#burgenstock resort

[mrs-trophy-wife]

[ladylooch]

Second Chances - [Timo X Emma]

A/N: I was supposed to write Mackdavid smut tonight. But this request came in and it was just 🥹 everything I needed. Thank you, nonnie!

The request: Since Timo didn’t have the chance to propose to Emma, does he propose for a special anniversary to make up for it?

Word Count: 1.1k

On an early summer evening, Emma’s glittering gold heel hits the pavement outside the Burgenstock Resort on Lake Lucerne. She smiles at the familiar memories of this place. It’s been through several remodels since she first stayed here with her husband as nothing more than friends, but the luxury still wafts through the high-rise ceilings as she walks in. 

“Mrs. Meier!” The manager, Gregory, greets her. “Your husband awaits for you on the patio.”

“Thank you! Wonderful to be back.” She gives him a brief air kiss, then continues forward on her own. She knows the way well. 

Emma walks with confidence, pretending that she knows the reason a limo picked her up and whisked her away to the mountains after a cryptic text from her husband. Her emerald dress sways around her calves with each stride. The doors are automatic and open once they sense her presence. Emma glances around, thin eyebrows drawing together in confusion when she doesn’t see anyone else on the first level of the patio. Usually, this place has every table seated. She steps forward, resting her black, YSL clutch on the marble railing, glancing out at the sun disappearing behind the mountains. Only a few orange bursts streak across the water towards her. 

“Mama!” Emma hears her daughter. She looks down towards the voice, then gasps in surprise at Timo and their babies. A huge grin stretches her face when she sees each of them dressed to the nines.

“Mama, come here!” Lio exclaims, giggles taking over him as he attempts to stay quiet. 

In true fashion for the twins, they don’t bother waiting for her. They both toddle over to the ramp connecting the levels, clamoring awkwardly up it like they are three champagne glasses deep. 

“Hi.” Timo murmurs to his wife from below. She bites her lip, tilting her head to the side as she looks at him. She sighs happily, blowing him a smooch with the tips of her fingers. 

My goodness, Emma Meier is in love with her life. If she had to pick it again, she would. Without hesitation, which is clearly her husband’s intention with the evening. 

She struts confidently over to the right, catching the twins at the top of the ramp.

“Let’s go back!” She encourages them, putting each of her hands in their little palms.

They march right next to her, exaggerating picking up their feet with their adorable movements. They babble to each other and the rest of their family as they move. Emma’s eyes meet Timo’s as she comes down. He looks almost… nervous? Emma can’t help but chuckle as she takes in the “Will you” papers being held be their two oldest children. Clearly Marry and Daddy? had different priorities in this moment. 

Timo watches her approach with soft, blue eyes. His hands are shoved into his pockets. Liv leans into his thigh, giggling as Lio exclaims that mama looks so beautiful. 

“Aren’t you just the sweetest! I’m so glad we made you!” Emma smiles, touching Lio’s shoulder as she greets her husband properly with a kiss. “It’s still a yes.” She tells him confidently. 

“For fuc..fudge sake, Em. Will you let me ask?” 

“Oh. So sorry.” She laughs around the hand she slaps over her mouth. “Yes, I’m listening. Go ahead.” She takes a slight step back, but laces their fingers together. Her huge wedding ring bumps against the inside of his palm as he takes a deep breath. 

“I’ve had 15 years since we met in Slovakia to come up with words for how I feel about you. But the truth is, I still don’t have ‘em. Because you, Emma, are truly indescribable. Have been since the moment I laid eyes on you in that cafe. The only thing I knew from that moment on was that I had to have you. Once was supposed to be enough.” He winks at her. “But I knew I was toast the second your lips hit mine.”

“Aw!” Liv howls out. “That’s so romantic!” 

“Life is so full with you, baby.” Timo continues at his wife while putting a hand on Liv’s head to keep her still and quiet as she hugs his leg tight. “You have given me everything in this world that matters to me. It’s been a life filled with many unexpected twists and turns, but there is no one else I would ever want to do this with. Even though its a complete risk because you know fully what it means to be married to me now.” He pauses to give her a grin. “I’m gonna ask again, to mark the start of the 15th year of us knowing and loving on each other.” He says it pointedly. Emma doesn’t disagree this time, making Timo grin brighter. 

