A Sky-High Love Story: Natalia and Oleksiy`s Intimate Swiss Alpine Wedding at Bürgenstock Resort
- Author: Natali Grace Levine
- Wedding date: 07/07/2024
- City: Zurich
In the modern digital age, love stories often begin with a swipe or a click, and for Natalia and Oleksiy, both successful business owners, online dating proved to be destiny's pathway. "From the very beginning, it felt like we’d known each other our entire lives," Natalia recalls, her eyes sparkling with emotion. "We didn’t waste any time after that!"
As two driven entrepreneurs with packed schedules, their online meeting was not just convenient but perhaps the only way their paths would have crossed. Their immediate connection sparked a whirlwind romance that quickly blossomed into a deep, meaningful partnership built on mutual respect, shared ambition, and genuine love.
With only 15 cherished guests in attendance, Natalia and Oleksiy created an intimate celebration focused entirely on their love story. Despite having merely three months to plan after beginning preparations in April 2024, they orchestrated a concept wedding that was anything but ordinary. "I dreamed of a cozy, intimate wedding surrounded by my dearest people, but I didn’t want it to feel like an ordinary event," Natalia explains.
Switzerland was the natural choice for their celebration. As the birthplace of INSTYTUTUM, Natalia's award-winning skincare brand, the country holds profound significance in her life journey. "Switzerland—a place of strength and significance for me," she shares.
The couple's choice of the historic Bürgenstock Hotel, perched dramatically atop a mountain overlooking Lake Lucerne, added another layer of meaning to their celebration. "My favorite approach to life and business is the 'helicopter view,'where you take a step back, see the full picture, and allow breakthrough ideas and epiphanies to come to you," Natalia says with a knowing smile. "A helicopter was an essential part of the day because 'the sky's the limit,' and for the two of us, nothing is impossible when we are together."
“I also dreamed of taking to the skies with my husband. Although I’ve made over 1,000 parachute jumps, I had never experienced a flight in a wedding dress—and never with him. This moment symbolized leaping into a new life together,” the bride adds.
Their wedding also paid homage to Hollywood romance, drawing inspiration from the legendary couples who found refuge at Bürgenstock over the decades, including Sophia Loren and Carlo Ponti, and most significantly, Audrey Hepburn and Mel Ferrer. "Audrey’s iconic movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired us as well," Natalia beams. "By then, we had already purchased Tiffany wedding rings, and it felt like fate. Everything came together perfectly, like a magical puzzle."
The couple embraced modern convenience for their international guest list, opting for electronic invitations masterfully designed by their wedding planner, Yarova Event Planner. The wedding stationery suite included a thoughtful mix of digital and physical elements. Menus were elegantly printed, while handcrafted place cards added a personalized touch to the celebration. "Each piece was unique and tailored to reflect the theme of our wedding," Natalia emphasizes.
For Natalia, finding the perfect wedding dress was an unexpectedly effortless experience. "I instantly fell in love with a gorgeous dress from Ricca Sposa and knew it was the one," she recalls with delight. "I ordered it right away, along with a matching one for my daughter. Their work was absolutely stunning, and the dresses looked incredible on the big day."
The morning of the wedding found Natalia preparing in two spectacular locations at Bürgenstock Resort. She began at the resort's breathtaking infinity pool, with panoramic views of the Alps creating a surreal backdrop for her bridal preparations. Later, she moved to her hotel suite, which offered equally magnificent vistas of Lake Lucerne. "Both settings were perfect for capturing the magic of the morning," she remembers.
A self-professed accessory enthusiast, Natalia completed her bridal ensemble with impeccably chosen details. "I have a deep love for beautiful accessories," she shares. "My shoe choice for the main bridal look was a stunning pair of Jimmy Choo Sacora, paired with a matching Jimmy Choo bag and Bridal Jimmy Choo sunglasses." Her wedding bouquet, composed of pure white peonies, provided an elegant finishing touch that symbolized romance and prosperity.
With meticulous care, Oleksiy curated his wedding day attire, opting for a full look from Boss that exuded timeless class. Every element, from the crisp lines of his suit to the polished finish of his accessories, echoed the same quiet sophistication that Natalia brought in her bridal style—together, they embodied effortless elegance.
The couple's first look took place on the Panorama Terrace at Bürgenstock, a setting that couldn't have been more aptly named. "It was an unforgettable moment, surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Lucerne and the Alps, creating the perfect backdrop for such a special memory," Natalia reveals, her voice softening at the memory.
With the majestic landscape of Mount Bürgenstock at their disposal, Natalia and Oleksiy had no shortage of breathtaking locations for their pre-ceremony photographs. "The breathtaking scenery of Mount Bürgenstock, the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, and Lake Lucerne left us with no reason to look elsewhere," Natalia explains. "It was an incredibly enjoyable process—so many stunning locations to explore, including a photoshoot on a boat across the lake and a helicopter journey to a glacier."
The couple exchanged vows in the Alpine Spa Garden at Bürgenstock, surrounded by vibrant blooms and panoramic views that seemed to stretch into infinity. “It was a truly magical and romantic setting for our special moment," Natalia recalls. "My daughter had the honor of being our flower girl, making the moment even more special and personal. My son was our ring bearer, adding a heartfelt family touch to the ceremony."
Following their heartfelt ceremony, Natalia and Oleksiy embarked on a truly extraordinary post-wedding photoshoot that perfectly embodied their adventurous spirits. The stunning red helicopter waiting for them became not just a mode of transportation but a powerful symbol of their soaring love.
The striking images capture the couple against the dramatic backdrop of a pristine glacier, the brilliant white snow creating a heavenly canvas for their celebration of love. Natalia's elegant gown with its daring slit contrasted beautifully against the snow, while Oleksiy's classic black tuxedo added a timeless sophistication to their alpine adventure.
Inspired by "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and the serendipitous connection to Audrey Hepburn's own wedding at Bürgenstock, Natalia and Oleksiy created a timeless aesthetic that blended Hollywood glamour with romantic elegance. "The color palette reflected timeless elegance with soft, romantic tones—white, blush pink, and light blue—accented by the signature Tiffany blue," Natalia explains. "I envisioned a wedding filled with lush florals to create a dreamy and romantic atmosphere, and the abundance of flowers truly brought that vision to life."
Special personalized touches made guests feel individually celebrated. "We created personalized seat cards for each guest, featuring a hand-drawn portrait of them," Natalia shares. "It was a thoughtful and unique touch that made everyone feel truly special and celebrated."
The evening unfolded in a glow of soft lights and emotion as the newlyweds stepped onto the dance floor for their first dance. "Tenderness" by Machete played—an achingly meaningful song that captured the essence of their love story. "It perfectly captured the emotions of the moment and made our first dance unforgettable. Even now, every time I listen to it, it makes me feel deeply emotional," Natalia says.
The intimate reception allowed for meaningful interactions with each cherished guest, creating an atmosphere of warmth and connection that perfectly reflected the couple's vision.