Who knew that a right swipe on a dating app would lead Nathalie and Quentin to say “I Do” amid the mountainous beauty of Switzerland? 

“We were originally planning on honeymooning in Switzerland, but then thought – why not do the whole wedding there!” Nathalie explains.

As avid hikers and nature enthusiasts, Nathalie and Quentin wanted to find a ceremony space that honored their adventurous spirits. The answers came to them when they were scrolling through Instagram and discovered Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald, nestled in the mountains of the Swiss Alps. Mountain Hostel Gimmelwald offered everything Nathalie and Quentin could want for a ceremony venue: a scenic view perched on the edge of a mountain.

After securing their ceremony location, the couple wanted to find another venue where they could throw the best dinner party possible. Nathalie explains, “Food is how we connect with all our loved ones regularly.” In the town below the mountain, Interlaken, the couple discovered Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel.

The journey to finding their perfect venues wasn’t without difficulties. “We had some trouble getting venues to respond to our initial inquiries, especially because we started reaching out during ski session which we should have realized was such a busy time for hostels and restaurants all over Switzerland,” Nathalie recalls.”But we were patient and persistent with following up and eventually got the venues we could have only dreamed of!”

Planning a wedding from across the world with little knowledge of the area, required Nathalie and Quentin to stay extremely organized. Spreadsheets and lists kept the couple on track during the whole process. “Everything was planned site unseen. However, I did my very best to deep dive into researching everything,” the bride shares.

The couple made sure to add their personal touches throughout their special day with handwritten thank you cards. “We had our guests crying and laughing reading them at the reception,” Nathalie says. They also wanted to add an element of surprise during their ceremony and hid their rings under a random seat for a surprise ring bearer.

Reflecting on their wedding day, Nathalie and Quentin feel that choosing a destination wedding made the experience much less stressful. “There definitely would have been a larger guest list, and I think I would have been more stressed out,” the bride shares. By opting for a destination wedding, they were able to keep their celebration intimate and relaxed.

Nathalie and Quentin stress the importance of staying as organized as possible when it comes to planning a wedding. “Write everything down that you paid for, confirmed, booked, etc.” They also advise couples planning a wedding to create a new email for all wedding-related things. Most importantly, “in the end, do what makes you and your partner happy. Everyone that matters will be happy for you.”

Vendors: Photographer: Brianna Vögeli Photography; Ceremony Site: Mountain Hostel; Reception Site/Florist/Cake: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa; Stationery: Cartalia Stationery Studio; Hair Color & Extensions: Alicia Carlile from Sensa Salon; Hair Styling: Sonya Zabaznova; Makeup: Tanja Denzel; Gown Designer: Beloved by Casablanca Bridal; Custom Bridal Cape: Lace and Liberty; Groom’s Attire: Indochino; Bridal Party Attire: Revolve; DJ: Benjamin Röösli; Videographer: David Schwan