When I met them in Lucerne, after several email exchanges, I knew instantly that I wanted to be part of this wedding. No doubt about it.

Between Janine’s huge smile and Dario’s warmth, it was hard to think of capturing this wedding as just a job. The more time I spend in this field, the more selective I become about the couples I want to carry in my memories.

Dario and Janine are both Swiss—but from two very different Switzerlands. Janine is from the south, near Italy, and Dario is from Central Switzerland. And while they are equally Swiss, the differences between them can be striking: from language (different words for the same thing), to food, music, and the culture that shapes how people behave. These small differences make people beautifully distinct.

But there’s always something that connects us, right?

Janine was straightforward in our first talk: “Family, and the meaning of family, is very important to me.” She wanted her wedding to reflect that, and didn’t want a celebration organized by someone outside of her circle of loved ones. She knew it would take effort, some stress, and a bit of exhaustion too.

I told her:

“Look… there are two ways to welcome friends into your new home: one is to invite them over and order the best pizza in town, you drink, you laugh, and have a great time. The other is to do the same thing, but this time you make the pizza yourselves. Maybe it’s not perfect, maybe the crust isn’t super crispy, maybe the shape is a bit off—but are your friends coming for the pizza? The joy and celebration live in the small acts, and that’s what your friends and family will remember from your wedding.”

That idea was unfamiliar to Dario—at first. Until he gave it some thought and said something I’ll never forget:

“Now I’m building a family with Janine. And I want that feeling—for myself and for what’s to come.”

I thought that was truly beautiful.

Not only honoring his partner’s wishes, but also wanting to feel the same connection. And so, the Swiss from Central Switzerland embraced traditions from the South, and the Southern Swiss laughed and danced to the rhythms of the Central region. Both families were fully present and engaged in this day-and-a-half celebration.

That’s how a new family is built: differences come together to form a new identity, a new story to share. And I absolutely love that.

Enjoy this glimpse into Janine and Dario’s wedding—a day and a half of heartfelt celebration in a breathtaking part of Central Switzerland.