Save this story Save Story Save this story In November 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, Alyssa Choo downloaded Tinder and matched with Erik Lowe that same day. “I was living downtown after graduating from Barnard College, while Erik had just returned to New York City from San Francisco after his CEO gave him the opportunity to work remotely,” Alyssa recalls.
As luck would have it, Erik had just moved into an apartment five blocks from Alyssa’s. That same week, they met for brunch at Ruby’s in Nolita. “It was pleasant enough, but nothing that suggested a love story was underway,” Alyssa remembers. “I went quiet on him for two weeks afterward.”
Then, one day, while scrolling through Instagram, Alyssa came across a post of Erik and two friends sitting on a Central Park bench. The caption simply read “six feet”—a nod to the social distancing rules of the time. It made her laugh, and minutes later, she finally responded to his last message. Their second date was dinner at Bond Street, where they had the entire restaurant to themselves—one of the stranger perks of dating during a pandemic. From then on, they were inseparable.
“It was a difficult time for the world,” Erik remembers. “But had it not been for that virus—and if I hadn’t had the opportunity to work remotely in New York City—there’s a chance I would have remained in San Francisco. In the midst of darkness, at least some light persists.”
Four years later, Alyssa and Erik began looking at engagement rings. She assumed a proposal was still months away, but Erik had other plans.
His birthday falls on December 27th, a date that tends to get lost in the holiday shuffle. Earlier that year, Alyssa had suggested celebrating his 30th with a trip to Miami with friends. She was pleasantly surprised when Erik took charge of the arrangements.
“As the partner who usually plans our trips, what amused me was that Erik was incredibly hands-on in planning every detail of his birthday weekend—from chartering the yacht, to hiring a chef, making restaurant reservations, and getting a table at a club,” she says. “I offered to help, but he said he had it under control. I chalked it up to milestone-birthday enthusiasm. Thirty, after all, is no small thing.”
Erik had even invited Alyssa’s three closest friends, although this didn’t raise any suspicions, as they had become his close friends, too. On Saturday, the group headed out on the boat, and just before sunset, Erik gathered everyone for a speech. He began by reflecting on how each person had shaped a chapter of his life before turning to Alyssa.
“He described the impact I’ve had on his life and how he wants me to be his forever chapter,” she remembers. “Then Erik flipped over the Solo cup he’d been holding the whole time and there was the ring. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.” And, just like that, a birthday weekend became an engagement weekend.
Their wedding took place on July 4, 2026, at Villa Balbiano in Lake Como, Italy. “Over the course of our relationship, our most cherished trips with family and friends all led back to Italy,” Alyssa says. “Weeklong reunions in villas, afternoons in quiet hill towns, long drives along the coast with nowhere in particular to be.”
They wanted to recreate that same sense of togetherness for their wedding, and making Villa Balbiano their home for the weekend felt like an extension of that. The couple planned the entire celebration remotely from New York City, working with Sofia Bute, event director at The Heritage Collection Planning and founder of Buté Decor Studio .
They didn’t actually see the villa in person until they checked in on the morning of their welcome dinner. “Rather than treat the villa as a backdrop for a single event, we were determined to use and transform every space it had to offer over the three days,” Alyssa says. “Every element of the wedding weekend exceeded my expectations—from the venue, the music, the food, and of course, the sheer beauty of Lake Como. Lake Como feels like something out of a dream.”
From the beginning, Alyssa and Erik knew they didn’t want a conventional wedding. Instead, they envisioned something more eclectic and personal, drawing inspiration from their own style and the New York restaurants and bars they love. Their wardrobes followed suit.
The bride worked with Cat Spanti of Keep In Touch to style all her wedding weekend looks, and Ann Hamilton of Ann Hamilton Vintage handled the tailoring. “Every look I chose had the villa itself in mind,” Alyssa says. “I wanted to evoke timeless glamour with a modern point of view.”
For the welcome dinner, Alyssa chose look four from the Dior resort 2022 collection, sourced through Sara Nicole Vintage. Originally shown by Maria Grazia Chiuri at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, the dress’s fluid, pleated draping felt particularly at home against the grandeur of Villa Balbiano. “I’d first seen the dress on Sara Nicole Vintage’s Instagram account months before her trunk show in New York City, and by then it had already sold,” Alyssa says. “But when I arrived at my appointment, there it was, hanging on the rack—it had apparently found its way back to Sara right before the show. It felt like fate.”
She accessorized with her mother’s archival Bottega Veneta sterling silver Knot clutch from 2010 and a custom full-finger diamond ring that her parents gifted her for her high school graduation. A romantic French twist gave the goddess-esque dress a slightly undone finish.
