We see a lot of gorgeous chuppahs here at STG HQ, but today’s really takes the (wedding) cake. Gemma, a senior associate solicitor, and Kevin, a CEO and director, chose to wed at Switzerland’s Hotel Eden Roc Ascona because of its significance in the bride’s family history. But it also happened to be the absolute perfect spot for that breathtaking outdoor chuppah overlooking Lake Maggiore in the sunshine.
The chuppah had transparent sides to ensure that all guests got a good view of the ceremony, and the jewels hanging down from the sides of the chuppah picked up the reflections of the sun hitting the glistening lake. Add in some soft florals in Gemma and Kevin’s color scheme of pale pink, pale blue, and cream and you’ve got pure perfection.
We also love that Gemma opted to have a bespoke dress made by Israeli designer Lihi Hod in Tel Aviv – and how cool was Gemma’s custom veil, with the couple’s names and wedding logo embroidered?!
The whole day was captured exquisitely by Ash Davenport of MIKI Studios – scroll on for some serious eye candy…
How We Met
Gemma, the bride and Kevin, the groom: We met on Hinge, Switzerland.
A Venue with Family History
The wedding took place at Hotel Eden Roc Ascona, Switzerland. Four generations of Gemma’s family have been going to the hotel and Gemma absolutely loves the hotel, and always dreamed of getting married on the Hotel’s “pontile”. Gemma and Kevin had also holidayed at the venue prior to the wedding.
Theme & Wedding Planner
Gemma and Kevin wanted very pretty and soft colours incorporated in their wedding. They chose pale pink, pale blue and white / cream for their colour scheme. The couple had a wedding logo made up of their initials which was consistent throughout the wedding festivities. Their wedding planner was Lucy Bunkell.
Invitation
The colour scheme started with the invitation they designed with Darren Gale at Invitation London and carried on throughout to the ‘Thank You’ cards.
Hair + Makeup
Kevin’s mum found the hairdresser, Larissa Caggiano, from Black and White Salon, Zurich, and she was an absolute pleasure to work with as she did not waste time and was very skilled. Gemma found Fabio Sarra, via word of mouth, for her make-up, who was fantastic and also just such a pleasure to have around. The hotel staff and suppliers really enjoyed his company.
A Lihi Hod Dress
Gemma visited all of the major wedding dress boutiques in London but did not love any of the dresses and instead chose to have a bespoke dress made by Lihi Hod in Tel Aviv. Gemma was required to travel there for design workshops and fittings and eventually travelled with the dress directly from there to Zurich just weeks before the wedding.
Gemma loved this designer as the attention to detail, fabric quality and fabric colour were just outstanding. Gemma’s veil was custom-made and had hers and Kevin’s wedding logo and names embroidered in pale blue at the end of it with beautiful little flower embellishments.
Accessories + Shoes
Gemma’s hair slides were from Victoria Percival and were in keeping with the colour scheme. Gemma’s bridal shoes were from an Italian shoe designer called Rodo.
The handsome groom
Kevin went to an amazing tailor in Zurich, Tailor’s Project, who designed and created a bespoke Dinner Suit with the couple’s initial sewn into the inside of the blazer.
Bridesmaids
The couple had flower girls and page boys, who were their nieces and nephews. The flower girls wore dresses by Monsoon in pale pink and cream to match the colour scheme. The dresses had gorgeous bows on the back to match the bow on the back of Gemma’s wedding dress. The page boys all wore navy pants with pale blue braces and white shirts.
Ceremony & Chuppah
Gemma and Kevin had the most beautiful chuppah situated on the hotel’s pontile over the lake in the sunshine. The chuppah had transparent sides to ensure that all guests would have a good view of the ceremony whilst the jewels hanging down from the sides of the chuppah picked up the reflections of the sun hitting the glistening lake.
Gemma and Kevin flew out the most wonderful rabbi who did an explanatory service at the chuppah for all of the couple’s friends and family. Gemma spent a long time choosing the tunes for the songs the family walked down the aisle to as she wanted these moments to be moving. Muzika was the band, and it was fantastic.
The ketubah was in keeping with the colour scheme of the wedding and was designed by Myra Levy.
Music
The couple had Muzika, which was sensational. The first dance was to ‘The Power of Love’ by Jennifer Rush. This was Gemma’s parents’ first song at their wedding, and this was kept as a surprise for them. Gemma and Kevin love the song.
Flowers
Fiore all’Occhiello was the florist. Gemma and Kevin chose a mixture of pale pink, pale blue and white / cream flowers.
Photographer and videographer
Gemma’s mum had heard about MIKI Studios and Ash Davenport through family friends. The couple used MIKI Studios for both photography and videography throughout the wedding weekend.
Food and cake
The couple used the in-house catering which is absolutely sensational. Gemma designed the dessert plate herself to incorporate the couple’s wedding logo. Gemma and Kevin did not want to have a wedding cake as it very rarely gets eaten and the cutting of it takes up a lot of the precious ‘party’ time.
The reception food was epic. Gemma had specifically requested a cheese wheel with pasta inside and the wedding guests still talk about how incredible it was to this day. As the couple had heard it was so good they asked the hotel to prepare it for them the following day for lunch as they didn’t manage to eat it at the wedding reception. It lived up to its reputation!
Extra Details
After the family photos were taken under the chuppah, the couple went on a Riva boat on the lake to have photos taken and this was one of the best experiences as it was so cool with the wind blowing but it was also nice to have a little time ‘alone’.
Speech times and numbers were strictly limited as Gemma was of the view that speeches can go on too long and be very boring. The speeches turned out to be brilliant and all very different.
Honeymoon
The couple went to Japan for their honeymoon, which was the best trip ever. Gemma and Kevin both wanted to go to Japan and knew that it was the right time to do this trip. Inside Japan and MB Luxury Travel were used by the couple to plan and book the trip.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Gemma and Kevin enjoyed every moment of their weekend. The moment passes so quickly so it is important to enjoy the journey.
GEMMA & KEVIN’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography + Videography – MIKI Studios, Ash Davenport
Venue – Hotel Eden Roc Ascona
Planner – Lucy Bunkell
Bride’s dress – Lihi Hod
Bride’s shoes – Rodo
Bride’s accessories – Victoria Percival
Groom’s attire – Tailor’s Project
Bridesmaids – Monsoon
Hair + Makeup – Black and White Salon, Fabio Sarra
Flowers – Fiore all’Occhiello
Band – Muzika
Catering – Hotel Eden Roc Ascona
Stationery/Invitation – Invitation London
Honeymoon – MB Luxury Travel
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