An Intimate Destination Wedding in Ticino, Switzerland

Serendipity: From a Spontaneous Couple’s Photoshoot in Phuket to a Destination Wedding in Switzerland

The universe works in mysterious ways, and I’m constantly reminded of how privileged I am to celebrate and document my clients’ stories as they navigate life's journey.

While holidaying in Phuket in 2023, Charline and Márton found my work on Google and reached out for a spontaneous couple’s shoot. They weren’t just after photos—they wanted memories infused with light and emotion. Connecting effortlessly on Nai Thon Beach (and secretly hoping our paths would cross again), I had no idea this casual photoshoot would blossom into a beautiful friendship.

So, you can imagine my sheer delight—and utter surprise—when, almost exactly a year later, they reached out once more. This time, they were engaged, and together we explored Koh Kaew Lake for their second couple’s photoshoot in Phuket.

Then, Charline and Márton shared the sweetest news: they were planning to get married in Europe in July 2025. As a Phuket-based wedding photographer, I mentioned that I was coincidentally planning a trip home to Europe at the same time. When they invited me to capture their three-day wedding celebration in Ticino, Switzerland, it truly felt like the universe had aligned once again.

There’s so much more I could say, but I’ll let the photos from their destination weekend wedding tell the story from here.🤍

The Day Before the Wedding: A White Dinner at Ristorante Da Enzo in Tegna, Switzerland

Charline and Márton graciously invited me to their welcome dinner at Ristorante Da Enzo, a rustic fine-dining restaurant known for its Italian-Mediterranean-inspired fare, on the evening before the wedding.

As a naturally introverted person, I’ll admit I felt a little shy at first—meeting their closest friends and family in such a close-knit setting was both exciting and a touch nerve-wracking. But the moment I stepped onto the outdoor terrace, their warmth and genuine kindness quickly put me at ease, making me feel less like a guest and more like part of their circle.

The evening unfolded beautifully, beginning with canapés and drinks before everyone gathered for a sit-down meal and heartfelt speeches. Between the delicious food, the flowing conversation, and the laughter that rippled across the terrace, it quickly became one of my fondest memories from the entire weekend—and set the perfect tone for the celebrations to come.

The Day Of: A Lake Cruise Around Lago Maggiore Before Getting Ready at Hotel Giardino in Ascona

With family and friends travelling from Germany, Hungary, and across the world for their destination wedding in Switzerland, Charline and Márton thoughtfully organised a two-hour boat cruise on Lago Maggiore the morning of their wedding.

Tucking into yummy nibbles, we were treated to breathtaking views of the Alps and the Switzerland-Italy border—fun fact: Lago Maggiore is the largest lake in southern Switzerland and the second-largest in Italy. Just like their welcome dinner, the lake cruise celebrated not only their love for each other, but also the love they share with all the special people in their lives.

After the cruise, we returned to Hotel Giardino to get ready for their late-afternoon ceremony. While Márton prepared privately in just a few minutes before the ceremony, I had the chance to capture some of Charline’s getting-ready moments, surrounded by her mum, aunt, and best friend.

Even with the pre-wedding butterflies fluttering beneath the surface, everything felt easy, relaxed, and full of anticipation for the day ahead.

Sealed with Vibrant Blooms, Tears, and a Kiss: An Outdoor Garden Wedding Ceremony at Villa San Quirico

With stunning panoramic views of Lago Maggiore and natural greenery doing all the heavy lifting at Villa San Quirico, Charline and Márton pared back their reception styling, with a free-standing floral arch bursting with vivid oranges and pinks taking centrestage.

A gentle hum of excitement filled the garden, while guests held elegant white parasols and fans to shield themselves from the summer sun.

Choosing to forgo a “first look”, my absolute favourite moment of the entire wedding weekend came when Márton first saw Charline walking down the aisle. Time came to a standstill, the world shrinking to the space between them. The intensity of their love hung in the air—almost palpable.

Though he was overcome with emotions and could hardly speak, Márton valiantly fought to keep it together during their vows, while Charline shone like a radiant beam of sunlight, leaving hardly a dry eye in the crowd.

Their ceremony was, without a doubt, one of the most emotional moments I’ve ever captured.

A Living Fairytale: Couple’s Wedding Portraits Around Villa San Quirico in Minusio, Switzerland

Villa San Quirico, a sovereign-style estate built in the early 1930s, is surrounded by a sprawling, lush garden and perched on the edge of Lago Maggiore.

Nearly every corner of the estate offered a picture-perfect backdrop for capturing Charline and Márton’s newlywed bliss, each portrait framing their fairytale destination wedding in Switzerland .

Summertime Romance: An Outdoor Reception at Hotel Giardino in Ascona

After their portrait session, we returned to Hotel Giardino to continue the celebrations. Making the most of the Swiss summer, Charline and Márton hosted an outdoor wedding reception by the pool, set within the lush Mediterranean garden.

The evening was filled with moreish food, flowing drinks, and a love-soaked ambience—it honestly felt like a full-circle continuation of the joy and warmth from their welcome dinner the night before. As always, the deeply meaningful and heartfelt speeches were a highlight, bringing both tears and laughter that lingered long into the night.

What made the reception especially remarkable was Charline’s personal touch. Without a wedding planner—and with just a little support from the hotel team—she had orchestrated every detail herself: from the wedding invitations and reception styling to the lovingly prepared bespoke favours for each guest.

Their reception celebration felt incredibly intentional, considered, and most importantly, entirely theirs.

