In the summer of 2021, the universe (and a very determined dating algorithm) decided we should meet. A quiet little tinder spark eventually turned into a big flame :) Italy became our first big trip together, and it has since become the backdrop to so many of our favorite memories — road trips through the countryside, hiking along the coast, skiing in the Alps, family vacations, and the milestones that have quietly shaped our relationship. It only feels right to return to the place that’s held so much joy for us and begin our next chapter here. We can’t wait to celebrate in Italy, surrounded by the friends and family who mean the world to us!
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Attire: Cocktail
Join us for sunset drinks overlooking Lake Maggiore as we kick off the wedding weekend at the SkyBar Rooftop at Hotel La Palma. We’ll enjoy the views, reconnect with loved ones, and ease into a beautiful few days together. Light bites and cocktails will be served. For dinner afterward, please see our “Things To Do” section for restaurant recommendations. We can’t wait to welcome you to Italy!
4:00 pm
Guests will meet at the pier in Stresa for a scenic boat transfer to Pallanza, where our ceremony and reception will be held at Villa Rusconi-Clerici. The pier is located directly in front of Hotel La Palma. Please arrive by 3:50 pm to board the boats that will take you to the wedding venue. Boats depart promptly at 4:00 pm, and the scenic ride takes about 30 minutes.
5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Attire: Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional)
Guests will arrive at Villa Rusconi-Clerici around 4:30 PM via boat transfer from Stresa. The ceremony will begin promptly at 5:00 PM, followed by cocktails and aperitivo in the gardens. Dinner will be served around 7:30 PM, with dancing and celebrations to follow.
11:00 pm
The party continues down in the villa’s historic cellar for a late-night disco. Guests will board shuttles returning to Stresa at 1:00 am
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Attire: Casual
Before we say “ciao for now,” join us for a relaxed farewell aperitif at the Grand Hotel Bristol: light bites, drinks, and one last moment together by the lake.
Hotel
Grand Hotel Bristol is our primary hotel and the location of our Farewell Brunch on Sunday, September 6th. We have secured preferred wedding rates for our guests during this special weekend. Due to limited availability and high seasonal demand, rooms are being coordinated in advance. How to Book Please click the link below for full details and room rates.
Hotel
We had reserved a room block at Hotel La Palma, a beautiful lakefront hotel in Stresa and the location of our Welcome Party on Friday, September 4th. Our room block is now fully booked. Guests who would still like to stay at Hotel La Palma are welcome to book directly through the hotel, subject to availability.
Hotel
Located in the heart of Stresa, GIGI Suites & Apartments offers modern, spacious rooms and apartment-style layouts — a wonderful option for guests looking for comfort and walkability. We have reserved a limited number of suites and apartments for the wedding weekend. How to Book Please click the link below for full details and room rates.
Hotel
Villa Valesca is a beautifully restored boutique villa with a pool, elegant interiors, and a peaceful residential location close to the lakefront. It's an excellent option for guests seeking a more independent stay. How to Book Please click the link below for full details and room rates.
Please submit your RSVP by May 30, 2026. Because this is a destination wedding with coordinated transportation and events, we kindly ask that you respond as early as possible so we can finalize travel logistics.
We recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible. Our room blocks are limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All booking instructions are listed in the “Where to Stay” section. Most hotels collect payment upon arrival, so securing your reservation early is easy. We also suggest reviewing each hotel’s cancellation policy in case your plans change.
Although the wedding ceremony takes place in Pallanza, we recommend staying in Stresa, where our Welcome Party and Farewell Brunch will be held and where transportation for the wedding day departs.
We recommend booking your flights between March and May 2026, or as soon as you can. September is a busy travel month in Italy, and our weekend overlaps with the Monza Grand Prix — which means flights and hotels go fast. Book early for the best availability and pricing!
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP), located about 45 minutes from Stresa, is the most convenient airport for both Stresa and Lake Maggiore.
Once you have booked your flights, you are welcome to contact our wedding planners at info@verbanoevents.com for help coordinating your transportation to Stresa. We anticipate that several guests will be arriving on similar flights, and we may arrange a few shared shuttle transfers for those groups. In your email, please include your travel dates, arrival and departure times, airline, flight number, and a note that you are a guest of Micah & Rafa’s Wedding. The planners will help organize individual or group transfers to and from the airport. If your travel plans do not align with the shared shuttles, our planners can assist with arranging individual or small-group transfers, which would be paid directly by guests. Stresa can also be reached by train from Milano Centrale, by taxi from Milano Malpensa (MXP), or by rental car. The drive from MXP to Stresa is approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Yes. All guests will meet at the pier in Stresa (directly in front of Hotel La Palma) and travel by boat to Villa Rusconi-Clerici, about 30 minutes across the lake. At the end of the night, shuttles will return everyone to their hotels in Stresa (approximately 30 minutes).
