October 10, 2023
Wedding International
· Wedding Photography
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I had the pleasure to meet and photograph Sonja and Peter’s wedding here in Florida. Sonja always dreamed about a beach wedding so they eloped to Sanibel Island in 2014. Because many of the family and friends could not attend they planned a second church wedding in their home town Lucerne in Switzerland.
A few months after their beach wedding in Florida, Sonja called me. She said that she is planning her church wedding in Lucerne, Switzerland and wants to surprise Peter. She asked me if I would be willing to fly to Switzerland and photograph her religious ceremony. I felt so honored and of course I said yes.
Their church wedding was on a beautiful June day at the Jesuit Church in Lucerne. The Landmark Catholic church is in the center of Lucerne’s old town, overlooking the Reuss River. Like many churches in Europe, it features impressive ceilings and majestic interiors. The couple exchanged their vows in front of family and friends, plus a few tourists who came to see the church ended up standing at the entrance watching the ceremony.
After the ceremony, everybody gathered in front of the church to congratulate Sonja and Peter. The following Apéro (Cocktails and Appetizers) was served at the prestigious Hotel des Balances across the river. It is a short walk from the church to the hotel. On the way, we got the chance to take some photos with the famous Chapel Bridge in the background.
Once we arrived at the Hotel we were treated to a glass or 2 of champagne and a million-dollar view of the old town of Lucerne and the river. After some drinks and butlered hors d’oeuvres, it was time to depart to the reception that was held at the Meggenhorn castle.
Sonja and Peter drove very (un)traditionally in Sonja’s favorite car. Her classic Fiat 500. We had a lot of fun getting her and the dress into this tiny car.
Two hour pre wedding photography with the bride and groom at Castle Meggenhorn. We decided to have a pre wedding photo session the day before to make fully use of the beautiful location. Peter had already seen Sonja wear the dress at their Florida beach wedding, so it just made perfect sense to do a pre wedding session. This way they could also fully enjoy their day with family and friends. We took quite some time and tried out many poses that would have not been possible on the wedding day with a somewhat strict timeline.
If you have dreamed of a fairy tale in the middle of a mountain range, blue lakes and breathtaking views this is the place to be. Dear Sonia and Peter, it has been an honor to plan and photograph your wedding in Florida, but to also invite me to your wedding in Switzerland to take your photos was truly a privilege. From the bottom of my heart thank you for your trust in my work and giving me this opportunity. It was absolutely amazing. You are such a beautiful couple inside and out that not only the location inspired me but also the love you have for each other. You and your family welcomed me and Maria with open arms and you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Four hour pre wedding photography with the bride and groom. We decided to have a pre wedding photo session the day before the wedding to make fully use of the beautiful location. While not always possible, in this case the couple already had their legal wedding earlier that year in Florida. Therefore it was not a problem to schedule the intimate couple session the day prior. This way they could also fully enjoy their wedding day with family and friends. We had lots of fun trying out poses and doing things that would not have been possible on the wedding day with a somewhat strict timeline.
Getting Ready for the bride and an hour of frantic searching for the groom’s wallet. Thanks to the good neighbor who remembered that the groom drove a different car the night before and found it in there. Excellent timing and just before the groom had to leave to church. We were ready to have peanuts and popcorn for dinner. Lesson learned … always be in good standing with people next door. You never know when it comes handy 🙂
The ceremony took place at the Jesuitenkirche right in the center of Lucerne. The bride walked with her father down the aisle to the sound of the beautiful church organ. Their ceremony was bilingual in Italian and German. 
Apéro at the beautiful Hotel des Balances directly at the river Reuss. It almost felt like being in Venice.
Drive to the reception in a true “if you get in” Getaway car. I am still puzzled how she managed to fit with the dress. But I have the photos to proof it. The couple owns the tiny Fiat 500 and had it completely restored to its former beauty. It really looks like a toy car so cute. 
Welcome drinks and refreshments at Castle Meggenhorn where the reception took place. The food was catered by Hotel de Balances and absolutely divine. 
Father – Daughter dance and First Dance for the bride and groom followed by a Polonaise (conga line) with all guests. 
Congratulations from all of us and may the sun always shine for the two of you like it did in Florida and Switzerland on your wedding day(s).
Wedding Location: Lucerne Switzerland
Photography: Nautilus Studio
