Are you guys ready for this one?! It’s beyond beautiful—like epic. World travelers, Pamela and Louis, celebrated their marriage in their new (and breathtaking) hometown in the Lavaux region of Switzerland—as in the panoramic views in their wedding photos are—basically—in their backyard! We love the light and airy mood of the summer celebration—it embraces the scenery of the town and the gorgeous architecture and interiors of the venues. And, we could not be more obsessed with bride’s stunning, light blue Oscar de la Renta gown—it’s a show-stopper. We also love Pamela’s advice on planning, so make sure to read read on as you enjoy these exceptional images by the incredible Christina Brosnan of Brosnan Photographics.
Tell us a little bit about the proposal?
There were a few proposals, and I said yes! Every time! From our first encounter in London 10 years ago, to a trip to Petra the ancient city in Jordan where we fell in love, to a few years of traveling around the world from almost every European country, to Asia – Hong Kong & Japan, to Central America – Guatemala and Belize, and Africa – South Africa, every continent we stepped foot on was another chapter of our story, and our love built on the miles traveled together – it all created a sense of journey of a lifetime with each other. It seemed one proposal wasn’t quite enough!
What led you to decide on your venue? Did you see many beforehand?
Since I have just moved to Switzerland, and getting to know my new home, we spent time off work visiting beautiful chateaux, vineyards and spots with panoramic views – and some we visited a few times in different seasons! After a year, we decided to get married in the summer, right where we live in the UNESCO terrace vineyard of Lavaux, as it is our new home – and what a stunning place to share with our family and friends from all over the world.
Talk to us about your dress?
The dream dress, from the king of all bridal gowns by Oscar de la Renta! A classic shape at the front with heavily beaded lace and ribbons, with a twist of a blue organza silk train. From early on, I knew I wanted something a bit different from the classic bridal gown, perhaps with color. At the beginning of the search, I tried on all sorts of dresses, big puffy ones, lace, crepe, satin, silk, heavily beaded gowns…and felt like a bride, but not myself. The dress I found in the end, was just perfect for me – classic with a twist! It was so heavy that I changed to the Laelia gown by Temperley London for the evening. It was such a treat, because before the Oscar came along, the Temperley dress was my first choice of wedding gown. I was so lucky to have both of them!
What was your favorite detail from the day?
Invitation card designed by Lydia. It was so lovely to have one of my friends so closely involved in the wedding preparation. We rarely get to see each other now that she is in London and I am in Geneva and it gave us a reason to speak very often, sometimes late into the night/early hours of the day! The invitation cards were just beautiful, and reflective of the place where we were getting married, and it felt so personal having created it with a good friend!
Did you undertake any DIY projects? If yes what?
All the guests loved the tea towels with the wedding breakfast menu printed on as favors! It was pretty, a memorable keepsake, and useful – though I guess few will actually used them to dry their dishes at home! They were designed by Lydia and I, and we have a small company in London to print them.
Where did you find your key vendors?
Hours on wedding blogs, magazines and Pinterest! I looked back with such fond memories of the period of preparations, and even Louis enjoyed his search of suits and tuxedos. We took a couple of weekend trips to Bordeaux to source the wine for the wedding, and also to the Champagne region in Reims, where we drove back with a car full of champagne and nothing else! We learned much about wine and champagne, so it was a process of us growing up to finer things in life as well as preparing for our wedding. The lead up was months, but the wedding is just one day and it goes by so very quickly, so make sure you enjoy the wedding preparations!
Favorite memory from the day?
Our favorite moment was a private one in the vintage Mercedes, just the two of us realizing that we are now married, and driving off in a convoy honking all the way to the vineyard for the celebratory drinks. It carried such a sense of celebration and excitement to the journey – the convoy itself, but also our lives ahead together. For me, I loved the speeches in the evening (mainly because I wasn’t having to give one!); we laughed and we cried, and we hugged as new families across Europe, Asia and Africa. It was an amazing day, made perfect by our loved ones who traveled a long way around the world to be with us.
Any funny stories from the day?
The ceremony was very emotional, and our first kiss was far from glamorous with us both being a bit snotty!
Advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Have fun, keep the traditions that mean something to you but do not be afraid to create something a bit different. It is the difference that makes your wedding your own. Remember the wedding is about the two of you, most importantly, and the rest is just there to share your love and happiness. Logistically, I would highly recommend an engagement photo session to get to know your wedding photographer. We enjoyed our two hours at sunset in London with Christina (Brosnan Photographic) and it was so much more relaxing on the day with her because we had already gotten to know each other, and trust that she takes beautiful photos! Equally, get a wedding cinematographer, all the better Michael from Story of Eve! We were indecisive about a wedding film, as it seemed like a luxury, and additional expense, after wedding photography, but the wedding film captured a different perspective and added an extra dimension to the documentary of our special day. Do not hesitate – it is once in a lifetime, and you want to have all that you can keep to show the children, and future generations, or even just ourselves when we are old and rocking on an armchair by the fireplace.
Anything you are really glad you did? Or wish you didn’t do?
Wedding cinematography, do it! Perhaps the Oscar de la Renta was far too expensive for one day, even the most special of all; at least my husband tells me that every time he opens the wardrobe and see this stunning creation fit for a Princess/Queen/Hollywood movie star! It felt right at the time. It was a ‘Wow’ moment as I walked down the aisle, even if nerve stricken and just about held up by my father! The blue Oscar was unforgettable for me, the groom, and all of our guests. It’s for sale now!
Any stand out vendors from your wedding?
Christina from Brosnan Photographics was just amazing, she is professional and charming. Many photographers take good photos, but we treasured most that she went above and beyond, to create something special – that is rare. And it was Christina who recommended Michael, who was equally professional and kind, genuine, and just a very very nice man; it was a treat to see our special day through their artistic eyes. If only we would do it all over again!
Photography: Brosnan Photographics // Dress: Oscar de la Renta // Shoes: Freya Rose // Video: Story of Eve // Venue: Hotel Du Lac Vevey // Church: Eglise St. Saphorin // Drinks Reception Venue: Fonjallaz
Pamela & Louis: Lavaux, Switzerland from story of eve on Vimeo.