Timo gets down on one knee. Emma loved the first proposal, knew it had to be the way that it was for their journey to move forward as a family of three, but this one is pretty damn great too. Emma glances over at their oldest, seeing unshed tears in his eyes. She pouts at him, then looks at her husband as he pops open a red box with a brand new, sparking set of diamond rings.

“I’ve gotta know, baby. Will you marry me? Again?”

“What do you think Lee? You were there last time too. Should I?” She asks, cupping his face as he rubs his tears off his cheeks. He nods whole heartily at her. Emma kisses his head, then moves over to Timo. She holds her husband’s cheeks in both of her hands, stroking his smooth skin with her thumbs. “Yes. A million yeses, babe.” She assures him, then kisses him as their children cheer. Timo smiles under her lips, then rises up, lifting her in the process. He is careful of their babies as he sways them back and forth together.

“Yay!!!!” Liv and Lio cheer excitedly. The twins yelp and cry, demanding to be let in on whatever magic their parents are currently experiencing. The older kids grab each of them, hugging together and spinning around in a circle until Liam stumbles over and begins to cry. Timo puts Emma down, then collects their crying baby in his arms. 

“That.” Emma murmurs, cupping the other babies into her body, giving them hugs.

“Hm?”

“That is what made me propose to you in the hospital. Watching you hold our baby.” Timo smiles, reaching to lace their fingers together. 

“I love you, Em. Eternally.”

“Forever.” Emma agrees, kissing his cheek, then his lips. “But for now, let’s get these babies some dinner.”

More Timo and Emma here.

[audreyhepburninblackandwhite]

Audrey Hepburn at a resort in Burgenstock, Switzerland 1954

[christianpureofficial]

Parolin: International human rights conventions must be safeguarded in Russia-Ukraine war

Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a plenary session at the Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Burgenstock resort near Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 16, 2024. / Credit: ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Rome Newsroom, Sep 18, 2024 / 13:20 pm (CNA). Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin met with Russia’s Commissioner for Human Rights Tatiana…

[darkmaga-retard]

Kyiv, Ukraine – For Oleksandr Antybysh, peace negotiations with Russia should be based on several conditions.

“A return to Ukraine’s internationally recognised borders, a ban for Russia to conduct military drills no closer than 300km [186 miles] from Ukraine’s borders”, the bearded serviceman said as he counted out the conditions on his fingers.

Antybysh, who co-heads a volunteer group that makes gadgets for speedy gun loading in the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, also told Al Jazeera he wants to see the “full reparation of all losses, material and moral, that have to be calculated by an international commission”.

But as Moscow slowly and bloodily advances in Ukraine’s southeast and Kyiv wages a daring incursion into western Russia, the prospects of such conditions seem distant.

Russia is currently throwing thousands of barely trained servicemen onto the front lines to push through Ukrainian defences and is pummelling besieged towns and villages with glide bombs,

Even so, in recent months, the Ukrainian president has been cautiously talking about peace talks with Moscow – after more than two years of denying their very possibility.

In mid-July, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia should be invited to the second round of a peace summit in Switzerland.

Russian diplomats were not invited to the first round, which took place in the resort of Burgenstock in mid-June and was attended by representatives of 92 nations.

Two days later, Zelenskyy told the BBC that “not all [occupied] territories should be returned by force”.

[sutrala]

(NaturalNews) Russia will eventually have to be involved in peace talks in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.The official made...

[tvbrasilnoticias]

Países do Sul Global recusam-se a assinar o plano de paz para a Ucrânia

Durante a cúpula de paz realizada na Suíça, diversas nações do Sul Global citaram a ausência da Rússia e a presença de Israel como motivos para não aceitarem o comunicado. A cúpula, que aconteceu no último fim de semana no resort Burgenstock, em Stansstad, Suíça, reuniu cerca de 100 delegações de países e organizações internacionais com o objetivo de traçar um caminho para pôr fim à guerra da…

[cyberbenb]

Ukraine’s Peace Summit is over — what were its highs and lows?

