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The couple’s decision to select their wedding venue without a prior visit was backed by an impressive array of favorable Google reviews highlighting the hotel’s commitment to outstanding customer service. As Serina reflects, “I just kept reminding myself that if all else failed, at least we’d be in Switzerland with all the people we love.” Fortunately, upon arriving, they were thrilled to find the venue exceeded their expectations, particularly with its breathtaking scenery and convenient access to Zurich, only an hour away by train, car, or Uber. This ease of travel was a significant advantage for their guests flying in from cities such as New York, Chicago, and Florida.
Sal likened the experience of seeing the venue to “unwrapping a present.” After months of meticulous planning, he and Serina finally experienced the culmination of their efforts in person. “We had been planning for months, but we didn’t have the whole vision in front of us until the day of,” he shared. This moment was particularly poignant as they witnessed their envisioned celebration come to life, with the ceremony space beautifully decorated with ethereal white and blush curtains, wooden chairs, and vibrant arrangements of roses and ranunculus.
As they prepared for their wedding, the couple’s organization played a crucial role in their relaxed demeanor about not having previously visited the venue. Having effectively communicated their vision through Pinterest boards, they engaged in weekly planning calls with their wedding planners, carefully reviewing various vendors, their portfolios, and pricing. Utilizing Trello, a collaborative project management tool, helped streamline the planning process. “That was the first time we’d ever used that, and it kept things super organized,” Serina noted.
The couple’s aesthetic focused on three core words: cozy, intimate, and romantic. Sal expressed his appreciation for evergreen trees and the color green, which were reflected in the reception décor featuring deep green table linens, evergreen branch centerpieces, cream candles, and twinkling lights. The floral design, orchestrated by Gaea, enhanced the ceremony’s ambiance with delicate blooms in shades of cream and icy pink.
Establish supportive logistics
To facilitate seamless travel for their guests to Switzerland, Serina and Sal created a wedding website through Minted. They anticipated potential inquiries from attendees by addressing common concerns, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the city or train travel felt confident navigating their journey. “We thought, ‘Okay, if we had never been to this city, and never used a train before, what basic questions would they have?’” Sal explained.
The couple maintained open communication with guests, answering questions and assisting with logistics, which Serina found enjoyable. “I’m in communication with these people all the time because they’re my favorite people,” she said, expressing her desire to alleviate any travel-related anxiety for their loved ones. “I wanted everyone to feel like they could ask us any questions; it is a big undertaking traveling to a different country for a wedding.”
Start with an interactive celebration
For the welcome dinner, the couple chose to serve fondue, inspired by their previous visit to Switzerland. To foster interaction among guests, they organized a “Find the Guest” Bingo game, which proved to be a surprisingly engaging icebreaker. Participants had to identify various guests based on clues, leading to a lively atmosphere as people mingled. “We did not expect people to be that engaged, but the prize was that we would pay for a trip for someone to come visit us in Tampa, and for some reason, that got everyone going,” Serina remarked.
As part of their wedding day experiences, Sal and Serina shared a special moment together in a picturesque valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, where they exchanged personal vows. Guests then boarded gondolas for a breathtaking ascent to the ceremony site, adding an extra layer of excitement and drama to the day. “The gondolas added to the excitement, and a lot of the kids especially had never been on gondolas going up that high,” Sal noted, enhancing the overall experience for attendees as they transitioned from the ceremony to cocktail hour.
Incorporate cultural traditions
The couple’s ceremony beautifully intertwined their cultural heritage by including two significant Indian rituals. The Manthrakodi involved the groom’s family presenting a traditional sari to the bride, symbolizing familial love and acceptance. Additionally, the Thali ceremony showcased a Hindu custom in which the groom ties a sacred pendant around the bride’s neck, further deepening their shared cultural roots.
Personalize the officiating experience
Choosing their officiant was a straightforward decision for Sal and Serina. They selected Serina’s sister-in-law, Amanda, a teacher and former church pastor, who brought an eloquent touch to the ceremony. Having previously officiated another family wedding, Amanda’s heartfelt presence was a significant factor in their decision. “We turned to each other at that ceremony and were like, ‘Okay, this is exactly what we want for ours,’” Sal recalled.
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www.cntraveler.com