Imagine a chalet lost in the mountains, snow falling silently, guests wrapped up in tartan scarves… and right in the middle of it all, two lovers saying “I do”. Welcome to Cindy and Xavier’s winter wedding in the Alps. A perfect blend of magic, seamless logistics (thank you cable cars), ultra-stylish DIY details… and “perfectly imperfect” moments captured by our dream team at Budgie Bandits. Spoiler alert: it was INCREDIBLE. 🦜✨

In winter, the Alps turn into a cinematic setting. Add a symbolic ceremony on a snow-covered plateau, a cosy mountain lodge, bouquets without a single touch of white (true story), and you get an atmosphere worthy of a Christmas movie… haute couture edition.

Cindy and Xavier thought of everything: mulled wine on arrival, personalised scarves featuring patterns from Xavier’s family heritage, thoughtful and useful little gifts, and even an afternoon treat with a chocolate fountain. We’re not far from a five-star emotional experience.
No grand, over-the-top château here. Just a place that truly reflects who they are, tucked away in the mountains, with wood, mist, clouds… and a ceremony held in a soft, muffled silence. Almost unreal. Perfectly imperfect.

Yes, it all begins in Paris (like so many beautiful stories). Two neighbours living in tiny maid’s rooms, a door slamming shut, an invitation to a surprise birthday pétanque game… and that’s the start of a strong, simple and sincere love.
A trip to Norway, slightly overexcited sled dogs, a sunset, and a secluded trail. That’s where Xavier pulls out the ring, with no fuss. And then, boom: a magical moment, suspended in time.

No professional conductor here, just a duo perfectly aligned on the vision: a winter wedding, at altitude, in the snow. DIY down to their fingertips, and some amazing encounters along the way. Proof that planning it yourself is far from being mission impossible.

The holy grail: a refuge or chalet able to host 115 seated guests indoors. (Spoiler: mission accomplished with La Cabane des Praz.) Add a symbolic ceremony at the top of the spot… and you get a logistical obstacle course worthy of a role-playing game. (But with more flowers.)
The weather stress? Huge. But the reward? A ceremony wrapped in a soft cloud, a light snowfall during the photos, and even… a mini snowstorm as guests left the dinner. Nature 1, weather 0.


Entrust the passes, the confetti, and guest coordination to a dream team (friends, family, witnesses). Cindy and Xavier had thought of everything, and it truly made all the difference. Pro tip approved.

Before the wedding, Cindy and Xavier did an engagement photoshoot with us. The goal? Build a connection, get comfortable in front of the camera… and most importantly, have a good laugh. We broke the ice, literally and figuratively.

With them, there was no need to pose. It was real, raw, pure emotion. And honestly, we couldn’t have dreamed of anything better.

At Cindy and Xavier’s, even the jewellery tells a story. Xavier imagined the proposal ring, then together they co-created an engagement ring with Guillaume, Xavier’s brother and a jewellery designer. Stone research, sketches, tests, assembly… a shared experience as precious as the ring itself.

An instant crush at Suit Supply. A look refined down to the smallest detail: a wool tie, a silk pocket square, a textured coat. The result? An elegant, cosy style with a perfectly mountain-inspired feel. Effortlessly stylish from collar to shoes.

No classic dress here. Cindy, stylish down to the very last snowflake, worked with a seamstress to create a modular outfit: a top, trousers, an overskirt and a coat. Comfort, modernity, elegance. And above all: 100% herself. (And no, she never wore dresses before that.)

For the evening, she slips into an embroidered top by Laura Laval Paris, a former school friend. A true reunion moment and a beautiful dose of couture emotion. That’s also what a wedding that reflects who they are is all about: meaningful connections.

No white for Cindy. Emmanuelle, the florist, immediately understood the desired vibe: colourful, modern, no arch but DIY wooden columns to showcase the arrangements. Fresh flowers + dried flowers = a winning combination.

Guests left with tartan scarves, a nod to Xavier’s family, and handmade napkin rings. Thoughtful gifts designed to last, just like their love (yes, we’re daring the cheesy line 😎).