Ukraine’s peace summit wrapped up on June 16 at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland after two days of discussions on three major aspects of Ukraine’s 10-point peace plan: nuclear safety, food securi Source : kyivindependent.com/ukraines-…

[easylingoesdotcom]

https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-russia-switzerland-war-conference-burgenstock-568cafee5fbe9c3b19b79b041583a5d6 Eighty countries jointly called Sunday for the “territorial integrity” of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russia’s two-year war, though some key developing nations at a Swiss conference did not join in. The joint communique capped a two-day conference at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland marked by the absence of Russia, which was … 英语：80 个国家在瑞士会议上同意乌克兰领土完整必须是任何和平的基础 Read More »

[cavenewstimes]

80 countries at Swiss conference agree territorial integrity of Ukraine must be basis of any peace: Why I

NEW DELHI: A total of 80 countries on Sunday jointly called for the “ territorial integrity ” of Ukraine to be the basis for any peace agreement to end Russia’s war , though some key developing nations at a Swiss conference did not join in, including India.The joint communique capped a two-day conference at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland marked by the absence of Russia, which was not…

[xnewsinfo]

On a wet, misty and humid day within the alpine resorts of Burgenstock, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tried to strike an optimistic temper. On the inaugural world summit hosted by Switzerland to discover a "path to peace" 52 months after the Russian invasion, Zelenskyy hoped this dialogue would discover a resolution to the warfare. Though there have been notable absences from the room, together with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was not invited by the Swiss. “Even in case you are not right here immediately on the first summit, now we have managed to carry again to the world the concept that joint efforts can cease warfare and set up a simply peace. “This concept will certainly work as a result of the world has energy,” Zelenskyy stated. In his opening remarks to reporters on the press middle close to the venue of the talks, Zelenskyy burdened that "the opinions, concepts and management of every nation are equally necessary." Nonetheless, the Ukrainian president refused to reply questions earlier than the official inauguration ceremony. “Every thing that's agreed upon immediately on the summit can be a part of the peace course of that all of us want. “I feel we are going to witness historical past being made on the summit,” Zelenskyy stated. First launched on the G-20 Bali summit in 2021 and adopted by 4 rounds of talks between Nationwide Safety Advisors, the attendance depend for the primary two-day summit in Switzerland was 101 nations and organizations, together with 57 Heads of State. The convention started on Saturday afternoon with a plenary session. And on Sunday, working teams will talk about three key agendas: nuclear safety, freedom of delivery and meals safety, and humanitarian elements, together with prisoners of warfare. India has averted political illustration and as a substitute despatched its prime diplomat in control of the area. Brazil, the President of the G-20 will attend solely as an observer and with the envoy current. Talking on the occasion, US Vice President Kamala Harris stated: “Russia's aggression is not only an assault on the life and freedom of the individuals of Ukraine. It's not simply an assault on meals safety and international vitality provides. "Russia's aggression can also be an assault on worldwide guidelines and norms and the ideas enshrined within the Constitution of the United Nations."“If the world doesn't reply when an aggressor invades his neighbor, different aggressors will undoubtedly be emboldened. “He results in the potential for warfare, for conquest, for chaos,” he added.“Europe has a robust presence right here on the summit. However that isn't all. India, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Kenya and Mexico are additionally right here, amongst others,” stated Swiss President Viola Amherd, pointing to broad illustration on the talks amid criticism of a contentious summit.Whereas leaders emphasize the historic significance of the summit, expectations stay low-key and the temper somber. Low expectations Lotte Krank-van de Burgt, a journalist for the Finnish broadcaster YLE, says her individuals can solely hope that the battle doesn't escalate additional and unfold to instant neighbors like Finland, which have lengthy shared good relations with Russia however they now not communicate. . “I would not say life has modified that a lot, however maybe we're extra involved about our nice neighbor to the east. We're extra fearful than ever about Russia as a result of it was an enormous shock that the warfare