The Swiss Alps Wedding Wengen · Spiez · Interlaken

Maclean Liotta and Drew Walker first met seven years ago at university. A spontaneous beach week with friends sparked an immediate connection between them. From sun-soaked days in Sorrento to the streets of New York City, adventure has always been at the heart of their relationship. However, it was during a weekend in New York that Drew managed to pull off what Maclean describes as 'an impossible surprise'.

After nearly eight years together, he proposed on a rainy April evening in the garden opposite their apartment. The moment was wonderfully candid: Maclean, who was only half ready for what she thought was her sister's birthday dinner, burst into laughter when Drew dropped to one knee. The proposal even prompted a nearby New Yorker to shout, "SO, IS IT A YES?" Of course it was.

Choosing Switzerland was deeply personal. Maclean had been visiting Wengen since childhood, a tradition that began decades earlier when her grandparents fell in love with the Jungfrau region. Over the years, the car-free Alpine village had become the backdrop to her family’s summer holidays. In 2019, Drew met her grandparents there for the first time, which cemented the location's place in their hearts.

When Maclean and Drew got engaged, she dreamed of bringing her loved ones to Wengen. Although hosting a wedding in a remote mountain village seemed like a logistical challenge, destination planner Josie Persson made it a reality. Fourteen months later, 130 guests travelled to the Alps for a celebration blending heritage, design and nearly a decade of love.

The wedding weekend began in Wengen at the newly renovated Grand Hotel Belvedere. The couple’s suite overlooked the dramatic Lauterbrunnen Valley, an iconic landscape often cited as Tolkien’s inspiration for Rivendell.

During the opening festivities, guests gathered on the terrace under bright yellow umbrellas and were seated at classic Swiss tables surrounded by wild alpine flowers, which were curated to mirror the sweeping meadows just beyond the hotel.

Attuned to Design and Place
For the welcome dinner Maclean wore the Rectangle Maxi Dress by A.W.A.K.E Mode — a chic, architectural silhouette influenced by Japanese minimalism. Its structured lines and elongated form created a sculptural look that felt effortlessly avant-garde. She paired the dress with Dior slingback and emerald-green jewellery.

Drew complemented her style perfectly by wearing a beige ensemble paired with a rich green blazer that tied in beautifully with the alpine setting. Together, their coordinated look set a sophisticated tone for the weekend, being both modern and artistic while also being completely in harmony with their surroundings.

A Menu Rooted in Switzerland
The culinary experience celebrated the region with every dish, featuring freshly baked flammkuchen, Swiss steaks, regional wines and local ice cream. To end the evening on a playful note, there was a dedicated sweet station filled with Switzerland’s most beloved chocolates, from rich pralines to classic bars and confectionery.

The evening ended on a warm and joyful note as guests gathered around an ice cream station for a light-hearted finale to the Alpine feast. Laughter filled the terrace as friends gave heartfelt speeches and shared memories of past adventures, mischief and milestones with the couple.

On the morning of the wedding, Maclean got ready at the historic Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, surrounded by her closest friends and family. Michele Clausen, one of Switzerland’s most sought-after makeup artists, created a fresh, radiant look that enhanced Maclean’s natural elegance.

One of the day's most personal details was the handkerchief that Maclean carried for luck, which was printed with her late father’s handwriting. He had played an important role in the family's annual trips to Switzerland, and carrying this memento was a poignant way to honour his memory and keep him close throughout the celebration.

Bridal and Groom Fashion
For the ceremony, Maclean wore a striking strapless mikado fitted dress with exaggerated floral sleeves and a matching cape by Nicole + Felicia. The sleek, strapless gown paired perfectly with the dramatic cape, which was adorned with rose details and featured oversized floral appliqués that were both bold and timelessly romantic. She completed the ensemble with elegant Badgley Mischka Blaze satin stilettos.

Meanwhile, Drew wore a custom tuxedo by P. Johnson Sartoria Carrara. He spent the morning getting ready with his best man, father and father-in-law — a meaningful, quiet moment that brought both families together before the celebrations officially began.

The first look
Before departing separately for Schloss Spiez, Maclean and Drew chose to share a private 'first look' in a quiet corner of the Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa. This peaceful moment offered a brief respite from the anticipation of the day ahead. When Drew turned to see Maclean in her gown for the first time, the sheer joy and emotion of the moment set the scene perfectly for the beautiful day ahead.

Guests travelled to Schloss Spiez, a magnificent castle on the shores of Lake Thun. The afternoon began with a lively drinks reception in the courtyard, after which everyone gathered in the historic chapel at 17:00 for the symbolic ceremony.

The service was led by Greg Kelly, a close family friend, lending a deeply intimate and personal tone to the entire afternoon. When Maclean and Drew exchanged their handwritten vows beneath the chapel’s ancient frescoed ceilings, with the dramatic alpine peaks framed by the windows, there was hardly a dry eye in the room. The combination of raw emotion, deep family connection and historic grandeur created an unforgettable atmosphere.

Afterwards, the newlyweds departed in a vintage Rolls-Royce to enjoy their first quiet moments alone together as husband and wife as they drove back along the lake.

Back at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, the ballroom doors opened to reveal a reception space that combined old-world elegance with modern refinement. Before the doors were opened to the guests, Maclean and Drew stepped inside the empty room for a private moment, taking in the glowing candlelight, soaring ceilings and design that they had spent over a year envisioning.

The tablescapes featured botanical chargers, coupe glasses made of crystal, gold cutlery, and endless candlelight. Custom menus, napkins and stationery incorporated subtle Swiss symbols, weaving a cohesive cultural narrative through the décor.

Instead of a traditional seating plan, guests found their names on bespoke cowbell escort cards — hand-calligraphed bells tied with ivory ribbons and gold foil accents. Throughout dinner, the joyful ringing of the cowbells echoed through the ballroom as guests celebrated the couple.

The band Mix & Soul quickly drew everyone onto the dance floor for the first dance, instantly transforming the historic ballroom into a vibrant celebration.

Later in the evening, the couple surprised their guests with a spectacular, unconventional twist on the wedding cake: a towering "cheesecake" crafted entirely from artisan Swiss cheeses. Each tier showcased a different regional variety, ranging from creamy soft rounds to bold, aged alpine wheels, served alongside fresh fruit and crusty breads. It was a playful, unexpected nod to their host country and instantly became one of the most talked-about details of the night before the crowd danced into the early hours of the morning.