On the morning of the wedding, Alyssa got ready in a Dolce & Gabbana set layered under a lace robe from L’Arca Barcelona, a vintage bridal boutique. “The delicate, lace bell-sleeved silhouette felt like the perfect quiet moment before the day began,” she says. “I loved the old-world Italian romance the look emanated.”
Even before getting engaged, Alyssa had always dreamed of being a Vera Wang bride. Once she started her dress search, she was immediately drawn to the Gwen dress from the designer’s haute collection, a strapless ballgown in silk basket-weave organza inspired by Gwen Stefani’s 2022 Met Gala look, also by Vera Wang. “The hand-cut cascading silk blossoms softened all that sculptural pleating,” Alyssa says. “It was romance and architecture living in the same silhouette, and it was the first and only dress that truly felt like me the moment I put it on.”
Working with the atelier, she reimagined the bodice with a sharp cat-eye neckline, adding a modern edge to the otherwise classically bridal silhouette. A cathedral-length Vera Wang veil allowed the floral appliqués to peek through, while pear-shaped studs and Danielle Frankel’s pleated Nala heels completed the look.
In the days leading up to the wedding, there was a stretch of rain, but thankfully, the skies cleared just in time for the celebrations. “The skies were blue our entire wedding weekend, with not a cloud in sight,” Alyssa says.
The couple invited 54 of their closest friends and family members, keeping the celebrations intimate despite the grandeur of the setting. Erik’s older brother, Christian, officiated, while his younger brother, Ryan, served as the ring bearer. The ceremony took place outdoors, framed by the villa’s stone pillars and the mountains beyond, and the couple kept the floral palette intentionally organic, creating the effect of a garden growing around the aisle.
As Alyssa made her entrance, guests held white parasols that, viewed from above, transformed the lawn into a sea of white circles. “It felt like a garden party in the clouds,” Erik says.
“Looking at all the smiling, teary-eyed faces of people we love from various chapters of our lives was absolutely surreal and deeply comforting,” Alyssa remembers. “And to see Erik waiting for me at the end of the aisle filled my heart with immeasurable joy. I’ll remember this moment forever.”
After exchanging vows, the newlyweds slipped away for their first Champagne toast as husband and wife. Then, they hopped onto a Riva boat and set off across Lake Como, waving to their guests as they cruised into the golden-hour light.
They returned in time to catch the end of cocktail hour before guests were ushered into the reception marquees. As “I Dare You” by the xx blasted through the speakers, Alyssa and Erik made their entrance.
After some tear-jerking speeches, the band started playing “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, and the dance floor filled up quickly. “My friend Gillian had everyone grab the skirt of my dress, and we all jumped and belted the lyrics together,” Alyssa says. “This happened spontaneously before the main course was even served… but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Parent dances, the couple’s first dance, and the cake cutting all followed. After a quick wardrobe change, Alyssa and Erik emerged from the villa to Charli XCX’s “Party 4 U” and made their way to a Champagne tower. “We poured Champagne into our tower and kissed as fireworks lit up the sky behind us,” Alyssa remembers. “It felt like a movie—pure magic.”
From there, the newlyweds changed once more and descended the villa’s grand staircase to join their guests at the after-party. “Cocktails were flowing, conversations happening between family and friends from all chapters of our lives—all under the beautiful stars in Lake Como,” Erik says. “There was something in the air that night—love, gratitude, a hint of cigarette and firework smoke—I was all for it!”
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 1/68 Not a cloud in sight.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 2/68 “For our welcome dinner, I wore a Dior gown sourced by Sara Nicole Vintage. The draping reminded me of the classical statues on the grounds of Villa Balbiano. It was perfect for a warm evening by the lake.” —Alyssa
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 3/68 A kiss before the weekend we’d been dreaming of finally began.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 4/68 Neither of us can drive stick, but we do love this Porsche Speedster.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 5/68 Family and friends, many of whom traveled from across the world, gathering on the lawn at our welcome dinner.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 6/68 Hand in hand, on our way to greet the people we love most.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 7/68 A perfectly set table amidst a picturesque sunset.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 8/68 Shoutout to all of our amazing vendors.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 9/68 Oh, hi Jack!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 10/68 Our friends and family shouting “Yam seng!”—the traditional toast at Malaysian Chinese weddings.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 11/68 His and hers vow books in velvet.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 12/68 It's our wedding day! Waking up on the lake that morning felt like stepping into a fairytale. For getting ready, I wore a vintage robe from L'Arca Barcelona over a Dolce & Gabbana lace set.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 13/68 Embroidered velvet slippers I gifted my bridal party to get ready in.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 14/68 Sneak peek of our wedding wardrobe.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 15/68 Champagne and giggles with my bridesmaid, Natalia, and my maid of honor, Yeewen, before kicking off the big day.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 16/68 Double-breasted Isaia seemed appropriate for the occasion. Shoutout to my best man, Shawn, for making my bow tie look perfect.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 17/68 Some final banter with my groomsmen in the beautiful library at Villa Balbiano before the ceremony.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 18/68 My incredible glam team, Ann and Jaco, adding the final touches before I walked down the aisle.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 19/68 My Danielle Frankel heels, with pleating that echoed my wedding dress’s sculptural skirt.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 20/68 I've always known I'd be a Vera Wang bride. Standing in the window light, gown on, I couldn't believe the day had finally arrived.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 21/68 The Vera Wang team went above and beyond to bring my dream dress to life. I felt like a princess!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 22/68 Our guests entered through Villa Balbiano’s historic gate on our wedding day.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 23/68 Bubbles for everyone on arrival. Who could say no to this champagne table?