The morning: a relaxed brunch with loved ones.
1:30 pm: guests ride up by cable car (with passes & goodies).
2:30 pm: the ceremony begins, led by Camille, one of Xavier’s childhood friends. The speeches? Heart-touching. The atmosphere? Like a soft, dreamlike bubble. Almost like a commercial… but in real life.

After the ceremony, a high-altitude afternoon treat, then a photoshoot… in the rain. Umbrellas, bursts of laughter, slightly dirty outfits… but 2000% authentic images. And then, BAM: snow starts falling as everyone leaves the dinner. Thank you, unpredictable weather (you spoiled us for once).


Cocktail, speeches, sparks, a wild entrance… then dancing, dancing, dancing. Barely time to eat because the energy was electric. DJ, lights, love everywhere. Cindy and Xavier never left the dance floor. (Neither did we, to be honest.)



A winter wedding means surprise weather and tricky light. But for us, that’s the fun part. We scout, we anticipate, we improvise. Whether it’s in the mist, under the rain or during golden hour, we capture what YOU are living. Not stiff poses, but something real, raw, pure Budgie.
No Barbie filters or stiff poses. Just pure emotion, intense memories, and that “wild and free” vibe we love to capture. Cindy and Xavier? They truly felt it. And we were lucky enough to tell their story.

It’s a logistical challenge (clearly). But with anticipation and a great team (hi 🦜) ), it’s totally doable… and absolutely magical.
Plan B, delegation, scouting… and lots of flexibility. Cindy and Xavier thought of everything, and their ceremony in the clouds remains one of the most beautiful memories.
Useful gifts (scarves, tote bags, pocket hand warmers…), mulled wine on arrival, and above all: planning transportation ahead of time (shuttles, cable cars).
Between €40,000 and €60,000, according to Cindy and Xavier. But every single cent contributed to a unique and unforgettable moment.
Soft light, striking contrasts, and atmospheres no filter could ever replicate. Bonus: snowflakes and mist for a guaranteed cinematic effect.
Because together, we capture what truly matters: small gestures, bursts of laughter, tears. And we never miss the right light. (Even in the rain.)
Cindy and Xavier proved that a winter wedding in the Alps is so much more than a beautiful setting: it’s a human adventure, a mountain of emotions, a DIY project powered by love… and a true moment of freedom. We, Budgie Bandits, are proud to have captured this wild, genuine and endlessly beautiful day.
So if you too dream of a wedding “like no other”, under falling snow and with a team that truly delivers (wood and snow included), come and tell us all about your vision. ✨
PS: You don’t need a dress to be a bride. You just need someone who makes you laugh under the snow.
The team who made their wedding possible:
Photographer : Budgie Bandits https://budgiebandits.com
Venue : La Cabane des Praz https://www.restaurant-cabane-chamonix.com/
Bride dress : Création sur-mesure par Stephanie Voto
Ceremony location : Le Refuge de la Flégère https://www.refuge-de-la-flegere.com/
Florist : Fleuri’cimes https://fleuristes-et-fleurs.com/fleuriste/fleuri-cimes-chamonix-mont-blanc-74400
Hair stylist : Le Salon https://www.lesalonchamonix.fr/
Make up artist : Le Secret https://www.lesecret-institut.fr/
DJ : Dance Police https://www.dancepolice.fr/
Embroidered top : Laura Laval Paris www.lauralavalparis.com
Engagement ring and wedding band: Stapylton-Smith Jewellery www.stapyltonsmith.com
Émilie et Stéphane, photographe et vidéaste mariage (mais pas seulement) en Isère, proche de
Grenoble, d’Annecy et de Valence. Pour des reportages bruts et authentiques de vos histoires
d’amour sincères et des moments où vous souriez avec toutes vos dents
Émilie and Stéphane, wedding photographers and videographers (but not only) in Isère, near Grenoble, Annecy, and Valence. Capturing raw and authentic stories of your love, and those moments when you smile with your whole heart.