Lisa and Tuan: A Wedding Weekend Getaway at Lake Lugano Text by: Lisa, the bride

We wanted a venue to bring together families and friends from across the globe, many of whom had not seen each other in 20 years. With guests traveling from Germany, the US, and Switzerland, it was crucial to choose a location with flexible travel options. The Tessin can be reached by train, car, or plane, giving our guests comfortable travel choices unlike other common destinations that require flying. We also wanted our guests to feel like they were on vacation, fully enjoying this special weekend with us. Switzerland's stunning landscapes, particularly Lake Lugano in the Tessin, provided the perfect backdrop. The combination of lakes and mountains with a Mediterranean feel left our guests speechless. The region's beauty allowed us to celebrate in breathtaking locations like Cala Melide, St. Abbondio in Cala d'Oro, and Castello di Morcote.

Our experience with Swiss vendors was outstanding. Each one, from the venues, the food they offered, their service, the florists and transportation demonstrated high quality, a remarkable attention to detail and a unique sense for aesthetics. The sustainable approach to tourism in Tessin, with boutique hotels and local, seasonal cuisine added a special touch. We were particularly impressed by the local products and dishes from their organic vegetable gardens at both Castello di Morcote and Hotel Bigatt. The high quality of food and the top-notch service level was also noticed by our guests as outstanding.

The most memorable part of our big day was undoubtedly the moment the bride walked into the historic St. Abbondio church. The scenery, with cypresses lining the path to the church, was breathtaking. Beyond that, seeing our guests so happy, feeling like they were on a big vacation, was incredibly special. They enjoyed every moment, and many took the opportunity to explore Switzerland for the first-time before or after the wedding. Overall, Switzerland felt like a hidden gem compared to more commonly chosen wedding destinations like Italy or Spain. Ticino, with its stunning views, high-quality service, and it's dolce-vita feeling made our wedding unforgettable.

Planning Marie Alsleben @mariealslebenweddings and www.mariealsleben.com
Photo Maria Hibbs Photography @mariahibbsphotography and www.mariahibbs.com
Video Soul Weddings @soul_weddings and www.soulweddings.es
Boat Tour Blume Cruise Lugano @blume_cruise and www.blume-cruise.ch
Venue Get-Together: Cala Melide @calamelide and www.calamelide.ch
Planner at the wedding venues @wonderervents.ch and www.wonderevents.ch
Light & Sound Irradia Design dello Spettacolo @irradia.ch
Flowers Massimo Giudici, Lugano @massimo.giudici_flowers and www.massimogiudici.com
Band EverSo Live Music Experience @everso and www.eversomusic.com
Stationery Traufabrik, Köln @traufabrik and www.traufabrik.com
Hair & Make-Up Julia Dittrich, Zürich @julia__dittrich and www.juliadittrich.ch
Bride’s Dresses Kaviar Gauche @kaviargauche and www.kaviargauche.com
Bride’s Shoes Manolo Blahnik @manoloblahnik
Grooms Suit Made-to-Measure Caruso & Emanuelle Maffeise via C.Wirschke, Düsseldorf @c.wirschke