Tell us about your La Dolce Vita themed welcome party in Lake Como, Italy!

To kick off our wedding weekend, we hosted a La Dolce Vita themed welcome party at a beautiful restaurant Una Finestra Sul Lago overlooking the lake — and it was everything we dreamed of.

We chose the theme because we wanted the night to capture the charm, romance, and effortless glamour of classic Lake Como, Italy. Inspired by the golden age of the Italian Riviera — with its timeless style, laughter over spritzes, and evenings that stretch into the stars — La Dolce Vita felt like the perfect way to welcome our guests to Italy. 

And as for the restaurant? The choice was easy. There’s something undeniably magical about Lake Como — the way the light hits the water at sunset, the silhouette of the mountains in the distance, and the sound of clinking glasses mixed with soft Italian music. We wanted our guests to take in that view, to breathe in the fresh air, and feel completely transported. A lakeside restaurant let us do exactly that — relaxed, romantic, and unforgettable.

It was the perfect start to the weekend — full of joy, connection, and a little slice of la dolce vita.

Karina wears the Georgiana Gown in chinoiserie

What made the Georgiana Gown the perfect choice for this celebration?

The Georgiana Gown was the perfect choice for our la dolce vita welcome cocktail party because its blue tiered, floral-printed jacquard, perfectly captures the essence of Italian glamour. The cascading tiers bring a sense of drama and movement, while the romantic floral print in rich Mediterranean hues evokes the gardens and coastal charm of Italy. The jacquard fabric adds a lustrous glow that catches the light beautifully—ideal for golden-hour mingling with a spritz in hand.

The gown feels like a modern homage to vintage Italian elegance—equal parts romantic and celebratory. It’s the kind of look that turns heads and sets the tone for a dreamy, stylish celebration.

How did you style your Mestiza look? 

I had a fabulous stylist who came with me to Italy and make sure everything looked perfect! 

Hair: My hair was styled in a soft, glamorous waves, swept to one side, giving an old-Hollywood charm.

Earrings: Deep blue sapphire and pearl diamond drop earrings with diamonds around them added the perfect touch of classic glamour. The deep blue sapphire echoed the floral print of the Georgiana Gown, while the pearl brought a soft, luminous contrast.

Bracelets: I went with my classic Cartier love bracelets and my Cartier Juste un clou bracelet. 

Accessories: I chose a silver glitter Ferragamo clutch that added a glamorous, modern touch to my look. It features a structured rectangular shape with a front flap closure, highlighted by a textured bow detail that gives it a feminine and chic finish. The metallic sheen beautifully complemented my silver heels and the blue tones of my floral dress, tying the whole outfit together with a subtle sparkle.

Shoes: I chose silver strappy heels designed by Gianvito Rossi with a minimalist design that perfectly complemented my gown. They feature a slim ankle strap and a Gianvito across the toes, giving them a modern, airy feel. The metallic finish adds a subtle shimmer, tied beautifully with my look. 

Every bride wants to feel their best. Tell us what it was like to wear the dress—was it comfortable, elegant, effortless?

The Georgiana Gown is elegant yet so comfortable—I didn’t feel restricted at all. The beautiful jacquard fabric flowed effortlessly with every step, and the soft blue floral print gave it such a romantic, timeless feel. I felt confident, graceful, and completely myself. It was exactly how I always imagined I’d feel in a dress like this!

What was the best reaction you got about your look? Any memorable compliments or reactions from guests?

One of the best reactions I got was someone saying I looked like I walked straight out of a fairytale. Many people also asked where the dress was from because they wanted it for their own events, which felt like the ultimate compliment. Others said it was the perfect dress totally giving Italy vibes. It was really sweet seeing everyone’s genuine smiles and hearing how much they loved the look.

The Georgiana Gown features Mestiza’s signature blue and white chinoiserie design on luxe jacquard. What was it about the color / design that drew you to this piece? Did you always know you wanted to incorporate color in this way?

What drew me to the Georgiana Gown was definitely the blue and white chinoiserie design—it’s so classic and romantic, but still feels fresh and unique. I’ve always loved the idea of adding color in a soft, elegant way, and this dress totally nailed it. I also think blue looks great against dark hair. The jacquard fabric gave it such a rich texture too.

How did you discover Mestiza New York?

 I actually have my mom to thank for finding this dress—she came across it and sent it to me, saying it had “me” written all over it. I hadn’t heard of Mestiza New York before, but as soon as I looked them up and saw their designs I thought their pieces were unique and elegant, and this gown was just perfect.

Try things on with an open mind! You might fall in love with something totally different than what you pictured. Focus on what makes you feel confident and when you feel good, it shows. If you’re planning multiple looks like I did, have fun with it! Mix up the vibes—maybe something classic for the ceremony, and something bold or playful for the party. And definitely think about movement and comfort—you’ll want to dance, hug, and just enjoy every second without fussing over your outfit. Most of all, pick pieces that feel like you. That’s what really makes a look shine.

Follow Karina along on Instagram @kari_aqm to see more from her wedding journey!