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. 🦜✨
✸ Why choose a winter wedding in the Alps?
A magical atmosphere (snow, light, mountain lodge)
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.
A unique experience for your guests
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.
The wild & cosy spirit: the perfect combination
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.
✸ A Parisian meeting and an icy proposal in Norway
From tiny Parisian maid’s rooms to pétanque games
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 simple proposal, in the middle of the snow
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.
✸ A year of planning for a wedding like no other
Planning without a wedding planner: mission possible (and truly enjoyable)
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.
Finding the dream mountain venue
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.)
Working with the weather: snow as the guest of honour
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.
✸ Ultra-practical tips from Cindy for future winter couples
Scouting, planning & mountain logistics
- Do a location scouting with your photographer and videographer (hi, that’s us!) before the big day.
- Plan EVERYTHING down to the minute. Really.
- Anticipate transportation: shuttles, cable cars, etc.
- Print the schedule and delegate tasks to your witnesses. Result? Zero stress.
Delegating the little tasks on the big day
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.
✸ Meeting Budgie Bandits: a creative love at first sight
An engagement session to break the ice
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.
The natural connection with the photo and video duo
With them, there was no need to pose. It was real, raw, pure emotion. And honestly, we couldn’t have dreamed of anything better.
Details thoughtfully designed with love (and great taste)
Custom-made rings with Guillaume
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.
Xavier’s stylish suit
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.
Cindy’s 100% custom-made outfit
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.)
An embroidered top full of emotion
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.
✸ Flowers, décor, gifts: the soul of a winter wedding
A modern & colourful floral scenography
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.
Tartan scarves and lasting keepsakes for the guests
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 big day: between mulled wine, clouds and sparks
Preparations, a high-altitude ceremony and a mountain-style afternoon treat
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.
The rain, the umbrella… and perfectly imperfect photos
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).
A night that ends on the dance floor (and under the snow)
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.)
✸ Why choose Budgie Bandits for a winter wedding?
Weather adaptability, scouting & wild storytelling
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.
Natural, lively images full of emotion
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.
✸ FAQ – Everything you need to know about winter weddings in the Alps
Is it complicated to plan a winter mountain wedding?
It’s a logistical challenge (clearly). But with anticipation and a great team (hi 🦜) ), it’s totally doable… and absolutely magical.
How do you handle the weather and logistics?
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.
What should you plan for your guests?
Useful gifts (scarves, tote bags, pocket hand warmers…), mulled wine on arrival, and above all: planning transportation ahead of time (shuttles, cable cars).
How much does a winter wedding in the Alps cost?
Between €40,000 and €60,000, according to Cindy and Xavier. But every single cent contributed to a unique and unforgettable moment.
What style of photos do you get in winter?
Soft light, striking contrasts, and atmospheres no filter could ever replicate. Bonus: snowflakes and mist for a guaranteed cinematic effect.
Why choose a photo and video duo?
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 & Xavier’s winter wedding, a modern snowy fairytale
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
