28 — 29 August 2026 · Geneva & Lavaux, Switzerland

Elena & Chris

are getting married
3,330 metres above Verbier, she said yes.
Our Story

From a hike to a lifetime

Elena and Chris on their 1st hike
Elena and Chris hiking by Aletsch glacier Elena and Chris on their 1st hike
August 2024

A coffee, then a mountain

It began with an online conversation — followed by a coffee, and then hikes in the Swiss mountains. Two very different worlds, in science and in diplomacy, found the same love of adventure.

Elena and Chris in Zermatt 2026 Elena and Chris at the top of Le Mole
Elena and Chris kayaking on Lake Geneva
Elena and Chris in ice cave Elena and Chris in ice cave
2024 – 2026

Skis, kayaks, summits

Skiing across Swiss snowy peaks, snow-shoeing to glaciers, kayaking on Lake Geneva, hiking through breathtaking ridgelines — we kept discovering new places, and ourselves, side by side.

Elena and Chris in Amsterdam Elena and Chris in Venice
Elena and Chris in Scotland Elena and Chris in Scotland again
Elena and Chris in Moldova
2024 – 2026

Some sweet escapes

Discovering new places as well as each other's counties while falling more and more in love.

Elena and Chris with Elena's mum Elena and Chris at Christmas in Edinburgh
Elena and Chris with Coco + Bobo
2024 – 2026

Enlarging our family

We were warmly welcomed into each other's families and also welcomed Coco & Bobo into our home.

Chris proposing to Elena Chris proposing to Elena
Post-proposal
April 2026 · 3,330m, Verbier

She said yes!

It was only fitting that the mountains, where our story truly blossomed, would also be the place where our next chapter began.

Elena and Chris hiking Elena and Chris kissing
Lavaux
Outside Four Seasons
29 August 2026

Time for "I do!"

Now we cannot wait to both say "I do" — surrounded by our friends and family. Thank you for being part of our journey.

The Weekend

Programme & Schedule

Welcome Reception
17:30 – 21:00, Le Deck Restaurant Terrasse
16:00

Coach departs Geneva

Meeting point: Flower Clock (Horloge Fleurie), near Mont Blanc Bridge — Quai du Général Guisan 28, 1204 Geneva. A private coach will take us to Lavaux and back; let us know on your RSVP if you'd like a seat.

17:30

Welcome cocktail

Join us overlooking the Lavaux vineyards and Lake Geneva, at Le Deck, Route de la Corniche 4, 1070 Puidoux. A relaxed start to the weekend before the big day.

21:00

Coach departs for Geneva

Drop-off back at the Flower Clock meeting point.

Attire — Formal Cocktail / Summer Smart. Ladies: elegant summer dresses with comfortable heels suited to a terrace. Gentlemen: lightweight summer suits or smart jackets — tailored shorts are perfectly acceptable if it's warm.
Wedding Day
Ceremony at 14:00, Geneva Old Town
14:00

Wedding ceremony

Church of Scotland in Geneva (Auditoire de Calvin), Place de la Taconnerie 1, 1204 Geneva — just beside St. Pierre Cathedral, in the Old Town.

15:00

Group photograph

In front of St. Pierre Cathedral.

15:20

Walk to the reception

A scenic easy walk through Geneva's Old Town down to the lakeside, about 20 minutes. A taxi or Uber is a fine alternative if you'd rather not walk.

16:00

Drinks reception

Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Genève, Quai des Bergues 33, 1201 Geneva.

18:00

Wedding dinner

Tasty food!

20:30

Music & dancing -- until midnight!

An evening of celebration with Scottish, Moldovan and contemporary music.

Dress code — Black Tie / Elegant Formal / Traditional. We encourage everyone to dress up and celebrate with us in style.
Find Your Way

Locations

Friday, 16:00

Coach Pick-up — Flower Clock

Quai du Général Guisan 28, 1204 Geneva

Friday, 17:30

Welcome Reception — Le Deck

Route de la Corniche 4, 1070 Puidoux (Lavaux)

Saturday, 14:00

Ceremony — Auditoire de Calvin

Place de la Taconnerie 1, 1204 Geneva

Saturday, 15:40

Reception & Dinner — Four Seasons des Bergues

Quai des Bergues 33, 1201 Geneva

Good to Know

Useful Information

Parking

Getting there

There is no complimentary parking at the venues. The nearest public parking is near Mont Blanc Bridge and other options also exist throughout Geneva city centre.

Gifts

Your presence is the gift

If you'd still like to mark the occasion you are welcome to, or alternatively we'd be honoured if you would consider a donation to two animal shelter charities in Moldova: Datcha or Plamadeala. We are happy to pass on donations given to us or you can donate directly through Paypal: datcha_moldova@yahoo.com or adrianhelbert@yahoo.com or MIA: Datcha or 069 240 301.

Food

Allergies & intolerances

Please let us know in advance via your RSVP, if you have any allergies, food intolerances or dietary requirements.

Kindly Reply

RSVP

We'd love to know if you can join us. Please reply by the end of July 2026.

Thank you!

Your RSVP has been received. We can't wait to celebrate with you.

Help Us Build the Playlist

Live Music Wishlist

Tell us a song that gets you on the dance floor — we'll pass your requests on to the band.

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