On July 14th, Vera Yanti Kretschmar and Emilio Vagnola were married in an elegant and heartfelt celebration on the shores of Lake Como. Hosted at the historic Villa Erba in Cernobbio, the wedding brought together 200 guests from around the world for a weekend of joy, beauty, and connection—set against the timeless charm of the Italian lakeside.
by L’Officiel Monaco
Vera, an entrepreneur of Indonesian, Chinese, and German heritage, has long made Lake Como a part of her life and vision through her creative and business ventures. Emilio, a financier from Rome, brings a refined and grounded presence to their shared world. Together, they embody an international spirit grounded in warmth, shared values, and an appreciation for art, travel, and meaningful moments.
The couple met by chance in Milan—an unexpected encounter that quickly grew into a love story. At the time, Vera was living in Singapore, and soon after meeting Emilio, she made the life-changing decision to move to Italy for love. Their connection deepened through shared adventures, values, and a natural ease that made building a life together feel effortless.
The celebration unfolded over three unforgettable days, each capturing the couple’s taste, heritage, and sense of place.
Day One began with a welcome cocktail at Vapore in Torno, a beloved lakeside restaurant. Guests gathered on the water’s edge for an evening of relaxed elegance, as Vera arrived in a flowing Elie Saab gown, setting the tone for the weekend. Friends and family had traveled from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Latin America, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, and all over Europe, creating a truly global gathering.
Day Two, the wedding day, was held at Villa Erba, an architectural masterpiece steeped in history. The ceremony took place in the gardens, accompanied by a live string quartet, and featured a special performance by an opera singer that brought a sense of timeless grandeur to the moment.
The dinner reception was set beneath twinkling lights and surrounded by lush floral arrangements inspired by the lake itself—an elegant mix of seasonal plants and flowers in soft, natural tones. Vera wore a custom Dolce & Gabbana gown in soft ivory with a mermaid silhouette, complemented by family heirloom jewelry. Guests dined on a refined Italian menu paired with Château Mouton Rothschild 2011, a nod to the couple’s appreciation for exceptional wines. Throughout the evening, several musical guests performed, and the night concluded with a stunning fireworks display over the lake.
The guest list reflected the couple’s global lives and diverse network. Among those in attendance were celebrity chef Todd English, celebrity photographer Reto Guntli, designer and artist Begüm Khan, and a number of international business leaders and close personal friends.
Day Three offered a peaceful close to the weekend with a farewell brunch at Villa Lucia, the couple’s private residence in Torno.
Overlooking the lake in the morning light, guests enjoyed a final moment of togetherness. Vera wore another Dolce & Gabbana dress—this time, an effortless and romantic day piece that captured the easy grace of the lakeside setting.
During the wedding, opera singer Marcelina Roman was invited to perform, and his exceptional performance added a truly regal and memorable touch to the atmosphere.
The wedding weekend was a true reflection of Vera and Emilio: cosmopolitan, elegant, and deeply personal. A celebration of love, friendship, and the kind of beauty that lingers well beyond the day itself.
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