Tessa + Dante
Switzerland elopement
Tessa and Dante grew up in a place where no one strays too far from the church in the centre of their town. Despite having the upbringing of staying close to home, knowing the same people your whole life, and not taking risks in life, both of them knew there was so much more out there to explore.
Their love from travel started when Tessa began her work for a travel company. She got many opportunities to go around the world, and with all of those experiences, she felt like her eyes were finally open. Dante was lucky enough to be able to join her for some of these experiences, and their love from travel grew quickly.
One country really sparked their interest; Switzerland. The country of cows, cheese, and alpenhorns never disappointed them with its endless beauty. They knew it would be heavily involved in their future.
Created: April 27, 2025
Tessa, bride
She was so flexible with dates (bless), helped us with the daily schedules, and honestly ended up becoming more of a friend than just our photographer. Not even kidding — by day two we already were inviting each other to crash on our couches.
Why did they choose to elope?
Tessa and Dante began with planning a big, traditional wedding. They looked into catering, flowers, venues, thier guest list, DJs, entertainment...and quickly became overwhelmed. Being an introvert, Dante was extremely nervous about saying his vows in front of other people. Tessa loved a big party, but thought a wedding was a silly way to spend all that money.
The two of them came across my instagram page by chance, through a mutual friend. They had never heard of eloping before, and before even thinking about the concept, were in love with the photos that came from it. They couldn't get over how in love and in the moment these couples were, and how much fun it looked like they were having. These couples didn't have to stress out about other people's experiences.
And they quickly decided that this would be how they got married. Their friends and family didn't really understand at first, but once they explained the concept, they realized it matched them as a couple and their goals in life.
Why did they choose Switzerland?
After having gone to Switzerland for Tessa's work, they knew that Switzerland was for them. They considered other locations as well, such as Austria and the Dolomites, but after chatting with me, Switzerland was the best match for them. It has the greenery they were looking for, less crowds, and the particular type of adventure they wanted. Plus, they had always wanted to go to the famous Matterhorn mountain.
If you're curious to learn more, check out this Free Ultimate Guide on How To Elope in the Switzerland.
Day 2: Seealpsee
On our first day together, we had the option of taking a cable car halfway up, or hiking the whole way. Tessa and Dante wanted the exercise, so hike we did! And, I mean, it makes the views so much more rewarding at the top.
So we hiked. The clouds were rolling in, and soon we were surrounded by nothing but white. We got worried that it would be like this at the top, but also knew that in the mountains, you never know how it will be.
Luckily, at the top it was very clear, and we were above the clouds. We got the most incredible sunset views; our efforts did not disappoint!
We walked back by lantern, just in time for some typical Alpine hut food. Overall, a successful first day.
Day 1: Sunset on top of a mountain
After our gorgeous sunset, we stayed in the Berggasthaus Shäfler. It was a very cozy, Alpine hut experience, but fair warning, they don't have showers.
The next day, we enjoyed a relaxed morning. We hiked down to Seealpsee, and checked into the Bergasthaus Forelle.
Later that day, they wanted to do a little trash the dress session, so we found some rope swings, and went for a swim! Them both being very strong swimmers, and my husband being a lifeguard, we felt super safe doing this. And it was all fine, just a little cold.
Later on, Tessa and Dante got ready in their next outfits to read their vows. This was the moment they had both been waiting for. They laughed and cried, and sealed their beautiful words with a kiss.
Day 3: Sunset at the Matterhorn
The next morning, we got up for sunrise over the mountains. Tessa and Dante took one last boat ride while enjoying the glowing peaks.
After that, we hiked back to the car, and set off for views of the famous Matterhorn mountain. Along the way, we got to take a car train (literally parked our cars on a train), and that gave us a bit of a break from driving.
We arrived on time to take one of the last cable cars up, and were soon looking at snow in July.
We hiked to the hut, prepared for sunset, and quickly left to get the gorgeous views we were looking for.
And it did not disappoint! We had an amazing sunset, incredible views, and some really pink clouds. We watched the moon rise over the Matterhorn before hiking back.
Day 4: Sunrise at the Matterhorn
We just couldn't get enough; the views were so incredible. We knew it would be a clear morning, so the next day, we set off for sunrise.
We were worried about being the first ones up and disturbing the hut, but as it turned out, that wasn't the case. Around 4am, the mountaineering crew we had seen earlier, was up well before us. Our sleep was a little disturbed, but at least we didn't have to feel guilty! When you're high in the mountains, early wake-ups are very normal.
Hiking that early can be tough, especially after a bad sleep, but it was absolutely worth it for the fiery peak we got to see. 1000% recommend, it's a perfect elopement experience for anyone adventurous. Tessa and Dante are not morning people at all (neither am I, TBH), but they said these sunrises were worth the lack of sleep. They would do it all again in a heartbeat!
"I STILL CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THE PHOTOS OMGGGG!!
If you’re eloping in Switzerland you HAVE TO book this absolute LEGEND of a photographer!
We had a 3-day elopement adventure and it was just unreal. We’d only been to Switzerland once before and had no clue where to even start with planning. But somehow, in all the craziness, everything turned out PERFECT thanks to Shawna. From the first message, she just got us. Super chill, totally on top of everything, and knew all the spots that really matched our vision. We were so stressed and chaotic…but she helped calm us down, and made the exact experience we were looking for.
She was so flexible with dates (bless), helped us with the daily schedules, and honestly ended up becoming more of a friend than just our photographer. Not even kidding — by day two we already were inviting each other to crash on our couches.
Her husband, Harry, joined us to do some instagram videos and fly their drone. He was also such a pleasure to have, and we got some amazing footage out of it! We’re honestly phone addicts, so we wanted to make sure we spent this time truly TOGETHER, aka without our phones. And Harry helped us keep our phones away by making the craziest reels for us that we could send to our family and friends back home. And with the two of them, we didn’t even feel the need to be on phones at all; we had so much fun with them, and also found moments of so much peace with just the two of us together.
Also — and this is huge — we’re normally the definition of awkward in front of a camera. Like, deer-in-headlights, “what do we do with our hands” awkward. But somehow we felt completely comfortable. I absolutely bawled my eyes out when I saw the sneak peeks!
If we could give 100 stars, we would. Just book Shawna. Seriously. You’ll thank yourself later."
Full testimonial
Reach out
Thanks for the message, I will get back to you ASAP!
hello@shawnaraephotography.com
Send me an email or fill out the form below!
Are you interested in going on a well-documented adventure with me? Then fill out the form with any questions you have or send me an email. I do my best to reply within 48 hours, although I could be out shooting a session or hiking in the mountains with no reception, so I do apologize for potential delays in my response. The best way to get in contact is definitely here or via direct email!
© Shawna Rae Photography 2025
say hi
hello@shawnaraephotography.com
follow along @shawnaraephotos
shawna rae
photography