Cocktail Dress comfortably for a warm summer evening on the rooftop overlooking the lake. We also recommend bringing a light layer or shawl, as temperatures tend to cool down in the evenings by the water.
Formal Attire (Black Tie Optional) We invite you to dress in formal, elegant attire for the wedding day. For men, tuxedos are welcome but not required. A dark suit with a tie is perfect, and lighter fabrics are encouraged for comfort. For women, midi to floor-length dresses work beautifully. Think refined, romantic, and effortless — we love soft color, subtle prints, and elegant textures. Please keep in mind that the ceremony and cocktail hour will take place outdoors, and there will be walking on gravel and garden paths. We recommend comfortable dress shoes and block heels, wedges, or dressy flats are great options.
Our venue has limited capacity, and we’ve done our best to work within those constraints thoughtfully. If a plus-one is included, it will appear on your Save the Date and formal invitation. Thank you so much for understanding!
We adore your little ones, but we also hope to give parents a chance to relax and enjoy the celebration. For this reason, we’ll be celebrating with adults only, with the exception of children in our immediate families.
Yes. Weather permitting, our ceremony will be outdoors. If needed, our venue has a beautiful indoor plan that we’ll follow in case of rain. We also recommend bringing a light layer (like a wrap or jacket), as evenings by the lake can get cool.
No. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are not available in Stresa or the surrounding Lake Maggiore area. Transportation is limited, so please be on time for all boat departures and shuttle pickups. We will have vans available after the wedding reception starting 11:00 PM to return guests back to Stresa.
Kindly include any dietary restrictions or allergies in your RSVP. We want to make sure every meal is enjoyable and worry-free for you.
We’re keeping the ceremony phone-free so everyone can be truly present as we say “I do.” Thank you for sharing this moment with us. We’ve invited a wonderful photography team to capture everything, and we’ll share the photos with you as soon as they’re ready. Feel free to take pictures during cocktail hour and the reception!
Villa Toscanini Trattoria Best for a long lunch on Isola Superiore. Fresh lake fish, gorgeous views, and a legendary lemon cake! Why we love it: It feels like a long Italian summer afternoon you never want to end.
Osteria degli Amici Ristorante Pizzeria Mamma Mia Ristorante Lo Stornello Ristorante Caffè Torino Il Centrale Stresa
Hop on a quick ferry to explore Isola Bella, Isola Madre, and Isola dei Pescatori. Expect terraced gardens, historic villas, and dreamy views of the lake. Isola Bella is the showstopper, but each island has its own charm.
A beautiful lakeside walk framed by grand hotels, gardens, and mountain views. Perfect for gelato, sunset photos, or a pre-dinner passeggiata.
Charming cobblestone streets, boutiques, wine bars, and hidden piazzas. A lovely place to shop, sip, and explore.
One of Italy’s most stunning botanical gardens, with rare plants, vibrant flowers, and winding scenic paths. It’s peaceful, romantic, and perfect for a slow morning stroll.
The Stresa area is full of gentle trails with lake and mountain views from lakeside strolls to forest paths. It’s refreshing, beautiful, and perfect for breaking up all the spritzes and pasta. 1. Out and back around Villa Taranto in Verbania (easy walk/hike) Pallanza – Via Vittorio Veneto – Villa Taranto – Via Vittorio Veneto – Pallanza Duration: about 2 – 3 hours / Length: about 5.8 km (3.6 mi) / Ascent/Descent: less than 100 m (328 ft) 2. Loop around Lake Mergozzo in Verbania (easy to moderate walk/hike) Montorfano – Mergozzo – Montorfano Duration: 2 – 3 hours / Length: 8 km (5 mi) – Ascent/Descent: 242 m (794 ft)
Indulge in a restorative escape at Boutique Hotel Stresa’s private spa suites. Each suite is designed for calm and comfort, with options that include a Finnish sauna, aromatic emotional shower, hydromassage tub, or a hay-scented herbal sauna.
For anyone looking to make more of their time in Italy, Rafa’s sister Juliana Lamberti is a Luxury Travel Advisor and her agency, World Key Travel, will be delighted to assist with planning for pre/post wedding travel, private boat tours, land or lake excursions, wine tastings, and more. You can reach her at juliana@worldkeytravel.com