ABOUT THE WEDDING

High above Zurich, where the city noise fades and the forest begins, lies The Dolder Grand. It looks like a castle from a storybook, and honestly, it feels like one too. If you love art, history, and a bit of drama, this is arguably the most impressive place to get married in Switzerland.

When this couple asked me to capture their day here, I knew it would be special. Not just because of the luxury—that’s a given at The Dolder—but because of how they made this grand hotel feel personal and warm.

Getting Ready with a View
The day started in one of the suites overlooking the lake. The light here is different; huge windows let it pour in, soft and clean. It’s a dream to work with. We took our time photographing the details. No rushing. Just the quiet excitement of the bride getting into her dress while looking out over the city she loves. I wanted the photos to feel calm and poised, matching the elegance of the room, but with real emotion in the eyes.

Yes, beneath the open sky
The ceremony took place on the terrace. The view is insane—you have the whole city of Zurich at your feet, the lake shimmering, and the Alps in the back.What I loved most was the contrast. You are standing in front of this massive, historic hotel, but it felt intimate. The air is fresh up there. You could hear every word of the vows clearly. Capturing them against that wide, epic backdrop was one of my favorite moments of the day. It makes you realize how small we are, and how big this commitment is.

Dinner and Dancing in the Ballroom
When the sun went down, everyone moved to the Oval Ballroom. This room is something else. It has a high cupola ceiling and walls that absorb sound, so even with a big party, it feels cozy.
They filled the tables with white flowers and hundreds of candles. The light reflected off the wooden floors, creating a warm, golden glow.As a photographer, this is when I switch gears. The romantic daylight is gone, and it’s time for mood and energy. I focused on the movement—the dress spinning on the dance floor, champagne glasses clinking, and friends laughing loudly at speeches. It was classic glamour, but with a modern party vibe.

Why I love shooting at The Dolder
For international couples, this venue just works. It’s easy to get to, but you feel miles away from everything. It’s luxurious without trying too hard. Whether you’re posing next to a piece of art by Andy Warhol in the hallway or walking through the forest nearby, there are so many different backdrops for photos.

Thinking about your own wedding at The Dolder Grand?
It’s a big venue with a lot of history. You need someone who knows how to capture that grandeur without losing the real moments between you two. I’d love to help you tell that story.

The Wedding

VIEW THE GALLERY

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Wedding vendors

Wedding Venue: Dolder Grand Zurich
Makeup & Hair: Sinem Yavsaner
Photography: Youri Claessens & Avieta Claessens
Videographer: GoMango

Wir wollten euch nochmals von ganzem Herzen für den wunderbaren Tag mit euch danken! Es war unglaublich und euer Teamwork hat alles noch viel toller gemacht. Es war wunderbar, den Tag mit solch einem professionellen, top abgestimmten Team zu verbringen.
Ich würde jedem empfehlen, euch zu buchen. You rock!



- the bride

Spectacular Adventures

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HERDADE MALHADINHA NOVA,
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One-of-a-kind images captured with soul 

I’d love to hear more about your upcoming adventure. Let's create something beautiful together. 

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