Nicholas had always wanted to summit the Matterhorn. Once they started exploring options for their intimate wedding abroad, Brittany and Nicholas decided that Zermatt, Switzerland was the perfect place for not only their wedding but also for an epic weekend of adventure and photos.

Their families joined them after their own travels throughout Italy and Switzerland. Nicholas planned to summit the Matterhorn two days before the wedding, but the windy conditions pushed his trek to the day before. Brittany and his family went to see him off at the gondola stop only to realize shortly after that they had missed the last gondola ride to return to town. After hours of hiking thousands of feet down without water or food (including his stepmom who does not have a functioning ACL), they returned safely to their hotel to prepare for the wedding day. Nicholas summited the Matterhorn with less fanfare.

The Matterhorn held onto a wisp of cloud, as though it was smoking like a volcano. It was a chilly, overcast day, especially at 6000+ feet of elevation. After getting ready at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhof, Brittany took the train up the mountain to meet Nicholas for their first look. Unfortunately, Nicholas missed his stop, so we took the time to check out the ceremony site while we waited almost an hour for him to be able to make it back down the mountain.

Their families read letters to the couple during the ceremony in lieu of toasts. Their notes were emotional, hilarious, and heartfelt. With the Matterhorn behind them, they kissed and made it official.

They enjoyed a beautiful lunch with their family and friends on the terrace of the restaurant and appreciated the return of the sun, which warmed the afternoon.