Beyond Borders: What Attending an International Luxury Wedding Symposium Taught Us About Community, Creativity – and Switzerland’s Place in the World Written by Max and Simone | Photos by Matt Porteous Photography 

Our journey to the RSVP Symposium in Mykonos began in a rather unassuming way: at the gate in Munich airport. With no direct flights from Zürich yet available in early May, we – Simone Gori of lovely words and wedding photographer Maximiliane Egli of Maxwellart Photography – chose a connecting route. But the moment we spotted familiar faces from previous events at the gate, the atmosphere shifted: it felt more like a school trip than a work trip. That shared energy, that spark of reunion, is the first reminder of what makes this industry thrive – connection.

Upon arrival, a short transfer brought us to the breathtaking Santa Marina, a 5-star resort whose reputation precedes it far beyond the shores of Mykonos. From our sea-view rooms to the welcome dinner at the iconic Buddha Bar, where we toasted Max’s birthday under the stars. We indulged in delicious food and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere while also reconnecting with another fellow Swiss, Singapore-based Daniela Erni of Create your Story. This first evening was setting the tone for what would be three days of immersion, inspiration, and impact.

With around 120 professionals from across the globe – USA, UK, Singapore, India, Italy, Belgium, Greece, and beyond – the symposium wasn’t just a conference. It was a constellation of ideas. From main stage talks to intimate roundtables, every session peeled back layers of what it means to operate in the luxury wedding sector today.

Topics ranged from legal frameworks and burnout prevention to team leadership and self-positioning within the high-end markets. These were not theoretical musings but grounded, practical exchanges drawn from real experience. In every talk and every coffee break, we found echoes of our own challenges – and pathways to new solutions.

For us as Swiss professionals, it’s rare to be among such an international crowd. The Swiss wedding industry is comparatively small, and participating in high-level events like RSVP requires time, financial investment, and often, no guaranteed return in bookings. But that’s not why we go. We go because these gatherings stretch us. They show us new angles, inspire reflection, and invite us to grow – not just for ourselves, but for the couples we serve.

The evenings were less about lectures and more about letting go. Think immersive theme nights with evocative titles like A Siren Song, Gods and Goddesses Complex, and An Astrological Affair. These were not just parties. They were a masterclass in ambiance, creativity, and high-level event design.

Being guests rather than providers gave us a rare perspective: we experienced firsthand what it feels like to be swept into a story, to become part of an experience crafted by professionals who know how to evoke awe. The décor, the entertainment, the attention to detail – every element raised the bar for what is possible. And because the attendees are all seasoned professionals themselves, the standard is sky-high. It’s not easy to impress this crowd – but RSVP does.

And yet, amid the glamour, there is discipline. No scandals, no excesses – just a collective understanding that even the dance floor can be a space for professional integrity. We laughed, we danced, and yes, we may have had a Pornstar Martini or two, but above all, we learned what it means to feel the magic that we usually create for others.

As professionals who work with international couples choosing Switzerland as their wedding destination, events like RSVP give us more than new contacts or ideas. They give us perspective. They remind us that our work doesn’t exist in isolation. Whether it's a lakeside ceremony in Lucerne or a mountaintop vow exchange in Zermatt, we're part of a global conversation about what weddings can be.

Our goal isn’t just personal growth. It's about bringing that energy, that innovation, back to the Swiss wedding scene. We want to see Switzerland recognized – not just for its natural beauty and precision, but for the quality, creativity, and soulfulness of its wedding professionals. Events like RSVP help position us within that international fabric and allow us to speak from experience when we say: Switzerland deserves a seat at the table.

By the time we boarded our flight home, it felt like we had lived through two weeks – not just three days. Our minds were full, our hearts inspired, and our social batteries somewhere near zero. But that’s the paradox of events like these: they drain you in the best way. They remind you of why you started, what’s possible, and who you want to become next.

We’re proud to represent Switzerland in rooms like this – and even prouder to return home with stories, insights, and ideas that can enrich not only our services but the experiences of the couples who trust us with their most intimate moments.