Exclusive: Chrissy Teigen and John Legend's Formal Destination Wedding in Lake Como, Italy

They had a mutual friend who thought they'd be great together. But since John Legend is a singer, Chrissy Teigen is a model, and their pal is a director, he didn't just send an introductory e-mail. Instead, he suggested that John cast Chrissy in the video for his song "Stereo," in 2006. "The shoot was pretty up close and personal, and I got to know her big personality—she's very fun, very clever, very gregarious," John recalls. "It's not the normal way to court someone, but hey, it worked."

Worked so well, in fact, that seven years—and one day—after that first meeting, on September 14, 2013, Chrissy and John wed in front of 125 loved ones on the banks of Italy's Lake Como. Click through to see their exclusive wedding photos!

John had proposed on a beach in the Maldives almost two years earlier, but it took a while for the pair to settle on a venue that, says John, "fit the rustic-chic, elegant-but-not-too-glossy" look the couple was going for. Originally, they chose a farm in the South that their planner, Lisa Vorce, recommended. "For a minute, I was like, 'I'm going to wear cowboy boots with my dress!'" says Chrissy. "Then I realized, that's just not me." Finally, they hit on the answer. "One of the first vacations we took together was to Lake Como, so we thought it would be nice to marry where we fell in love," says John.

Invitations, by Wiley Valentine, were letterpressed on hand-torn paper and sent with the weekend's leather-bound itinerary, which was letterpressed with an antique Italian crest.

Upon arrival, guests received a box that included Prosecco in linen bags screenprinted with the toast "Cin Cin."

Chrissy's eight bridesmaids (including fellow model Brooklyn Decker, far right) wore Amsale gowns in blush hues, which complemented the taupe and peach ribbons that tied their bouquets.

Programs were letterpressed with the crest motif that appeared on the invitations and bound with waxed cord.

Sachets printed with the couple's crest held cream rose petals for a recessional toss.

Chrissy and John's first kiss as man and wife was worth the wait; the pair weren't even distracted by the villa's astounding view of Lake Como.

The escort-card table was topped with an abundant arrangement that echoed the lush lakeside surroundings. It included soft coral amaryllis, finesse roses, lydia spray roses, eucalyptus, ivy, olive branches, and two-toned magnolia leaves.

Tables were set with tapers in handblown glass holders and moss-lined woven metal baskets filled with hydrangeas, roses, snowberries, olive branches, hellebores, oregano, eucalyptus, magnolias, and ivy.

"Each time I went for a fitting, I saw another awesome gown," says Chrissy, here in her Vera Wang "dinner dress" with John.

A four-tiered carrot cake by AFM Banqueting Milano, layered with cream cheese frosting, served as their "torta nuzzle."

The newlyweds cut a rug. Chrissy wore a red dress she found the last time she tried on her ceremony gown and "bought it right off the rack."

A vintage Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce, bearing a "married today!" sign in Italian, made for a romantic getaway back to the Villa d’Este, where the couple stayed.

Location: Villa Pizzo
Event design and production: Lisa Vorce Co.
Catering and cake: AFM Banqueting Milano
Floral and event design: Mindy Rice
Photography: Aaron Delesie
Stationery: Wiley Valentine
Sound and lighting: Blunotte Eventi
DJ: Biz Markie
Specialty decor: Rattiflora
Bride’s gowns: Vera Wang
Bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin
Hair: Juan Carlos Maciques of See Management for Rita Hazan Salon
Makeup: Natalie Livingston for Rita Hazan Salon
Local production support: Rachel Birthistle of Lake Como Wedding Planners
Transportation: Simone Sala Car Service

But wait, want to see more? There’s a lot! Check out more exclusive photos and details, including the couple's Thai water blessing and celebrity guests (who also performed), featured in the magazine, now on newsstands, or available to download.