A Candid Conversation with Charline: Insights from Our Lovely Bride

Despite her busy schedule, Charline kindly took the time to answer my questions, offering a sincere glimpse into the behind-the-scenes of her and Márton’s journey—from their engagement story to planning a destination wedding in Switzerland.

In the interview that follows, her answers reveal not only the thoughtful planning details but also the meaningful decisions that made their wedding weekend truly unforgettable.

With much love to Charline, please enjoy!🫶🏻🥹

Was there a moment early on when you knew Márton was "the one"?

Charline: “Right at the beginning, when we had only just started dating, we spontaneously booked a weekend away at a wellness hotel. 

Neither of us expected much, yet those three days felt so natural and effortless that we surprised ourselves with how deeply we connected. Soon after, lockdown hit. 

Márton was living in Switzerland, I was in Germany, and suddenly seeing each other wasn’t possible—only FaceTime and text messages. At that stage of a relationship, you’d think twice about whether it’s worth the effort to keep the spark alive. But with him, it just made sense. 

We wrote to each other every single day, had online dinner dates, Márton sent flowers, and we exchanged little gifts. 

And when he was finally able to cross the border and we saw each other again, there was no doubt anymore: this was real, and it was right.”

How did the proposal take place?

Charline: “Just before my birthday, Márton had booked a beautiful hotel in Switzerland since he had to travel for work on the actual day. The forecast had promised rain all weekend, but when we arrived, the clouds parted, and the sun appeared. 

We went for a walk along the river, wandered down a little forest path, and when I turned around, there he was on one knee—holding a small box with the most stunning ring inside, asking me to marry him. He was so excited that he couldn't say much more. I had no clue, and I was completely surprised!

The ring was even more special because he had designed it together with my sister-in-law, who is a goldsmith. It was personal, thoughtful, and absolutely perfect.”

Why did you choose to get married in Switzerland?

Charline: “We spent quite some time searching for the right place. With Márton’s family in Hungary and mine in Germany, it was clear that one side would have to travel, so in the end we decided that everyone should. 

We dreamt of a villa in Italy, perhaps with a cypress-lined driveway leading up to it. But when nothing felt quite right for our date and size, we widened the search. 

The hotel we finally chose was one we already knew and loved. Part of my family had been going there for years. The garden is breathtaking, the atmosphere serene, and the staff—genuinely the most kind, professional, and attentive people we have ever experienced.

Going there always feels a little bit like home.”

What were the best or most meaningful decisions you made during planning?

Charline: “The best decision was to celebrate in an intimate circle—just family and our closest friends—over an entire weekend, away from everyday life. It gave everyone time to truly relax and connect, while the hotel took care of absolutely everything. 

Of course, this also meant keeping our guest list very small, which wasn’t always easy. Our second-best decision was choosing Hotel Giardino as our venue. The staff went far beyond our expectations.

Everything flowed so seamlessly that we could focus entirely on the joy of being present.”

Were there any challenges planning your wedding in a different country?

Charline: “Honestly, the planning was far easier than we had expected—thanks to the hotel’s wonderful in-house event manager, who supported me every step of the way. She offered advice, recommendations, and took care of details while still giving us the freedom to create the wedding exactly as we imagined it. 

The only real challenge was finding the right photographer within our budget. Locally, nothing quite fit. And then we had this incredible stroke of luck: you just happened to be in Europe at the exact time of our wedding. I could hardly believe it :)”

If your wedding day were a movie, what would the title be?

Charline: “A weekend by the Lake – emotions that make a lifetime.”

From Germany to Singapore, you've lived in quite a few different countries over the years — what's next on the travel bucket list?

Charline: “Definitely Japan—that’s where we’re planning our honeymoon! We love discovering cultures through food, and Japan’s cuisine is so diverse and refined. From sushi to ramen to kaiseki dining, it promises an adventure for all senses. We can’t wait.”

What initially attracted you to my work?

Charline: “Three years ago, while on holiday in Phuket, we spontaneously decided to do a photo shoot. We found you on Google and were immediately drawn to your incredible way of capturing authentic, natural, and romantic moments. 

The images had a softness, yet a truth to them, that felt completely timeless. We love the way your photography tells a story without words, full of light and emotion. It’s not just pictures—for us it’s memories. 

We were so enchanted that the following year, we booked you again without hesitation. :)”

How did it feel when you first saw your sneak peeks and gallery?

Charline: “We were on the verge of tears. Seeing those first images transported us straight back into the emotions of our wedding day—the laughter, the tenderness, the joy. 

You didn’t just capture how everything looked—you captured how it felt. The warmth of our families, the intimacy between us, the magic of the setting.”

Not Just a Destination Wedding Photographer, But a Friend Along the Way

I’ll repeat it again and again, because it’s true—there’s nothing quite like witnessing the love between two people and seeing the way their loved ones gather around them on one of the most significant days of their lives. It often feels like I’m stepping into a dream I never want to wake from.

What I love most, though, is being there for my couples beyond the wedding day itself. Charline reached out during her planning, asking for advice on little things, and being part of the journey in the lead-up to their Switzerland destination wedding made me feel even more connected to her and Márton. Knowing they trusted me and my experience was a huge honour. 

That’s why I intentionally limit the number of weddings I take on each month, whether in Thailand, Europe, or anywhere else in the world. It allows me to be fully present for each couple, guiding, supporting, and celebrating with you every step of the way.

If you’d like more European destination wedding inspiration, take a peek at my styled wedding shoot at Villa Cozzano in Italy. Offering digital and film photography, please explore my Phuket wedding photography packages or get in touch—let’s start dreaming together and turning your moments into memories you’ll feel forever.☁️