Alexus and Tyler’s elopement in Switzerland was nothing short of an adventure. The couple traveled all the way from the US, bringing just a handful of loved ones to witness their intimate vows. Planning this day had been months in the making, but as with any great adventure, flexibility turned out to be key. I absolutely adore elopements and hope that Swiss couples will also see the advantages in smaller, more intimate ceremonies, as they often turn out to be the days I look back unto most fondly. But back to Alexus’ and Tyler’s day:
The week leading up to their elopement, the weather forecast was relentless: rain, rain, and more rain. Instead of letting the downpour dampen their spirits, we adapted. One of the strengths of eloping is the ability to adjust plans—and that’s exactly what we did. With just two days to go, we moved everything from a rainy Monday to Sunday, coordinating with all vendors, including myself as the photographer, their officiant, and stylist. We also switched locations to make the most of Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery.
Sunday dawned like something out of a fairytale. Alexus and Tyler got ready in separate rooms at their cozy airbnb in Grindelwald. The morning was relaxed and filled with the scent of coffee and fresh Swiss croissants, though Alexus’ mom couldn’t help but feel a little nervous (a sweet reminder of how much she cared about every detail! Her little girl was getting married in a foreign country, I can’t blame her). The atmosphere was intimate and calm, setting the perfect tone for the day.
First look with a picture-perfect backdrop
Their first look was nothing short of magical. Alexus had dreamed of mountain flowers as her backdrop, and I found the perfect spot while walking around town before meeting them. When Tyler turned to see her, his smile lit up the whole street. From there, we made our way to their ceremony location: a mountaintop overlooking both Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. The journey up via cable car was an adventure in itself, and Alexus wisely chose sturdy shoes for the short, but steep hike to the spot. They weren’t visible under her dress, and they proved to be a brilliant choice.
The ceremony, led by Simone from lovely words, was both heartfelt and hilarious. The couple’s vows were emotional yet filled with humor, capturing their personalities perfectly. When the moment to exchange rings came, Tyler dropped one ring, and for a split second, we all held our breath. Standing on a sloping meadow in the Swiss Alps with a cliff nearby added an element of drama, but thankfully, the ring was quickly recovered, and the moment lightened the mood for the rest of the ceremony.
After the ceremony, the group enjoyed a picnic featuring typical Swiss products that Simone and I had prepared. It was a perfect way to celebrate, surrounded by the beauty of the mountains and the laughter of their loved ones. Later, Alexus, Tyler, and I took some portraits to capture the spirit of their adventurous day. The breathtaking landscapes of the Alps, combined with their joy, made for unforgettable photos.
As the sun began to set and the drizzle started to fall, we caught one of the last cable cars back to the valley. We stopped along the way to get some shots in a small Swiss mountain-village before dropping off Alexus, Tyler, and their guests in Interlaken, where they celebrated with tacos, while Simone and I rounded off the day with some delicious Korean food.
Alexus and Tyler’s elopement was a reminder of how beautiful and meaningful an intimate wedding can be. The flexibility of eloping allowed them to create a day that was uniquely theirs, filled with unforgettable moments and stunning scenery. If you’re dreaming of an adventurous wedding day, places like Grindelwald, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Lake Thun, and Lake Brienz offer the perfect backdrop for memories that will last a lifetime. Send me a message and I’ll help you make the elopement of your dreams come true!
