Slim Aarons–Inspired Film Engagement at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio (Lake Como)
Lake Como has a way of making everything feel cinematic—the kind of place where a simple walk turns into a scene. For this engagement photo shoot at Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio, we created a full Slim Aarons–inspired “La Dolce Vita” editorial, captured on 35mm film and Super 8.
And here’s the part I love most: this wasn’t “just” an engagement session. It’s exactly the kind of story-led, film-forward approach that works beautifully for a Villa Serbelloni wedding or elopement—timeless, elegant, and effortless in the way it feels (even when it’s planned with intention).
Quick facts
Vibe: refined, sun-kissed, romantic, editorial-with-a-heart
Location: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, Bellagio — Lake Como, Italy
Medium: 35mm film + Super 8
Inspiration: Slim Aarons / Italian Riviera glamour
The vision: Slim Aarons, but make it personal
Slim Aarons photographed a world that felt elevated but never stiff—people enjoying beautiful places with that “I woke up like this” ease. That was the brief: a shoot that felt like a vintage holiday memory.
We designed everything around that mood:
- Location choice: classic Lake Como luxury with iconic architecture and lakefront elegance
- Outfits: polished silhouettes, timeless neutrals, and fabrics that move
- Pacing: slow on purpose—space for laughter, walking, champagne moments, and real connection
- Medium: 35mm film for color + texture, and Super 8 for motion + emotion
If you’re drawn to the “old money summer” aesthetic but want it to feel warm and modern, this approach is the sweet spot—especially for an intimate wedding or elopement at Villa Serbelloni.
Why film photography fits Italy and Lake Como so perfectly
Digital is crisp and clean—but film is a feeling.
On Lake Como, film does something special:
- It softens the light in a way that feels romantic instead of harsh
- It loves neutrals and sun tones, which is basically Italy’s color palette
- It turns luxury into nostalgia—like your photos already belong in a family archive
- It keeps the experience present because you’re not performing for a screen
This session was shot on 35mm, which gives that gentle grain, creamy highlights, and the kind of color that feels editorial without trying too hard.
Why Super 8 is the most romantic add-on for a Villa Serbelloni wedding or elopement
If film is the still memory, Super 8 is the living memory.
Super 8 works insanely well in places like Villa Serbelloni because everything is about:
- movement (walking through gardens, stepping onto terraces, turning toward each other)
- atmosphere (water reflections, linen fabric, champagne bubbles, wind in hair)
- micro-moments (a glance, a laugh, the way your hands find each other)
A wedding day goes fast. Super 8 slows it down—because you don’t just see it, you feel it.
If you’re planning a Lake Como wedding or elopement, Super 8 is especially powerful for:
- getting-ready details (silk, perfume, cufflinks, letters)
- walking portraits (so natural, so cinematic)
- the ceremony moment
- the “we did it” champagne after
The setting: Villa Serbelloni in Bellagio as an engagement and wedding backdrop
Villa Serbelloni gives you that rare combination of grand and intimate—classic luxury without losing softness.
For engagement sessions, it’s perfect because you can create variety without “changing locations”:
- elegant architectural lines for editorial portraits
- lakefront views for the dreamy, open-air feeling
- gardens and pathways for movement and candid connection
- terrace moments for that iconic Italian glam vibe
And for weddings or elopements? It’s even better—because the venue itself becomes the story. You don’t need to over-design it. You just need to experience it.
Outfit & styling notes: how to nail the Slim Aarons mood
This couple absolutely understood the assignment: timeless, confident, and effortless.
If you want a similar look, here’s what photographs best on film + Super 8:
- structured pieces (tailored blazer, sleek dress shape)
- fabrics with movement (silk, linen, lightweight wool)
- tones that glow in Italian light (cream, ivory, black, soft pastels, warm neutrals)
- minimal patterns (let the architecture + scenery be the texture)
- classic accessories (sunglasses, simple jewelry, scarf, loafers)
Hair + makeup tip: go for polished but touchable—nothing too matte, nothing too heavy. Film loves skin that looks alive.
Why I love photographing Villa Serbelloni weddings on film
If you’re here because you’re planning (or dreaming of) a Villa Serbelloni wedding or elopement, here’s what you should know:
I approach it like an editorial — but I photograph it like a real day.
That means:
- you’ll get guidance without feeling posed
- your photos will feel luxurious and emotional
- film will be used intentionally (not randomly) for the moments it suits best
- Super 8 adds texture to your memories without turning the day into a production
If you want Lake Como to look like Lake Como, not like a trendy preset — this is for you.
Planning tips for a Villa Serbelloni wedding or elopement with film + Super 8
A few things that make a huge difference:
- Choose light intentionally: film loves softer light; we’ll plan portrait time around it
- Build “walking time” into the day: movement creates the best Super 8 moments
- Keep styling timeless: film doesn’t need trendy details to look expensive
- Prioritize experience over perfection: the most beautiful frames happen between the “planned” moments
If you tell me your vision (classic, modern, Dolce Vita, minimal, fashion-forward), I’ll help shape a photo plan that matches it.
You can get in touch here:
FAQ: The “Real Talk” Questions
Yes—engagement sessions are possible, and the best approach is to plan timing + locations (terrace/gardens/lakefront) in a way that fits hotel flow and privacy.
Yes. Villa Serbelloni is a private property, so permission is typically required. If you’re a guest, you can contact the hotel management in advance to request approval and confirm any rules, timing, and possible fees. I’m happy to help you with what to ask and how to plan the shoot around the best light.
At Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni, the best light is usually in the afternoon into early evening—the sun sits “right” for the hotel’s classic views and gives a warm, flattering glow that looks incredible on 35mm film.
If you want timeless, romantic, editorial images—yes. 35mm film adds natural grain, softer highlights, and that vintage “Italy” feeling that suits Lake Como beautifully.
Pricing varies based on coverage time, permissions/fees, travel, and add-ons like 35mm film or Super 8. Most couples choose a package that includes guidance + a curated shoot plan.
If you want a timeless, “Italy-on-a-postcard” feel—yes. 35mm gives texture, soft highlights, and a natural, elegant look that fits Lake Como perfectly.
Super 8 is perfect for Lake Como because it captures movement and atmosphere—walks through gardens, lake breezes, champagne moments—like a vintage home movie.
Think classic and elevated: tailored silhouettes, linen/silk, neutrals or black/white, minimal patterns, timeless sunglasses and accessories—pieces that look chic and move beautifully.
Lake Como offers a wide range of stunning locations for weddings, elopements, and engagement sessions — from iconic historic villas to intimate lakeside gardens and scenic boat-access spots. I’ve carefully curated and written detailed guides to my favorite locations in Lake Como, including venues that work beautifully for intimate elopements as well as larger celebrations. You can explore all of my recommended locations, along with photography tips and planning insights, in my Lake Como Location wedding blog
For peak season dates, many couples book months in advance—especially if you want film + Super 8 coverage and help building a venue-specific photo timeline.
A Place for inspiration
My Journal /
& Ideas.
