A Lakeside Castle Wedding in Switzerland 

A timeless palette of black-and-white, dripping florals, and a lakeside castle steeped in history marked Carmela and Alex’s wedding. Carmela, an actress, writer, and producer, and Alex, a research engineer, have been together for years and now begin this new chapter – a celebration of refined elegance and transcendent romance in their beloved Switzerland. 

Amidst the undulating shores of Lake Thun, with the Bernese Alps in the distance, Schloss Schadau set the stage for their poetic union. Bathed in natural light, the couple exchanged vows surrounded by a bouquet of white blooms – hydrangeas, English garden roses, and phalaenopsis orchids. Two stately pillars, borrowed from Carmela’s family home, lent an ethereal touch of tradition and sentiment to the palatial setting.

The bride wore a Melory gown with structural bow detailing, ephemeral falling fabric, and elegant tailoring. 

Our Story

Names / Carmela Anzara Catrina Bonomi & Alexander Karl Barden

Location / Thun, Switzerland

Wedding Date / 10th October, 2024

Guest Numbers / 17

Budget / Not disclosed 

How We Met

Alex and Carmela’s story spans ten years. They first met at a New Year’s Eve party in Lucerne in 2011. She was 16, and he had just turned 20. There was an instant spark, though Carmela was hard for Alex to read. Over the next few years, their paths occasionally crossed, and Alex mustered the courage to ask her out. Over pizza in Zurich, she admitted she hadn’t considered a relationship – leaving Alex heartbroken.

Life moved on, but fate wasn’t finished. A chance reunion years later reignited Alex’s feelings, though they remained friends. Their connection deepened through heartfelt letters during Alex’s military refresher course. On their first date in Zurich, followed by a magical second date just two days later, Alex’s doubts melted away.

On 02.20.2020, at a Mexican ski party in Davos, they officially became a couple, ending a decade-long journey to finding each other.

Our Engagement Story

Alex had been ready to propose early in their relationship, but Carmela wanted things to unfold naturally. In August 2023, Alex secretly planned a breathtaking proposal in Zermatt, but an unexpected acting opportunity for Carmela disrupted his plans. Disheartened, Alex almost gave up until a mutual friend introduced him to jeweler Ann Perica, who found their love story inspiring.

Together, they orchestrated a magical proposal in March 2024 in the Bernese Alps. With Ann’s flawless ring, romantic guitar melodies by Slädu, and stunning photos captured by their close friend Eliano Davide, the day was perfect. They celebrated with a luxurious stay at the Cambrian Hotel and surprised their closest friends and family with an engagement party the next day. It was a proposal filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories.

What we love most about each other…

Alex: “What I love most about Carmela is the way she approaches life. She doesn’t just settle for making things work – she goes the extra mile to make them amazing and beautiful. Whether it’s planning our civil wedding or organizing our mountain vernissage, she has a way of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. I admire her optimism and her deep faith, which mirror my own beliefs. She always approaches problems with positivity, balancing out my tendency to overthink. Where I might hesitate, she dives right in. She’s my perfect match.”

Carmela: “What I cherish most about Alex is his joie de vivre – his natural zest for life. When I look at him, I see a spirit full of light, and it never fails to surprise me, even on the quietest days. I’m endlessly grateful for how he brings pure, effortless joy into our lives, lifting my own spirit along with his. I also deeply admire his faith in God, his dedication to his dreams, and the beautiful vision he holds for our future. His joy is a gift, something heavenly that he carries within, and it inspires me every single day.”

The Setting

Wedding Location

After compiling a list of captivating venues, they narrowed it down to two stunning options on Lake Thun: Schloss Schadau and Schloss Oberhofen. Both castles offered autumn dates that year. But when they saw the ceremony room overlooking Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps, they knew Schloss Schadau was the place. The panoramic view was magical, and the fact that the date was set for 10.10 felt like a perfect sign this was meant to be.

Aesthetic

Their wedding style embraced a timeless black-and-white palette for an elegant, classic feel. Inspired by images that captured both sophistication and spirit, they wanted their day to reflect a balance between the poised and the playful – like a black-tie affair with a spark of spontaneity. This duality felt personal to them, capturing their personalities and bringing both the refined and lively aspects of their relationship to life.

Preparation

Carmela’s sister-in-law had gifted her a luxurious hair mist spa treatment at Zurich’s renowned Curl-ish salon, which she saved for a special occasion. The couple booked the night before at Schloss Schadau Hotel, setting the stage for a calm and magical start.

They spent the evening enjoying the park, a romantic dinner overlooking the Alps, and relaxing in the spa. On the wedding day, they shared a delicious breakfast with prosecco. Carmela, drawing on her stage experience, did her own hair and makeup, adding a personal touch. The morning felt calm and connected, a perfect prelude to their special day.

Photography

Their wedding photography was beautifully captured by one of their closest friends, Eliano, an exceptional photographer. They share a special history, as he’s been capturing moments with them since before they were officially together. Eliano was Carmela’s flatmate during their early dating days, so having him photograph their wedding felt natural. With him behind the lens, they knew they could be their true selves without overthinking each shot; he just knows them so well and captures their essence effortlessly.

