FAQs
Question
Why Italy and Lake Como?
Answer
Mapi is 0.6% Italian! When we got these results from 23andMe, we knew we wanted this opportunity to explore his Italian culture and heritage. Unfortunately Jordan is not Italian but she is 84.5% French/German/Swiss and we will be pretty close to all of those places. Plus, there's the food, scenic views and relaxing atmosphere... We love to travel and thought this would be a fun excuse for a once-in-a-lifetime trip. We can't wait to enjoy one of our favorite countries with all of our favorite people. We've never been to Lake Como so we're excited to explore it together, and with all of you! It's a perfect blend of romantic, relaxed and picturesque!
Question
What's the general plan?
Answer
Sunday, 10/13 - Check in to Villa Cipressi around 2:30pm. We will have a Welcome Party around 6pm. It will likely be on a boat on the lake. We will definitely have aperol spritzes, prosciutto and parmesan! Monday, 10/14 - Wedding Day! Our ceremony will be around 4pm. We will have an Aperitivo Hour afterwards and then go into the reception, dinner, dancing and after party. Tuesday, 10/15 - We will check out of the Villa around 10am and have a Farewell Brunch You can add extra nights at Villa Cipressi if you would like to come early or stay a little longer.
Question
Is your wedding really on a Monday?
Answer
Yes! It was honestly the only date available in 2024 and we figure everyone already has to travel anyways, so it shouldn't make much of a difference.
Question
When should I RSVP by?
Answer
We would love to know your plans as soon as possible! We are gauging interest so we can plan accordingly. The RSVP form does not allow for a 'maybe' so if you are uncertain, please just reach out and let us know what you're thinking. Once we get the initial RSVPs, we will send more concrete plans.
Question
When should we arrive?
Answer
We recommend getting to Varenna on Saturday, 10/12 or early on Sunday, 10/13. If you are staying at Villa Cipressi, we are able to check-in at 2:30pm on Sunday, October 13. We will have a Welcome Party that evening. You can also consider booking extra nights at Villa Cipressi, staying at the sister hotel, Hotel Royal Victoria, next door, or staying nearby at other accommodations. Lake Como is a seasonal destination and we will be there at the end of the season. If there are other parts of the lake that you're interested in visiting, it may be best to do that earlier in the trip. Many places close mid-October until mid-March so just keep that in mind as you're booking travel.
Question
How do I book a room at Villa Cipressi?
Answer
To book a room at Villa Cipressi, please email reception@hotelvillacipressi.it and say you would like to book a room for October 13-15 using the code “Jordan & Manuel – 14.10.24." They will reply with instructions on how to book. You can also ask to add on additional nights before or after our wedding block if you would like to come early or stay longer. We have the following room types available under our block. There are a limited amount of each type of room so please book early to ensure you can get your first choice of room type. These rates are only for our wedding block and will not apply to any additional days added to your stay. All rates are in Euros and additional taxes and fees may apply. Breakfast is included. Classic Room (Village View, 215 sq. ft.) - 265€/night Deluxe Room (Lake View, 270 sq. ft.) - 365€/night Prestige Room (Lake View, 325 sq. ft.) - 510€/night Junior Suite (Lake View, 325 sq. ft.) - 650€/night You can see more information about the room types on the hotel website or check Hotels.com for more photos and details.
Question
When should we leave?
Answer
If you're staying at the villa, check out is 10am on Tuesday, October 15. We will have a Farewell Brunch that morning. We recommend heading to your next destination that afternoon or staying in the Como area for more time. We will certainly be staying another day to recover and keep celebrating. If you want to spend more time in Lake Como, please be aware that we are there towards the end of the season and some resorts may be closing. It may be best to plan for a few days in Como on the front end of your trip or just research on the front end to make sure the things you want to do are still open.
Question
What are Jordan and Mapi's travel plans?
Answer
We are not quite sure yet! We will likely leave for Italy on Wednesday, 10/9 or Thursday, 10/10. We will arrive in Milan or Varenna on Thursday or Friday. We have booked extra nights at Villa Cipressi and will be staying there Saturday, 10/12-Wednesday, 10/16. We will continue traveling afterwards. We would love to know your plans! We will NOT be going on our honeymoon immediately after because we want time to spend with everyone.
Question
What Italian foods will be present at the festivities?
Answer
Including but not limited to: prosciutto, pasta, pizza, parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, the fancy Italian wedding cake, risotto, tiramisu, gelato
Question
What Italian drinks will be available?
Answer
Aperol spritzes, San Pellegrino, Italian wines, prosecco, Negronis, Espresso, Lambrusco... and more!
Question
Will there be any French foods present?
Answer
yes, champagne and french fries
Question
Will there be rice?
Answer
Si! Risotto and arancini!
Question
Will there be espresso martinis available at all events?
Answer
yes
Question
What will the weather be like?
Answer
We are hoping for a perfect fall day. It could be a bit chilly. Historical averages show highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 50s (Farenheit). Ideally, everything will be outside but we do have alternative arrangements if the weather does not permit it.
Question
I've not traveled much or been to Europe. This seems overwhelming!
Answer
The bride is a former world famous travel blogger and would love to help you! Seriously, please just ask. We've done a lot of research but can only put so much on this website. Would love to help with logistics, travel planning, etc.
Question
I don't think we can make it to Italy. Will you have a celebration in Cincinnati?
Answer
We totally understand! We do hope to have a celebration in Cincinnati at a later date but we do not have any firm plans. We hope you'll join us there!
Question
What's the best way to get to Lake Como?
Answer
If you are flying directly to the area, Milan is the closest airport. You can hire a driver or take the train to Varenna. It is about 1 hour by direct train or car. You can always consider flying into another city (i.e. Rome) and traveling via train to get to Varenna.
Question
What airport should I fly into?
Answer
Milan is going to be closest and easiest. If you want to fly elsewhere in Europe, you will likely want to take a plane or train to Milan and connect there for Varenna.
Question
How do I get around?
Answer
Ferries are the most popular mode of transpotation around the lake.
Question
What is there to do in Lake Como?
Answer
Boat rides around the lake, visiting the different villages, touring villas, drinking espresso in cafes, drinking beer in cafes, drinking wine in cafes, drinking spritzes in cafes, eating, walking around, hiking, taking in scenic views, touring churches, etc.
Question
Should I rent a car?
Answer
It is not recommended. Parking in Varenna is nearly nonexistent and it will be cumbersome to have a car.
Question
What's the dress code?
Answer
Think White Lotus, Succession Tuscany Wedding, Kourtney Kardashian Dolce Vita Lifestyle, etc. Some of you reading will love this and some of you will not get it! Do not worry either way.
Question
Will we be able to take a boat to see George Clooney's villa and the villa from Succession?
Answer
This is one of Jordan's top goals so we are definitely working on it! We did look into getting married at the villa from Succession but it's like $100k euro per day and only 10 people can be there. So at the very least, we need to see it!
Question
Will you have an ice luge?
Answer
Working on it...
Question
Will Mapi do any karaoke?
Answer
god willing!
Question
Will Rihanna perform?
Answer
As of now, no. But I will have Bitch Better Have My Money on the DJ set.