Ashley and Dionne’s Destination Wedding on Brissago Island in Switzerland 

California couple Ashley Rodriguez-Vargas (she/her) and Dionne Vargas (she/her) married in an intimate destination wedding on Brissago Island in Switzerland’s Lake Maggiore region, surrounded by calm water, mountain views, and their nearest and dearest. They met in the middle of the aisle together, Ashley walked by her best friend and Dionne by her mother, before exchanging vows they had written themselves at Villa Emden, a venue perched at the edge of the lake.

Our Wedding Vibe

Our wedding feel was romantic, intimate and deeply personal a celebration surrounded by nature, water and people we love most. We had a symbolic ceremony and reception on a private island in Switzerland, with just 18 guests including family and close friends. The setting at Villa Emden on the Isole di Brissago combines elegance with tranquility soft dusty blue tones, metallic silver accents and natural wooden details to match the lake’s serenity. We wanted it to feel like a heartfelt getaway relaxed yet refined, modern yet timeless. The focus is on connection, joy and beauty in simplicity.

How We Personalized Our Wedding

We wanted our wedding to feel like an authentic reflection of who we are—intimate, heartfelt, and filled with beauty and meaning. Set on the serene island of Villa Emden in Switzerland, the day was surrounded by water, mountains and the people who mean the most to us. With only thirty guests, it felt deeply personal and connected. Every detail was chosen with intention. We wrote our own vows and created a ceremony space that balanced romance and modernity, complete with a custom wooden aisle runner wrapped in metallic gold vinyl—a symbol of the path we’ve walked together. Music was a huge part of our story. We combined a jazz band and a mariachi band, blending cultures and styles that spoke to both of us. One of our most emotional moments was walking down the aisle together while the mariachi played “La Mitad Que Me Faltaba,” a song that perfectly captured the feeling of finding your missing half. Our dusty blue and gold palette tied everything together—the soft blues reflected the calm of Lake Maggiore, while the gold accents added warmth, elegance and a sense of celebration. Every element, from the music to the décor, told a piece of our story and made the day feel uniquely ours.

Our Love Story

“When Ashley’s father was diagnosed with cancer,” says Dionne. “I knew time was precious. I wanted her to have the chance to share such a meaningful milestone with him while he was still with us. My goal was to create a moment that was not only beautiful but deeply personal one that reflected Ashley’s dreams. For years, she had a photo of Horseshoe Bend, Arizona, as her computer background a place she had always wished to visit but never thought possible, growing up in a low-income household. I wanted to turn that dream into reality. So I planned our trip there, knowing it was the perfect place to ask her to spend forever with me surrounded by endless skies, breathtaking cliffs, and possibilities as vast as our love. When we arrived, it felt surreal. As the sun set over the canyon, I asked Ashley to marry me and thankfully, she said yes. It was a moment filled with joy, love and gratitude. Not long after we returned home, Ashley’s father’s condition worsened. His cancer advanced, and he lost his sight. We decided to postpone our wedding until the time felt right, wanting to honor both him and the journey that brought us here. We decided a date when we felt right and a location. That’s how Switzerland came about, on an private island, surrounded by loved ones and remembering her father’s love.”

What advice would you give to engaged LGBTQ+ couples or marriers?

Our advice to other LGBTQ+ couples is simple: lead with love and stay true to yourselves. The world is full of opinions, but your wedding should reflect your story—not anyone else’s expectations. Don’t be afraid to do things differently, to honor your love in a way that feels natural and meaningful to you. If one door closes, keep looking—because the right people and the right place will welcome you with open arms. We experienced that firsthand after hearing so many “nos,” and it made finding our venue in Switzerland even more special. Take your time to enjoy the process, celebrate each small win, and surround yourselves with vendors and loved ones who see and celebrate your love fully. At the end of the day, your wedding is a celebration of courage, authenticity and the beautiful life you’re building together—and that’s something truly worth cherishing.

Advice for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples/marriers?

Our biggest advice to other LGBTQ+ couples is to create a wedding that feels true to you—not what tradition says it should be. There’s so much freedom in writing your own story, from the way you plan your ceremony to how you choose to celebrate your love. Don’t be afraid to break norms or mix styles that represent who you are as a couple. Whether that means walking down the aisle together, choosing nontraditional music, or blending cultures like we did with our jazz and mariachi bands—your love is the only rule that matters. Most importantly, take moments throughout the day to pause and really see each other. It all goes by so fast, and those quiet moments—a glance, a smile, a deep breath together—are what you’ll remember most. And finally, surround yourself with people who celebrate you wholeheartedly. Your wedding should be a reflection of love, authenticity and pride in the life you’ve built together.

What challenges did you face as an LGBTQ+ couple or LGBTQ+ marriers planning your wedding?

One of the biggest challenges we faced as an LGBTQ+ couple was finding a destination and team that truly welcomed us. When we first began planning, we received a lot of “nos” from venues in Italy—places that either didn’t respond or made it clear they weren’t comfortable hosting a same-sex wedding. It was disheartening at times, especially when all we wanted was to celebrate our love openly and joyfully. But everything changed when we found Switzerland, and especially Villa Emden. From the very first conversation, every vendor and staff member was kind, supportive and genuinely excited to be part of our day. The atmosphere was completely different: warm, inclusive and full of respect. It reminded us that while the search can be challenging, there are places and people who will celebrate your love exactly as it deserves—with open arms and open hearts.

Did you encounter any pleasant surprises as an LGBTQ+ couple or marriers planning your wedding?

Yes—and they were some of the most heartwarming moments of our entire journey. After facing so many rejections early on, we were genuinely surprised by how welcoming and affirming everyone in Switzerland was once we found the right place. From our planner to the staff at Villa Emden, every person we worked with treated our wedding with love, respect and excitement—exactly the way every couple deserves to be treated. One person who truly made our experience unforgettable was Laura from Villa Emden, our day coordinator. She went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly and that we felt supported every step of the way. Her warmth, organization and genuine kindness made us feel completely at ease—like we were being cared for by family. What surprised us most was how normal it all felt—in the best way. No hesitation, no judgment, just pure joy and genuine support. It was a beautiful reminder that love really is universal, and that when you find the right people, they’ll celebrate you for exactly who you are. Switzerland—and Laura—will always hold a special place in our hearts. ❤️

Featured LGBTQ+ Inclusive and Queer Affirming Wedding Vendors

Photographer: Sabrina Bartal
Videographer: Desidero Weddings
Wedding Ceremony and Reception Venue, Planning and Catering: Villa Emden
Florist: Miss Deco
Attire for Ashley Rodriguez-Vargas: Cherie Amore
Attire for Dionne Vargas: Suit Supply; custom blouse by Cherie Amore
Jewelry: Tiffany and Co.