began, that they might assault a sovereign nation. “Everybody thought it may have been us too.” He factors to studies of Russian incursions into Finnish and, extra not too long ago, Swedish airspace to emphasise that Moscow is reminding its neighbors of its presence within the area and the looming concern of what may come subsequent. Liliane Bivings experiences concern every day in kyiv, the place she first moved as a US Peace Corps volunteer in 2017. After COVID-19, she joined the Kyiv Put up however when the newsroom closed when the warfare started, the group launched the Kyiv Impartial. “Proper now the scenario is sort of tough. “The warfare could be felt fairly intensely even in kyiv, which is way from the entrance line,” he says, the place residents are subjected to 10 hours or extra of energy outages a day that disrupt their lives and livelihoods. . However Ms Bivings has no hope that the summit will produce concrete options if Russia will not be within the room. “I do not need to be too pessimistic, however I most likely do not count on outcomes. “Not solely as a result of Russia will not be right here, however primarily as a result of the scenario in Ukraine on the battlefield will not be actually conducive to any sort of negotiation,” she stated. “Russia is presently in a comparatively stronger place on the battlefield. She has no motive to take a seat on the negotiating desk. Moreover, in Ukraine there may be nonetheless no want to cede something to Russia,” she provides.On Friday, earlier than the Swiss summit, Putin demanded the entire withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the territories of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson for peace negotiations to start. Ukraine rejected the supply. Bivings maintains that Burgenstock will hardly result in the beginning of public negotiations between the 2 sides in battle, even on humanitarian points such because the alternate of kids or prisoners. “Putin simply stated that the trail to peace for Russia is for Ukraine at hand over a considerable amount of territory, give up and abandon any NATO aspirations. “Ukraine will not be going to do this not solely as a result of individuals don't need it, however as a result of it will likely be a nasty measure for European safety and international safety,” he says. A sure sense of warfare fatigue is setting in elsewhere in Europe and the positive aspects made by far-right events within the European Parliament elections are an indication of concern. The refugee disaster is a divisive concern. Added to this are uncertainties about US coverage in direction of Ukraine ought to Republican challenger Donald Trump have an opportunity to return to energy and the warfare persists. “Nobody expects a peace treaty, that was not on this system anyway. However the presence of those high-ranking politicians is a superb signal,” says Johannes Ritter of the German newspaper FAZ on a extra optimistic word. However he agrees that the financial prices of the warfare are dragging down the preliminary excessive stage of help proven by strange individuals in Europe. “We have now had an vitality disaster that has not likely been resolved. We had excessive inflation that slowed financial growth and generated some insecurity. So you need to be sturdy and inform individuals why that is taking place. And why it's proper to help Ukraine. And why it's politically extra necessary to behave than to solely safe one's personal wealth,” says Ritter. India and the world view the protracted battle with rising concern, whilst one other battle continues in West Asia. Some 2,000 Ukrainian refugees have sought refuge in Japan, greater than 8,000 kilometers away. This can be a excessive quantity in comparison with the refugees welcomed previously by Tokyo, which has adopted a pro-Ukrainian stance. In a significant transfer demonstrating Japanese delight, Toyota ended automobile manufacturing at its St. Petersburg, Russia plant in September 2022. Right now, Prime Minister Kishida is on the Swiss assembly to substantiate his help for kyiv .“Japan is searching for any clue that can finally result in ceasefire negotiations involving Ukraine and Russia. They should give you some concepts that can finally result in some sort of platform the place Russia and Ukraine come collectively to speak,” says Masaki Kondo, senior editor at Jiji Press. Switzerland, after not sending an invite to Russia, has tried to right course by saying that Moscow will finally be part of the talks. The trail to peace is underway and it'll take a very long time to rebuild it. In the meantime, in the midst of summer season, Europeans concern one other lengthy winter is forward.Smita Sharma is a contract journalist primarily based in Delhi.

[ladylooch]

Letters in Your Last Name - Chapter 24

A/N: I LOVE THIS CHAPTER!!!!! that is all 💕🥹

Word Count: 41.K

Warnings: FLUUUUFFYYYY!!!!!!!, 18+ themes a few times but no actual smut.

