonial: “Courtney Kibby is a lovely and so talented woman. I immediately felt connected to her even though we don’t know each other.”
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4. Capturing the Emotion
The beauty of live wedding painting—or recreating a moment in watercolor—lies in its ability to evoke emotions. With each layer, I focused on the mood of the day: light and joyful, yet intimate and heartfelt. The couple’s kiss became the centerpiece, while the guests and surrounding scenery faded softly into the background.
Nadja’s reaction: “When my friends and family saw the painting, they were speechless and overwhelmed like me.”
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5. A Forever Memory
The final touches—the couple’s gentle embrace, the shimmer on the lake, and the glow of the villa—brought everything together. As Nadja said, “This is a forever memory, so dreamy. It brings you tears of joy.” And that’s exactly what I aim for in every piece I create—a painting that not only captures a moment but becomes a cherished heirloom.
- Vendor Appreciation: This collaboration wouldn’t have been possible without Vivid Symphony Photography, who provided impeccable photo references, and the unforgettable venue, Villa Regina Teodolinda, which set the stage for this dreamy wedding.
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What’s Next?
Your wedding is more than a day—it’s a story. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding on Lake Como or a backyard celebration closer to home, I’d love to capture your moments in watercolor. Reach out to learn more about live wedding painting or custom commissions.
