A very warm welcome back to Merci New York’s destination wedding contributor, Christina Matteucci, the executive director of david beahm destinations
. If you have been following Christina’s posts on Merci New York, you already know that she weighs in monthly with awe-inspiring reports from some of most beautiful places to wed around the world. If you haven’t, you’ve missed quite a lot!
In the last few months, Christina has brought Merci New York readers to david beahm destinations
approved enclaves in Tulum , Mexico, Mykonos , Greece, Napa Valley, California, and Williamsburg , Virginia. Today, she shares her and David’s visit to the ever-luxurious Lake Como, Italy. Take it away, Christina! 
Much like a delicious Chianti from a rich terroir, romance is harvested on the grounds at CastaDiva – and that’s just one of the reasons that David and I had to include this property in the david beahm destinations . It is quite simply a Cinderella fairytale come to life…
Located in the town of Blevio on the Southern end of Lake Como, the main building, Roccabruna, was the one-time home of famed soprano Giuditta Pasta, the well-known muse of composer Vincenzo Bellini. {Rumor has it that Bellini first heard Giuditta’s dulcet tones from across the lake, leapt in his boat, and feverishly rowed over to claim her as inspiration for the opera that would become “Norma”}.
{Giuditta Pasta} Roccabruna was refurbished by Signora Pasta in the late 1820’s with elements that reminded our Diva of her beloved La Scala, where she first achieved luminous fame and high acclaim. Once enveloped within Roccabruna’s marble halls, you might be inclined to feel like a bit of a diva yourself.
Immediately clear to any guest, CastaDiva embodies decadence. For the destination wedding couple who want their guests to feel like pampered celebrities, this is the ultimate choice. {Of course it helps that George Clooney’s villa is a stone’s throw away and that Tyra Banks is known to frequent CastaDiva’s luxurious spa}. But the perks of this property surpass celebrity sightings.
These days, the CastaDiva experience extends beyond the original villa. The expansive compound offers an accommodation solution for every wedding group: Smaller scale villas perfect for couples, larger villas suitable for big families, and hotel style accommodations for major groups. Each room is sumptuously appointed with lavish furnishings, opulent linens and comforts for every need. I’ve experienced many a hotel amenity, but the bedside menu of sleeping options {from hypo-allergenic bolsters to goose-down comforters} had me melting into my dreams within minutes. And let’s face it, a relaxed state of mind is much needed when planning your wedding at home or abroad.
So in the spirit of reveries {which are clearly the stuff david beahm weddings are made of}, dream with me for a moment if you will… You arrive at your wedding via vintage boat, gliding along the shores of Lake Como. Your guests eagerly await your arrival on the CastaDiva pool deck that gently nods and bobs atop the waters of the Lake – which, in your case, has been easily converted into a floating platform for a picturesque ceremony. After saying “I do,” you and your guests sip Prosecco and stroll through the gilded bar, stone staircases, and manicured grounds during cocktails.
Highlighted by the finest Italian specialties, dinner is served in the beautiful, all-window enclosed L‘Orangerie restaurant, which allows the lights of the Lake and the stars above to heighten the exquisite table settings and fragrant flowers. As your guests celebrate into the evening, your dream is completed as the one-time ceremonial platform becomes a show of lights, music, and dancing fountains – a visual spectacle that will keep your guests talking for years to come…
Now, we think that’s one fabulous fairytale and reality rolled all into one! Signora Pasta would trill with pride. {To learn more about CastaDiva, visit david beahm destinations }.
Editor’s Note: david beahm destinations is a by-invitation resource of amazing destination wedding, honeymoon and celebration locales, all expertly curated by the renowned David Beahm team . Merci New York readers can gain instant access to all of the properties mentioned in Christina’s articles, by entering code “Merci2011″ on the log-in page. Pretty fabulous, no?
