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Amara & Julian

September 12, 2026

Villa Serenata, Lake Como

The Countdown Begins

Until we say I do

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Saturday, September 12, 2026

Villa Serenata, Lake Como, Italy

Couple in garden
Our Story

It began with
a garden walk

We met on an ordinary Tuesday that became the most extraordinary day of our lives. Julian was photographing the rose gardens at Kew; Amara was sketching the same blooms from a nearby bench. A shared umbrella, a borrowed pencil, and three hours of conversation that felt like three minutes.

Five years, two continents, and countless sunsets later, we find ourselves here — ready to begin the next chapter surrounded by the people who mean the most to us.

Detail

"The best thing to hold onto in life is each other."

— Audrey Hepburn

Our Beloved

Meet the Wedding Party

Amara

Amara Chen

The Bride

Loves peonies, watercolor, and Sunday pastries

&
Julian

Julian Reed

The Groom

Photographer, espresso nerd, vintage camera collector

Sophie

Sophie

Maid of Honor

Partner in crime since birth

Maya

Maya

Bridesmaid

College roommate forever

Oliver

Oliver

Best Man

Childhood accomplice

James

James

Groomsman

Fellow photography nerd

Lily

Lily

Flower Girl, 5

Professional twirler

Noah

Noah

Ring Bearer, 6

Takes pillow duty seriously

The Weekend

Three Days of Celebration

Villa Serenata, Lake Como, Italy

06:00 PM

Welcome Drinks

A casual gathering for early arrivals. Aperol spritzers, antipasti, and the first of many toasts. Meet fellow guests and settle in.

Villa Terrace
08:30 PM

Rehearsal Dinner

An intimate dinner for family and the wedding party. Homemade pasta, local wine, and stories shared by candlelight.

Garden Room
03:00 PM

Guest Arrival

Welcome drinks in the lemon garden. Prosecco, citrus spritzers, and warm Italian sunshine.

04:30 PM

The Ceremony

Outdoor ceremony in the rose pavilion overlooking the lake. Garden formal attire.

06:00 PM

Cocktail Hour

Aperitifs and canapes as the sun sets. Live acoustic music by the fountain.

08:00 PM

Dinner Under the Stars

Four-course Italian feast in the candlelit orangery. Wine pairings curated by our sommelier friends.

11:00 PM

Dancing Until Midnight

The pavilion transforms. DJ, lights, and a late-night pizza and gelato station at 11:30.

12:30 AM

Farewell

Sparkler send-off at the garden gates. Shuttles depart every 15 minutes until 2 AM.

10:00 AM

Farewell Brunch

A relaxed brunch on the terrace. Fresh pastries, fruit, eggs, and plenty of coffee to recover from the night before.

Main Terrace
01:00 PM

Lake Boat Tour

Optional group boat tour of Lake Como. See Bellagio, Varenna, and the villas from the water. Champagne included.

Villa Dock
What to Wear

Dress Code

A guide for each occasion

Friday Evening

Casual Elegance

Think linen trousers, flowy sundresses, light blouses, and comfortable loafers. The terrace can be breezy after sunset.

Soft neutrals and pastels

Saturday Wedding

Garden Formal

Midi and maxi dresses in light fabrics, linen or cotton suits (no ties required). Block heels or wedges recommended for the lawn.

Earth tones and romantic hues

Sunday Brunch

Resort Casual

Your comfiest sundress, linen shirt, or relaxed trousers. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the boat tour.

Bright and breezy

"Please avoid pure white — save that for the bride."

And no stilettos on the grass, please

Gift Registry

Your presence is
our greatest gift

We are so grateful to have you celebrate with us. If you wish to honor us with a gift, we have curated registries that reflect the life we are building together.

We have also created a honeymoon fund for our dream trip to Japan.

Gift table

Crate and Barrel

Home essentials for our new beginning — from kitchenware to linens.

View Registry

Williams Sonoma

Cookware and culinary treasures for the kitchen we will share.

View Registry

Honeymoon Fund

Contribute to our Japan adventure — temples, ramen and cherry blossoms.

Contribute
"
In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours.
In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.

Maya Angelou

RSVP

Will you join us?

Please respond by August 1, 2026