This real wedding abroad had the glorious mountain ranges of Switzerland as the perfect backdrop for this purple day. Elizabeth and John got married in August 2010.
WHO: Elizabeth and John
WHERE: Grindelwald, Switzerland
WHEN: August 2010
PHOTOGRAPHER: Karen Ross Photography
As childhood sweethearts who met at secondary school, their first date was to the local cinema. “John had just passed his driving test, but I was too embarrassed to tell my parents that I had a boyfriend, so I made him pick me up from the bus stop!” laughs Elizabeth. John proposed while the couple were holidaying in Mauritius for John’s Mum’s 60th birthday
Elizabeth’s whimsical vintage-inspired gown was by Blue from Enzoani. “The dress was embellished with Alencon lace overlay, a deep sweetheart neckline and floral lace straps. I adored all the intricate detailing,” says Elizabeth
John had his pale-grey suit and matching waistcoat tailor made for him by Cosgroves Fashion. “It may have been the more expensive option, but it was certainly worth it for John to feel really special on the day,” says Elizabeth. We think John’s suit with matching purple tie was fab!
“We surprised our guests with a boat tour around Lake Brienz to get to the hotel”
Elizabeth bought her four special girls purple dresses from Karen Millen to wear for the real wedding abroad. “Their outfits were brilliant, the corsage on their dresses tied in perfectly with the corsage belt on my own dress – something I hadn’t actually realised at the time!” explains Elizabeth
“We had a traditional service at Grindelwald church. The vicar was so accommodating and let us give him our own vows to read. He was a bit worried that his English wouldn’t be up to scratch, but he was absolutely perfect and any little mistakes that he did make only added to the charm,” says Elizabeth
“Heidi’s Blumenwelt in Grindelwald met with us a few times before the wedding, and I gave her photos of my ideas,” explains Elizabeth. “I decided on bouquets of cream roses, with a hint of lavender, because I absolutely love the smell,” she adds
After the real wedding abroad, the couple surprised their guests with a boat trip around Lake Brienz ending at Grand Hotel Giessbach for the reception party. “John and I both fell in love with the hotel the first time we saw it. It’s perched on the edge of the lake, high on the hillside with stunning views of the glacier and mountains,” remembers Elizabeth
The couple decided on an American tour taking in Las Vegas, Miami and Florida.
© 2018 Chelsea Magazine Company 