The last flickers of orange are disappearing beyond the mountains enclosing Lake Lucerne in Zurich, Switzerland. I’m leaning against the bar, slowly sipping on a glass of chilled and expensive champagne. My eyes scan the room before me, taking in the sight of our close friends and family members. People from all around the world have gathered together at the Burgenstock Resort high above the lake to celebrate our impending nuptials. Tonight, the Groom’s Dinner is a stand alone event as part of our Wedding Weekend. With so many out of town guests, the invite list for a traditionally small group has turned into around 125 people. Kevin and I don’t mind though; it just adds to the excitement for our day.

Our day. I can’t believe it’s tomorrow.

After months of planning, including a solo trip to Switerzerland during the season, we are finally ready. I was ready the day he proposed, but Kevin insisted that I should have the day I always dreamed of. The first few items we picked were the higher priced things like venue, food, and photographer. I was nervous to share prices with Kevin, especially because everything was in Swiss Francs. The conversions were confusing, but then the final amounts almost made me choke. I smile, thinking back on the initial conversation about the venue.

“Holy shit.” I squeak as Kevin presses enter to finalize the conversion. “Nope. Okay. That one’s out.” Just for the rental of the space, not including food, the venue is already at $50,000 USD. “Sam.” Kevin rolls his eyes at me. “I have drawers of clothes in our closet more expensive than that.” My mouth drops open in surprise, but I shut it because I’m not sure what else there is to say. “Is this where you want to get married?” “Well, it was.” I scowl, looking back at the website, scrolling through the pictures to show him. The venue is breathtaking. It has mountain and lake views with a Southern facing room so we can watch the sunset light the mountains on fire at the end of the day. The ballroom has floor to ceiling windows and extends over a ledge so you feel as though you’re dancing along the edge of the earth. The ceiling is lined with exquisite, sparkling chandeliers. Plus, their packages come with easy add ons like floral, catering, and spa services that would add an ease to the international wedding planning. “If money was a non-issue, is this the place?” “Yes.” “Then this is the place. When it comes to making you my wife, money is no concern to me.” He leans forward and presses a kiss to my shocked lips. Then, he reaches for his wallet, tossing his black credit card at me. “I’m off to practice.”

In the present moment, the visual of his retreating back makes me laugh. Lazily off to practice while I spent $50,000 in one transaction. Life has certainly changed since I met Kevin Fiala. I take another sip of the champagne in my glass, enjoying the bubbles popping against my tongue. A hand comes to the long tendrils of hair resting at the nape of my neck, sweeping them away to expose my skin. Plump lips dance along my shoulder so I tilt my head to the other side to give him better access.

“Come here often?” His European accent gives him away. I close my eyes at the feeling of his breath dancing on my neck. His hands come to my hips and he pulls me back into his warmth. I purse my lips while my eyes slowly open. I tilt my head back towards his, then his lips brush my cheek.

“Actually, no. I’m here to get married tomorrow.” I murmur in response to his advance.

“Lucky man.”

“Luckiest.” I turn in his arms and he pins me between him and the bar. His brown eyes meet mine and I can see exactly how much he wants me. “You need something?” I ask him, watching him watch my lips.

“You.” His lips are almost on mine.

“I’m not open for business tonight.” I’m lying through my teeth.

“The fuck you aren’t.” He hisses. I can’t help the laugh that escapes. “Name your price.” His lips flirt against mine with each word. “I’ll pay anything.” His tongue comes out of his mouth and slides into mine. I sigh at how good it feels to kiss him like this.

“Your last name.” I say between our desperate kisses.

“Have it. Tomorrow. At 5.”

“Then we have a deal.” He laughs and hugs me. It’s really a disguise to get him close to my ear.

“I want to fuck you so hard your teeth chatter when you come.” Movement to my right stops the moan in my throat. Probably for the best as the motion is my brother. His timing is impeccable as per usual.

“Dance with me?” Alex asks me as Kevin is pulling away from my ear. Al’s hand is outstretched and if he heard what Kevin said, he doesn’t let on.

“No one is really dancing.” I say to my brother, eyes narrowing in slight annoyance at his interruption.

“So? It’s your party. You make the rules.”