Carmela, who loves to plan and create, curated a shooting plan and mood board in advance. They wanted to focus on taking memorable family photos during the civil ceremony, where everyone – from the youngest to the oldest – was dressed in elegant black and tuxedos. The vision was to create a mix of formal, clean shots alongside spontaneous, in-the-moment images. Eliano executed this vision perfectly, blending classic, high-contrast black-and-white shots with playful, overexposed compositions.

Videography

Their day centered around capturing unforgettable photos, so videography was a more relaxed focus. Eliano took a few playful videos on the side, adding fun behind-the-scenes moments. The emphasis was on photos, allowing them the time and freedom to create beautiful memories without the pressure of constant filming.

“They wanted their day to reflect a balance between the poised and the playful – like a black-tie affair with a spark of spontaneity.”

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

With the black-and-white theme, they wanted their floral arrangements to mirror this elegance. They envisioned white blooms to complement the overall aesthetic, and Carmela met with Priska Kaspar a month before the wedding to discuss the details.

Just before the big day, Carmela spotted two beautiful pillars at her parents’ home and imagined them framing the ceremony perfectly. Seeing everything come together on the day was truly breathtaking – Priska’s arrangements exceeded their expectations, bringing sophistication and harmony to the wedding’s décor.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Carmela planned the wedding herself, discovering her love for creating mood boards and diving deep into the creative process. To ensure a smooth day, she established a clear shooting timetable for the family photos, detailing specific locations, groupings, and poses. Thanks to this preparation, the family shoot flowed effortlessly, leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the moment.

Flowers

Carmela worked closely with Priska from Blumen Kaspar Thun to curate a floral aesthetic that was chic, elegant, lively, and whimsical. Inspired by her Malagasy roots, orchids were a must-have. Hydrangeas became the centerpiece for the family bouquets, while white sweet peas – a rare autumn find – were crafted into delicate bouquets for the children. Carmela’s bouquet featured a dreamy mix of hydrangeas, English garden roses, and phalaenopsis orchids, creating a stunning display of floral artistry.

Stationery

Carmela infused personal touches into the wedding invitations, creating a meaningful experience for each guest. She designed small gift bags with handwritten notes and photos, expressing gratitude to each couple. For the men, she included personalized bow ties, even providing one for the photographer, Eliano. For the nieces, she selected white hair bows to complement their dresses. Each invitation included a link to a private, encrypted website with wedding details. Carmela practiced hand-lettering to make the notes uniquely personal and beautifully crafted.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

Carmela’s dress selection was a special experience shared with her mom. They chose MaBelle Brautboutique, where Carmela had spotted dresses that resonated with her style. Welcomed warmly by Alex, the boutique owner, they instantly felt at ease. Carmela had shared her wedding vision in advance, and Alex curated a selection just for her. When she tried on a light, elegantly tailored Melory dress with subtle details – a bow at the back, a corsage, and delicate sleeves – it was an instant match. The dress perfectly embodied the elegance and individuality Carmela envisioned for the day.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

Alex and Carmela selected her engagement ring together at Ann Perica. Initially drawn to a black diamond, Carmela fell in love with a champagne-colored diamond set in rose gold. Recognizing it as the perfect match for her style, Ann customized the ring with subtle adjustments to ensure it was unique. Despite trying on variations, Carmela always returned to the original, confirming it as her ideal choice.

While selecting her dress, Carmela discovered earrings made of dried orchids at MaBelle Brautboutique. The delicate design perfectly complemented her bouquet and honored her roots, adding an elegant touch to her bridal look.

Hair & Makeup

Carmela drew inspiration from her previous photoshoot in Venice, styling her curls in a refined yet natural way. By slightly taming her curls, she achieved a sophisticated look that maintained their natural beauty while complementing her dress.

Groom’s Attire

Alex and the groomsmen adhered to a tuxedo dress code. Alex chose a timeless black tuxedo but opted for subtle changes to stand out. Guided by Dan at Emanis, Alex initially wore a classic black bow tie for photos and later switched to a white bow tie for the ceremony, marking his role with understated elegance.

The Details

Honeymoon

Their family surprised them with a honeymoon, a thoughtful gesture that brought immense joy during a busy season. They revealed the destination at the airport – Split, Croatia – where the couple explored in a camper van. The trip, perfectly planned by their loved ones, was a cherished gift filled with beautiful memories.

Wedding Songs

After the civil ceremony, the couple and their families sang “I bezüge Lut der Name Jesus” by Eden Music, a translated and rearranged version of “I Speak Jesus” by Dustin Smith. Carmela’s brother played guitar, and Alex’s sister recited the lyrics, creating a heartfelt moment of gratitude and blessing.

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

One of the most touching moments was when their families surprised them by organizing their honeymoon – a gesture that felt overwhelmingly generous and deeply moving. Seeing how much love and effort their loved ones put into making the day special reminded them of how blessed they are to have such supportive people in their lives. It was a beautiful reminder of the closeness and gratitude they feel for their family.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

Trust it and go for it! Don’t hesitate – it’s never too late to make your vision a reality. So much is possible if you just go for it.

If you could give other couples one piece of advice…

Go for your vision, don’t hesitate, and trust it. There are so many possibilities that we don’t even realize exist.

Sources of inspiration…

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Schloss Schadau

Photography & Videography / Eliano Davide Weddings

Bride’s Dress / Ma Belle Brautboutique

Wedding Rings / Ann Perica

Hair / Curlish

Makeup / Carmela Bonomi

Florist /Blumen Kaspar

Catering / Parkhotel Gunten