Cosima and Rafael in a meadow under a wide sky

Inviting you to

Cosima & Rafael's

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If you have received this you are so special to us, and you are cordially invited to celebrate our wedding on...

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August 28th, 2027

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Wedding venue

So kindly join us on August 28th at...

Villa Serafina seen from the lake

Invitation to

Villa Serafina

Villa Serafina

18 Via Melzi, Bellagio, Lake Como, Italy

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Here's our story

The night we met 2023

The day our paths crossed, and neither of us knew everything was about to change.

A rooftop, late 2024

Late talks turned into early mornings, and suddenly we were inseparable.

On the road 2025

From unplanned road trips to quiet evenings in, every one of them felt like home.

The evening of the proposal 2026

On an ordinary day in a place that was not, one question turned into a forever yes.

This year 2027

Now we say I do, and the best chapter of all begins.

Wedding day

Here's how things will unfold

  1. Guests arriving The path to the ceremony The first hour
    2:00 pm

    Guests arrive

    Come up through the garden, take something cold, and find the people you have not seen in too long.

  2. The seats before the ceremony The aisle Waiting
    3:00 pm

    The ceremony begins

    We exchange our vows on the terrace above the water, which takes about half an hour and will feel like five minutes.

  3. A toast Drinks in the garden Conversation
    4:00 pm

    Cocktail hour

    Drinks and small things to eat under the limes while we are taken away for photographs.

  4. The tables at dusk Dinner Speeches
    6:00 pm

    Dinner and toasts

    One long table, a proper meal, and speeches from the people who know us best and have been warned about length.

  5. The first dance The floor filling Late
    8:00 pm

    First dance

    One song, then the floor is yours. The band plays until late and the bar stays open longer.

To be honest, this is a gathering of the people who shaped us, and we cannot imagine saying I do without you in the room.

28 August 2027

Please reply by 15 July at the latest

Will you join us?

Additional details

Everything practical in one place. Where to stay, what there is to eat, and what to wear, so you can arrive already knowing.

A room at the lake

Where to stay

Four we have stayed in ourselves

Bellagio fills up in August, so book earlier than feels necessary. These four are all within twenty minutes of the villa.

  • Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, on the point, ten minutes on foot.
  • Hotel Belvedere, up the hill, with the best terrace in town.
  • Albergo Il Perlo, small and quiet, six rooms.
  • Residenza La Pergola, in Pescallo, the cheapest of the four.
A drink in the sun

Food and drinks

What is on, and when

Cocktails and cicchetti from four, then one long dinner from six: three courses, local wine, and a cheese course that arrives later than anyone expects.

Tell us in your reply about anything you cannot eat and the kitchen will handle it properly rather than improvising on the night.

Two guests walking to the terrace

Dress code

Formal, and comfortable

Black tie optional. Long dresses, or a suit in any colour you like. We only ask that white and ivory are left to Cosima.

The terrace is old stone and the garden is gravel, so bring shoes you can stand in. It cools quickly once the sun is off the water.

Frequently asked questions

Here are answers to your questions

What time should I arrive?

From two o clock. The gates close at ten to three, so anything earlier is better than exactly on time.

Will the ceremony be indoors or outdoors?

Outdoors, on the terrace above the lake. The orangery seats everyone if the weather turns, and we will decide by noon on the day.

How do I RSVP?

The form on this page, by 15 July. One reply per guest, and tell us there about anything you cannot eat.

Are children welcome?

Very. There is a quiet room off the hall for anyone who needs a nap, and if you tell us their ages we will put something on the table they will actually eat.

Can I take photographs during the ceremony?

Please put your phone away for the half hour of the ceremony itself. We have a photographer for that part and would rather see your face than your screen. Everything after is fair game.

Is there a dress code?

Black tie optional, and everything else is in the dress code card above.