“Hmm. I thought you did? That’s why I had to stay away from Fiala.” I tease him, sliding my hand into his. His fingers grasp mine tightly and he tugs me out of Kevin’s arms.

“Heard what you said, Kev. Didn’t appreciate it.” Alex snaps at my soon-to-be husband once I’m out of his reach. Kevin shrugs with nostrils flaring at being cock-blocked.

“I’m not sorry, man. And hurry the hell up.” Kevin shakes his head defiantly. His eyes dance obviously along my cleavage as if to prove his point. Knowing tomorrow I’ll be his forever has Kevin on a cliff of confidence. Alex shakes his head in displeasure and leads me to the dance floor.

When it’s just me and him, Alex exhales a sharp breath. Our eyes connect and I give him a smile to ease the tension I feel in his arms. He drops his shoulders and pulls me tighter to him. I gently rest my head closer to his as we sway to “The Girl You Think I Am” by Carrie Underwood.

“You look beautiful tonight.” Alex compliments me after a moment.

“Thank you.”

“You’re practically dripping with love for that kid. I hope he knows how lucky he is to have you forever.”

“He does.” I murmur. “You know he is utterly obsessed with me.” Alex nods in agreement. His eyes go behind me and I know he’s looking at Kevin.

“Geez, he’s in the middle of a conversation with his mom and his eyes are still on you.” We sway around the circle enough that I can see what Alex is talking about. I stick my tongue out at Kevin who grins in acknowledgement. Alex and I sway for a few more beats. He pulls me close again. I can tell he is getting emotional. The combination of the words in this song and the reality of me being Kevin’s wife tomorrow; It’s all beautifully bittersweet.

Cause you think I’m brave. And you think I’m beautiful. You think that I can do the impossible.

“You know I was wrong, right?” He says to me. Thick emotion is woven into his voice. I rest my forehead against his shoulder and listen as he continues. “I was wrong to tell you to stay away from Kev. He’s your person. And he loves you in a way that I always hoped you would find. When dad walks you down the aisle tomorrow, I hope you know he’s doing that for Nick and I too. There is no one else on this Earth he could walk you to as confidently as Kevin.” I blink and tears flow from my eyes. I pull back to look at him.

“I love you. Thank you for saying that. It means the world to both of us to have you here. You’ve given me so much. I wouldn’t have any of this without you.”

“I love you, Sammy.” His blue eyes are misty so I squeeze his arm in reassurance. We begin to sway again to the final lines of the song. “When this song is over, let’s hug. Then I want you to run across the room to Kevin. It sounded like he had plans for you tonight.” I purse my lips against a laugh. “I’m not going to watch you leave though. Instead, I’m going to go to the bar and pound bourbon after bourbon until I forget what I heard him say.” I can’t help the loud laugh that comes from my lips. I lean my head back and let it out fully. Alex joins me and when the song ends, we have completely dissolved into giggles. “Go!” Alex pushes me towards Kevin after a quick hug.

I race across the dance floor like he says. Kevin’s eyes sparkle with joy as he watches me rush back to him. I grab his hand and pull him away from Renata without a word. Kevin doesn’t hesitate as we run out the door of our own party. As we reach the entrance, I turn back and look at my brother. He didn’t keep his word. He’s watching every step of ours. His hand gives me a wave as Felicia joins him on the dance floor. I watch her kiss his cheek and she whispers something in his ear. His gaze leaves mine and goes to her. His blue eyes feast on her like she’s the only person in the entire world. My eyes get misty and when I look at Kevin, he looks at me the same.

“Where to beautiful?” He murmurs.

“Bed.” I grin. “I want you one last time as a Stalock.”

“Lead the way.”

- - -

The next afternoon, I’m waiting for our first look, thinking about Kevin’s lips on my skin last night as I focus on his broad shoulders. He’s standing with his back to me in his black suit while he fidgets in anticipation of seeing me. I think he will like what he sees. My ivory dress is filled with sparkles, lace and tulle. My long brown hair is pulled up into a half up, half down style, and it curls in tendrils down my shoulders and back. My make up is done to perfection with accents of pink and purple. I feel like a literal Disney princess. The photographer snaps away pictures of me as the excitement builds around us.

