Glass apple-shaped lamps inspired Polina and Simon’s Bohemian Harvest theme, which brought rich colors, oversized paper flowers, and playful DIY details to their Interlaken wedding Held at Trinkhalle am Kleinen Rugen, a traditional Swiss venue surrounded by the Alps, the celebration featured handmade decorations, custom-printed tablecloths, and personal touches created with help from their families and friends.

The couple met in Basel while pursuing doctoral degrees. Their first date at a local autumn fair continued with a long evening walk and hours of conversation. They soon discovered a shared love of hiking and traveling, and the Swiss mountains became the perfect location for their wedding. Nearly a year of planning followed, with the couple handling most of the preparations themselves.

What We Love About This Interlaken Wedding

• A Bohemian Harvest theme inspired by glass apple-shaped lamps, with rich blue, pink, and red accents
• Custom-printed blue tablecloths featuring the same pattern as the couple’s wedding invitations
• An outdoor ceremony beneath a fabric-draped floral arch overlooking the Swiss Alps
• A family photo wall featuring relatives from Russia, China, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland
• LEGO flowers assembled by guests and combined into a bouquet for the couple’s home

Nearly a Year of DIY Planning With Help From Family and Friends

Polina and Simon began planning almost a year before their wedding, even before publicly announcing their engagement. They agreed on a budget early and were determined to host a celebration they could be proud of without dipping into their savings or taking on debt. Live music for the ceremony and reception was one expense they decided to forgo.

They researched vendors through recommendations, social media, and online articles, contacting them directly and arranging in-person meetings whenever possible. A meeting with John from Artisst Catering helped them review the venue’s facilities and work out the schedule. They also found their photographer, Junebug vendor Tatiana Brizhagina, through a recommendation in a Telegram chat.

The day before their Interlaken wedding, close friends who had traveled from different parts of the world joined them to help decorate the venue. The preparations were fun, although occasionally stressful, with everyone pitching in to get everything ready. That evening, the group gathered for a large family-style dinner at the venue. 

Featured Vendor:
Tatiana Brizhagina Fotografie

Wedding Vows in the Swiss Alps and a Slavic Kissing Tradition

Polina and Simon exchanged vows outdoors, with the Swiss Alps providing a beautiful backdrop. A curved arch draped in white fabric and decorated with colorful flowers serves as the altar for the ceremony, attended by family and friends who had traveled from around the world. The couple also incorporated a Slavic wedding tradition that encouraged guests to join in.

During the ceremony, guests repeatedly shouted “Gorka,” meaning “bitter,” prompting the newlyweds to kiss. According to tradition, each second spent kissing brings additional years of happiness. The repeated calls for kisses added a playful moment to their Interlaken wedding, with guests joining in on a tradition familiar to the couple.

An Asymmetric Wedding Dress and a Classic Black Tuxedo

Polina chose a modern, asymmetric wedding gown with a structured strapless bodice, a large floral detail, and a voluminous gathered overskirt. A sheer skirt with floral appliqués was visible beneath the draped fabric. She wanted something comfortable that would allow her to move freely throughout the celebration. She completed the look with a long veil, floral earrings, and a sleek low bun. Polina did her own makeup, while one of her closest friends helped with her hat.

Simon, who works in finance and is accustomed to dressing formally, handled his own styling. He wore a black tuxedo with a bow tie and white floral boutonniere. Although the couple initially questioned whether black-tie attire would suit their rustic mountain venue, they were happy with how their outfits worked with the setting. 

A Traditional Swiss Venue Filled With Colorful Flowers and Handmade Details

Polina and Simon were looking for a venue with plenty of open space, fresh air, and mountain scenery. Trinkhalle am kleinen Rugen, near Interlaken, had all three, along with practical facilities such as a kitchen, preparation rooms, and basement storage.

The building’s wooden beams, stone walls, and tall windows suited their theme, which combined rustic details with rich shades of blue, pink, and red. Glass apple-shaped lamps inspired the initial concept, followed by floral arrangements, fruit, and handmade decorations.

Polina had one firm preference: no traditional white tablecloths. Instead, the couple used custom-printed blue tablecloths featuring the same pattern as their invitations, sewing the fabric themselves. The floral print covered the long reception tables, which were arranged with woven placemats, white dinnerware, and small flower arrangements.

Their parents also contributed their experience with floral arrangements and DIY projects. Polina’s father designed and 3D-printed the name tags used for seating assignments, while the couple made around 20 paper flowers to decorate one of the walls. They also incorporated artificial flowers dating back to the previous century, alongside fresh blooms that guests were invited to take home afterward.

Family Photographs Spanning Three Generations and a LEGO Flower Keepsake

Among the decorations was a photo wall featuring portraits and family photographs dating back as many as three generations. The collection included relatives from Russia, China, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland, giving guests a chance to learn more about the couple’s family histories.

Polina and Simon also came up with an unusual alternative to a traditional guest book. They asked each guest to assemble an individual LEGO flower, which they later collected into a single bouquet. The finished arrangement now sits in their home, with flowers assembled by the friends and family who attended their Interlaken wedding.

Their Advice for Couples Planning a DIY Wedding

Taking on most of the planning themselves was ambitious, but Polina and Simon appreciated the experience. They saw it as an introduction to married life, giving them time to make decisions together and learn more about each other.

Their one lighthearted regret? They wished their guests had arrived with bigger appetites. With so much food and drink prepared, they joked that perhaps they should have encouraged everyone to indulge a little more.