Against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Rebecca and John’s love story unfolded with timeless elegance and thoughtful, uniquely Swiss touches. The couple, who first connected in New York City, set their sights on celebrating their union at the stunning Bürgenstock Resort, a five-star oasis perched high above the shores of Lake Lucerne. Guided by a vision of refined sophistication and a laid-back vibe, Rebecca and John worked closely with their talented team of vendors to craft a wedding day that seamlessly blended the natural beauty of their surroundings with personal details that honored their relationship.
Location: Bürgenstock, Switzerland
Style: Sophisticated, elegant, timeless
Time of planning: 1.3 years
Number of guests: 75
Setting: Resort
Season: Summer
Rebecca and John’s journey began on The League dating app, similar to many modern romances. But fate intervened, creating a moment of serendipity that neither could have planned. Before their first date, they spotted each other at a comedy show in NYC. Waiting in line, John recognized Rebecca immediately from her profile photos as she walked past. That chance encounter became their actual first meeting. Officially, their love story began in 2018 and has flourished ever since.
When the time came to propose, John embraced both tradition and spontaneity. While Rebecca enjoyed a family getaway, John went to Tiffany & Co. to select the perfect engagement ring and sought her family’s blessing. Although he initially planned to pop the question during a romantic trip to Italy, he couldn’t contain his excitement. After picking up the ring, John proposed in their NYC apartment, the home they had shared for years. The intimate setting made the moment deeply personal. Later, they celebrated in Italy, soaking in the romance of their new chapter as an engaged couple.
Location & Planning
Rebecca and John’s wedding at the stunning Bürgenstock Resort was a true fairytale, blending the natural beauty of the Swiss Alps with thoughtful, personalized details. With their planner, Devon Settembrini of All Sett Up, they curated a design that felt organic and timeless. To honor the Swiss setting and the guests traveling from the U.S., they incorporated unique touches like an alphorn player performing both traditional and modern songs, personalized cowbells as seating markers, Swiss chocolates, and cigars from Lucerne.
Guests arrived in style, taking a private boat across lake and a scenic funicular ride up the mountain to the resort, where they were welcomed by rolling pastures, the sound of cowbells, and breathtaking views. It was a dream come true for the couple, combining elegance, tradition, and unforgettable experiences.
Rehearsal Dinner
The night before the wedding, Rebecca and John hosted a rehearsal dinner at the stunning Villa Honegg, a short distance from the resort. Named “On Cloud Nine,” the evening began with an intimate dinner on the villa’s veranda, offering panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains. As the sun dipped below the peaks, it painted the sky in fiery reds, creating an unforgettable backdrop for their family and closest friends. After dinner, the rest of the guests joined for a welcome party on the villa’s expansive patio, complete with cozy blankets and elegant touches to ward off the cool mountain breeze.
The evening was a celebration of connection and anticipation, with laughter echoing across the mountain as loved ones mingled under the twilight sky. Signature cocktails and heartfelt conversations brought warmth to the crisp air, while the villa’s natural beauty set a relaxed yet grand tone for the wedding weekend. It was the perfect way to welcome guests to Switzerland and set the stage for the celebration to come.
In the middle of the evening, Rebecca and John stepped away to take photos by the lake view, capturing a quiet and intimate moment amidst the celebration. Photographer Sabrina Licata delivered breathtakingly cinematic shots that elevated every moment of the night. Her mastery of both vibrant color and timeless black-and-white photography highlighted the grandeur of the setting and the emotion of the evening. From candid laughter to serene portraits against the mountainous backdrop, Sabrina’s work blended artistry and authenticity, ensuring every frame felt as stunning and meaningful as the event itself.
Bridal Morning
Rebecca radiated elegance in her custom Jimme Huang Bridal gown, a stunning design adorned with delicate floral appliqués and a romantic fitted silhouette that perfectly complemented her timeless style. Her look was completed with sparkling mesh white slingback heels by Stuart Weitzman, a Tiffany & Co. engagement ring, and a bracelet and earrings from Mejuri, adding a touch of understated luxury. She chose the soft floral scent of Hermès Twilly, tying together her serene and graceful bridal presence. With her veil flowing effortlessly in the breeze, Rebecca embodied sophistication and poise, capturing the essence of a dream bride.
"It was a serene morning getting my makeup done overlooking the Swiss landscape with cowbells ringing outside. I had a lot of trust in my wedding planner and vendors, so I was relaxed, calm, and very excited."
Groom's Fashion
The groom, John, started his day in style, wearing a sleek black tuxedo from Enzo Custom, paired with matching cufflinks, a pocket square, and sophisticated suede loafers from Bloomingdale’s. Filled with excitement and gratitude for the loved ones who traveled to Switzerland for the celebration, John and his groomsmen shared cocktails at the bar, soaking in the elegant atmosphere. They then stepped outside to capture unforgettable moments against the stunning backdrop of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps.
First Look
Rebecca and John shared a heartfelt first look before the ceremony, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Swiss lake and the Alps. The moment was filled with emotion as John saw Rebecca in her stunning gown for the first time, creating a memory they would treasure forever. It was an intimate pause in the excitement of the day, allowing them to connect and soak in the significance of the moment before walking down the aisle together.
