Marilyn Blattner-Hoyle and Victor Loyau connected via an app, but serendipitously met in person at a traditional English pub in London. After dating for a while, Victor proposed in Wengen, Switzerland (the same place they would get married) during a walk with a Swiss mountain dog—one of Marilyn’s favorite breeds.

Since her family has long since visited Wengen on family holidays, it felt like the perfect location for their wedding. They had a big wedding celebration in Paris the week before but still wanted something more intimate to go along with the religious service. The ceremony took place in a tiny Anglican church in the middle of the village, surrounded by mountains, and the cozy dinner reception was held at Hotel Schönegg. To help every step of the way in terms of planning and coordinating, they hired Xenia from Xenia Motif Creative Studio. 

For the wedding, Marilyn wanted a simple, flattering dress that would also work for a church ceremony. She and Xenia contacted Rime Arodaky, and the designer’s modern silhouettes were perfect. She opted for an open back dress with flutter sleeves and a flow-y veil. Beauty on the day of was handled by Onorina Jomir, who flew in from Paris, and they went with a classic updo with a natural, no-makeup makeup look.

At the church, the priest knew Marilyn’s family quite well, so they were able to add personal touches to the ceremony. Marilyn walked down the aisle to a song from the Crazy Rich Asians soundtrack, and once they said their I dos, everyone headed a short way to the hotel’s terrace, where a traditional English afternoon tea with a twist was waiting for them—a nod to British culture, since they’re both based in London.

Once it was time for dinner, guests were escorted into a dining room with a roaring fire, as it gets particularly chilly in the evenings. A homey Swiss meal was served with a bacon and eggs salad, Zürich-style veal, and home-made ice cream—and then, after dessert, everyone made their way to a local bar for drinks and more fun.