Wedding Part II: Swiss-Style

After the intermission, everyone made thier way to Sparenmoos, Switzerland, which consists of a hotel on the mid-slopes of the alps that is a center for outdoor activity there. On Friday evening, we were treated to a wonderful meal of 5 different kinds of all-you-could-eat meat and unlimited wine. The usual "rehersal" dinner events occurred (Thanks for the wine glass; the shards made it back just fine) and the night ended whenever one wanted.

On Saturday, with more snow on the ground, the guests hopped on buses down to the church in the village of Zweisimmen. There, Teresa and Christoph were married again in a religious ceremony.

Excited guests and a shot of the decor of the old church.

Kelly walking Teresa up the aisle.

Teresa and Christoph departing the church to a sunnier, warmer day than it started. Very fitting.

After the ceremony, T & C greeted people in an outbuilding on the church grounds, and we all had cake and champagne, a German tradition.  Then the guests and couple boarded busses back up the Sparenmoos where there was more champagne, wine, and appetizers.  Dinner was again a wonderful 4-course meal interrupted by heartfelt stories.  The highlight was the silent film the best-man and his wife made humourously chronicaling how the couple came together. 

Sunday, the guests slowly departed, and the remaining family and I made our way to Zurich, Teresa's and Christoph's home.  After one more night in a beer-hall, I got on a plane the next morning to make the 25 hour journey back to Hawaii.  It was totally worth it!  I wish I could be in Milwaukee for the reception after Thanksgiving.

Congratulations to the truly happy couple and a heartfelt thanks to them and their families for the wonderful hospitality they extended to me.