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 24/68 We love a champagne bucket. Coupés on coupés.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 25/68 Soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Lowe!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 26/68 I couldn’t have asked for a more breathtaking aisle to walk down, lined with hydrangeas and boxwood and as lush as the grounds around it.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 27/68 Tall alliums, piled-high hydrangeas, and wrought-iron chairs: the garden party we’d always imagined.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 28/68 My dear friends, who have been by our side through it all.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 29/68 The look on your face when you have a deep, unwavering desire to commit your life to someone forever.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 30/68 Getting married to your best friend in one of the most beautiful places on earth. It was cinematic.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 31/68 We so obviously do!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 32/68 Petals in the air and cheers all around as we walked back down the aisle to “Lisztomania” by Phoenix.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 33/68 We did it!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 34/68 Husband and wife.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 35/68 We were so grateful to be there, in that moment, in that setting, surrounded by our nearest and dearest.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 36/68 Cocktail hour with foxtail lily flowers.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 37/68 Our villa and little Riva.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 38/68 Just married!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 39/68 Riding off into the sunset.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 40/68 Brown velvet curtains opened up to reveal our stunning dinner reception.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 41/68 A vintage Murano crystal chandelier, sourced in Milan by our wedding planner, Sofia, glowed over candlelit tables and a marbled dance floor.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 42/68 Every detail mattered.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 43/68 That’s my husband!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 44/68 When it’s all starting to sink in.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 45/68 A quiet moment to ourselves.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 47/68 Dusk settling over the grounds as our loved ones made their way toward the glasshouse.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 48/68 Our grand entrance. A moment we’ll keep replaying in our minds forever.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 49/68 My dad gave a heartfelt speech, evidently with a lot of passion.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 50/68 Our live band serenaded us all through dinner.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 51/68 Before the main course was even served, a dance party broke out. The night was just getting started!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 52/68 Belting out the lyrics to “Dancing Queen” with all our favorite people, my skirt billowing around me. Unforgettable.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 53/68 Alyssa loves cake. I love champagne. We were on cloud nine. Cheers!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 54/68 A quick touch-up with Jaco after changing into my lace Berta Couture gown.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 55/68 All smiles as we strutted out of the villa toward the champagne tower.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 56/68 When Erik dipped me for a kiss, a fresh round of fireworks went off. Totally unplanned but perfectly timed. Everyone screamed!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 57/68 The dads clearly enjoying their champagne.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 58/68 Our white chocolate and coconut wedding cake, topped with a medley of berries. Safe to say it was a hit.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 59/68 For the afterparty, I wore a velvet smoking jacket by Isaia. Thank god the temperature dropped into the night or else I would've cooked in it.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 60/68 I ended the night in a vintage Roberto Cavalli dress, paired with a 1967 Judith Leiber minaudière.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 61/68 Cheers, Uncle Dennis!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 62/68 And we danced the night away!
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 63/68 Fresh pizza, tossed to order at our farewell pool party. The wedding diet was officially behind us.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 64/68 I wore a '90s Dolce & Gabbana dress, easily one of my favorite finds.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 65/68 Another sunny day by the lake. Everyone enjoyed the pool on our final glorious day at Villa Balbiano.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 66/68 A ruffled swimsuit, eyelet shorts, and a pearl belt: a full Chanel look to spend the rest of my day lounging by the pool.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 67/68 Closing out the most extraordinary weekend with a spritz.
Expand Photo: Jack Henry 68/68 Jumping into the best chapter of our lives, together!
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Source: Lifestyle
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