Tucked between palm-lined gardens and the deep blue waters of Lake Lugano, Julie and Blake’s intimate elopement at Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola felt like discovering a hidden corner of Europe suspended in time.
On a warm June day in southern Switzerland, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by only their two closest friends—choosing presence, peace, and intentionality over tradition in the most beautiful way. With soft florals, timeless bridal fashion, and the quiet elegance of Ticino as their backdrop, the day unfolded with an effortless romance that felt deeply personal from beginning to end.
More than anything, their elopement reflected what mattered most: each other.
“Love is not merely felt; it is practiced, daily and deliberately.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met in college back in 2007.
Blake was rushing a fraternity at the time and happened to be on designated-driver duty one night. After someone stole the taxi I had ordered, one of the fraternity members told Blake to drive me home instead.
And somehow… that was the beginning of everything.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
We met in 2007.
It only took us 18 years to make it down the aisle.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
We actually got engaged once before—in 2021—and began planning a traditional wedding.
Eventually, we decided to pause everything and take a step back. Then in 2025, we became re-engaged and realized something important: we didn’t want the stress or expectations surrounding a large wedding anymore.
So we said, “Forget the wedding,” booked flights to Switzerland, and eloped instead.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Even though we eloped overseas, family was still incredibly present throughout the day.
My cousin Katie officiated our ceremony, and her partner Aidan joined us as our unofficial “ring bearer.” But one of the most emotional moments came the morning of the wedding, when Katie surprised me with a gemstone created from my grandfather’s ashes.
He had passed away the year before at 98 years old, and we had both been incredibly close to him. Carrying that piece of him with me throughout the day made the experience feel deeply meaningful.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
The simplicity of it all.
Planning a wedding overseas could have easily become stressful, but our florist Julia and our photographer Brianna worked so seamlessly with the team at Villa Castagnola that we truly got to focus on each other instead of logistics.
That freedom—to simply be present together—became the most meaningful part of the day.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
In a healthy relationship, you get back what you give—with interest.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Two things:
- Our mutual sense of humor.
- Our shared love of travel.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Planning an entire vacation instead of a single day.
We spent time exploring Lake Lugano before continuing on to Lake Como afterward, which made the entire experience feel less like an event and more like a meaningful chapter in our lives together.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Laugh often.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is not merely felt—it is practiced, daily and deliberately.
Photography: Brianna Vögeli Photography / @briannavoegeliphotography
Venue: Grand Hotel Villa Castagnola / @villacastagnolalugano
Floral Design: Della Bella Fiori / @dellabellafiori
Wedding Dress: Anne Barge / @annebarge
Wedding Dress: L’Idee Woman / @lidee_woman
Bridal Shoes: Sam Edelman / @sam_edelman
Bridal Shoes: Loeffler Randall / @loefflerrandall
Styling Mat: Marry & Lilo / @marryandlilo
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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