FULL NAMES:
Suzy Guttler & Juan Castillo
OCCUPATION:
Suzy, Television Professional, Showtime Networks Juan, Finance Professional, Wells Fargo
CULTURAL BACKGROUND:
Suzy –Taiwanese (mother) & German (father) Juan – Peruvian (mother) & Columbian (father)
WHERE & HOW DID YOU BOTH MEET?
Our modern love story began on the Bumble dating app in New York City, as we were swiping through endless profiles in hopes of finding the special someone to spend the rest of our lives with. With one right swipe, boom, the algorithm brought us together.
After our first date in a West Village cocktail bar, we realized we had much more in common than our dating profiles suggested. Despite being from completely different parts of the world, our international upbringing and shared experiences of living in cultures other than our own, instantly created a connection between us.
Suzy was born in Taiwan, and followed the whims of her entrepreneurial parents to the Philippines, before she landed in America for college. Juan was born in Peru, and with his family, moved to Texas during his formative years, and later to Venezuela for high school. Both Suzy and Juan moved to New York City after college to pursue their careers in Television (Suzy) and Finance (Juan). They now consider themselves New York locals and call SoHo home, while still trotting the globe every chance they get.
WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED AND WHY DID YOU PICK THE LOCATION?
We got married in Lake Como, Italy. We had always envisioned an international destination wedding, to share our passion for traveling and love for cultures with our family and closest friends. The world was our oyster!
We chose Italy because geographically, it was central for our guests traveling from all over Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Italy is also rich in art, music, history, and certainly cuisine. Who doesn’t love homemade pasta and fabulous vino?! We landed on Lake Como because of its romantic scenery and picturesque views set against the dramatic foothills of the Alps, which made for the perfect wedding setting. (And we secretly hoped for a wedding as beautiful as John Legend and Chrissy Teigen’s Lake Como wedding.)
The moment we visited Villa Erba, we were overcome by emotion and knew the search for our romantic, idyllic wedding venue had come to an end. Villa Erba is an Italian jewel. Nestled on the shores of Lake Como alongside George Clooney’s L’Oleandra mansion, Villa Erba is arguably the most iconic and beautiful estate on the lake. Built upon a 15th century monastery, the historic venue has hosted some of the most exclusive events in the world, and more recently, served as backdrop to Hollywood films like Ocean’s Twelve.
WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO YOU BOTH WHEN PLANNING YOUR WEDDING?
The most important thing for us was to have a shared vision for our Big Day, and to work together towards it. After the initial thrill of our engagement, we took time to reflect on what was important to us – what our values and priorities were for the wedding day, and the memories we hoped to create for our family and friends in celebrating our love for each other.
Then the planning started — and it was that much more fun to do it together. Working toward a common goal helped us grow as an engaged couple, and reinforced that whatever issue came our way, we could tackle as a team. What does love mean to you?
Love is the deepest feeling of affection, commitment, respect, and trust. It is having your forever companion and best friend to walk through life’s journey with. Love is patience, love is self-sacrifice and love is acceptance of each other’s shortcomings. To love and to be loved is the greatest feeling you can ever feel.
WHAT DOES FAMILY MEAN TO YOU?
Family is unconditional love. Family is what holds us together and guides us through the wonderful journey of life. Being a family means sharing that special connection with each other, the security and bond to celebrate life’s moments together, to grieve together, and to grow together.
WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING?
Cherish every moment of the journey! All the venue tours, vendor meetings, dress fittings, mood boarding, and cake tastings – is half the fun. This is the most magical time for you and your fiancé to explore your creativity, share in self-discovery, and work together on bringing your vision of your Big Day to life. You’ll miss it when it’s over. We sure did!
On the wedding day, find a moment and a quiet place during your reception, just you and your partner, to take it all in. The day goes by too quickly.