"It was a dream come true."
Ceremony
The ceremony overlooked the stunning Lake Lucerne, with its serene waters complemented by the snow-capped mountains in the distance, offering guests a postcard-perfect view of Switzerland’s natural beauty. As they arrived, they were greeted by the soothing sounds of an alphorn player, Enrico Lenzin, performing traditional Swiss wedding music, setting the tone for the heartfelt celebration.
Guests sipped pre-ceremony champagne as they walked down the dramatic 150-foot aisle, lined with single-stemmed white roses that created a fairytale-like path to the altar. The bridesmaids, dressed in flowing lavender gowns, added a soft touch of color that beautifully complemented the lush green surroundings. Rebecca’s vision of a long, stunning aisle was brought to life by her planner, Devon Settembrini of All Sett Up, making the ceremony space feel like a dream come true.
During the ceremony, the officiant, Manuela, incorporated a unique Swiss tradition, mixing two types of chocolate to symbolize the couple’s union. Rebecca and John added symbolic toppings, from marshmallows for sweetness to chili powder for spice, reflecting the balance they hoped for in their marriage.
Each seat was adorned with a personalized cowbell featuring handwritten names, doubling as table markers and a celebratory bell for ringing when Rebecca and John shared their first kiss as husband and wife. The ceremony concluded with guests joyfully ringing their cowbells as flower petals filled the air, celebrating Rebecca and John’s love.
"Most memorable moment was walking down the dramatic aisle with the insanely gorgeous view having the alphorn player be a part of that ceremony experience. Right before the processional, he blew one long blow on the horn to signal the start of the ceremony."
Reception
The reception took place at Parisa Restaurant at the resort, offering panoramic views of Lake Lucerne through floor-to-ceiling windows. The elegant decor featured soft floral arrangements in blush and white hues, accented with greenery, creating a timeless yet romantic atmosphere. Golden details, such as the personalized cowbells at each place setting, added a unique and meaningful touch. The tables were adorned with delicate glassware, red accent glasses, and custom napkin cards, reflecting a balance of sophistication and personal charm.
"The reception area was very unique and fitting for this. It was two floors and both had indoor and outdoor sections for guests to mingle."
The evening began with a three-course dinner, carefully curated and paired with exquisite wines by the resort’s sommelier. Guests enjoyed heartfelt toasts, including a touching slideshow by Rebecca’s mother, showcasing the couple’s journey through photos and music. Rebecca and John shared their first dance as husband and wife, their joy and laughter filling the room as family and friends cheered them on. The evening was filled with warm conversations, dancing, and celebration, creating unforgettable memories.
Private Moment
Amid the lively festivities, Rebecca and John took a private moment on the balcony, overlooking the serene Lake Lucerne at sunset. The golden hour cast a soft, romantic glow over the couple as they shared quiet laughter and intimate conversation, savoring a rare pause together. Framed by the panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and the calm waters below, the moment felt like a scene from a dream. The gentle breeze caught Rebecca’s flowing veil, adding a sense of movement and magic to the picturesque setting.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Rebecca and John celebrated their love with a romantic cake-cutting ceremony on the balcony overlooking Lake Lucerne. Their wedding cake was a vision of understated elegance: a single-tiered design in pristine white, adorned with cascading white orchids and delicate baby’s breath. The minimalist details perfectly complemented the breathtaking sunset and serene setting, making the moment feel magical. Sharing smiles and laughter, the couple cut the cake while surrounded by the golden glow of the evening.
End of the Night
As the evening unfolded, the celebration only grew more lively and unforgettable. Guests packed the dance floor, laughing and swaying to the music while savoring cocktails and champagne. Rebecca and John were lifted high during the hora, their joy and exhilaration shining through as friends and family cheered them on.
By the end of the night, the room was alive with the sounds of music and the clinking of glasses, marking a perfect close to a magical day. The couple’s radiant smiles and the shared happiness of their guests created a beautiful memory that would be cherished for years to come.
"There were memorable moments and details throughout the entire wedding day!"
Advice from the couple:
• Most common wedding advice is to not focus on the details, but in our experience, having paid attention to the details made for a memorable and beautiful event. Try and think of some unique touches. Guests kept commenting on how they loved all the details and had never been to a wedding like it.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sabrina Licata Photography | PLANNER & DESIGNER Devon Settembrini of All Sett Up | VENUE & FLORALS Bürgenstock Resort | VIDEOGRAPHER AIS Studios | MUAH Anastasia Landtwing Bridal Expert | BRIDAL PARTY MUAH Tanja Denzel | DRESS Jimme Huang Bridal | HEELS Stuart Weitzman | JEWELRY Mejuri | PERFUME Hermès Twilly | SUIT Enzo Custom | SHOES Bloomingdale’s | WEDDING BANDS Tiffany & Co. | ALPHORN PLAYER Enrico Lenzin | OFFICIANT Manuela | PHOTO BOOTH My Fotobooth | DJ Tablerockers DJ Rikky Rock | STATIONERY Sadie Bean Designs