“Sam, just a few more.” He tells me. “Keep looking at Kevin like that.”

“Easy enough.” I hear Kevin laugh ahead of me as he moves his weight from foot to foot. “Hi babe.” I call to him, watching his shoulders soften at the sound of my voice. He reaches his hand out behind his back, calling me over. I grin and step towards him as the photographer nods in encouragement. When our hands touch, it feels like an electric shock.

“Pause!” The photographer yells out when Kevin tries to turn.

“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Kevin mutters under his breath.

“You’ll never get this moment again.” The photographer insists. Kevin squeezes my hand and I rest my head briefly against his back, barely able to contain my excitement. “Okay, Kevin. You can turn.”

He turns from right to left with an effervescent grin breaking out across his face. His brown eyes sparkle as he takes me in. He sucks in a deep breath and pushes it out quickly. My eyes water instantly. I laugh silently, biting the corner of my lip, trying to keep the tears to a relatively small level. I have a whole day of crying left to do.

“Oh my god baby, you look incredible!” He says, grabbing my hands and pulling me closer to him. He places a firm, insistent kiss against my lips causing me to melt into his arms. “You literally took my breath away for a second. You are so beautiful.” He tells me, nuzzling my nose with his. “Hi, by the way.”

“Hi.” I say to him before pressing our lips together again. “You look very handsome, Kev.” I run my hands up his arms and place them on his shoulders, staring at his solid, black tie, trying to breathe through the tears that are still growing in my eyes. “Wow.” I try to laugh again as he rubs his hands up and down my back. “All I can think right now is how much I love you.”

“I love you so much, Sam. More than I could ever try to describe. I just hope you’ll feel it today.”

“I already do.” I tell him. He smiles broadly at me and steps away, giving me another once over.

“Wow. Stunning.” He says again, eyes coming back to my face. He pulls me close again, whispering so only I can hear. “I bet that dress looks even better on the floor.”

“Probably. You’ll find out tonight.” I reach out and bite his bottom lip, tugging it briefly before releasing it. He grins in response, brown eyes going black with pleasure. “No.” I say to him when he opens his mouth. He pouts in response.

“Sam… you know you want me.”

“Yes, and I’ll have you for the rest of my life, but not until after you make an honest woman out of me.”

“Yes, so let’s go back to the room and I will do just that.” I tilt my head back and laugh loudly.

“Where to next?” I turn to our photographer.

“Family pictures.”

I reach for Kevin’s hand as we wander to our next photo destination. Kevin pulls me close, careful to not step on my dress.

“No matter what happens in my career or in our life together,” He begins, “I want you to know that today is the best day of my life.” I stop and look up at him. The look in his eyes is indescribable. I swallow the latest batch of tears and turn away. “Hey..” Kevin gently pulls me to a stop when I try to walk forward. “I’m serious. You’re everything I’ll ever need. Forever.”

I want time to stop, just for a minute, so I can remember every detail of what it feels like when he says those words to me.

Hours later, I’m standing with my dad just inside the doorway, peaking down at the garden ceremony site where my forever waits at the alter for me. Andreas, who we chose for our officiant, is asking everyone to stand. Kevin pushes out an obviously heavy breath. He’s anxious for me to appear.

“Time to go, sweetheart.” My dad smiles at me, holding his arm out for me. I lace mine through his and feel my face beginning to crumple into a sob. It’s a happy sob, but my dad recognizes immediately that I can’t walk forward yet. “Take a minute.” He is patient and encouraging with me. I suck in a steadying breath. The butterflies begin to subside when I focus only on Kevin. Everyone else fades away and I confidently step forward with my dad.

As my heels hit the stone of the patio, it feels as if everyone takes a collective breath. I stare down at my feet and listen to the clicking of the camera. When I’m confident I can look at Kevin without bursting into tears, I lift my gaze to him. His face instantly lights up when our eyes connect. I’ve never seen a smile so bright on his face. I grin back instinctively. As I walk, I shift my gaze to our guests every few moments, but my eyes can’t be pulled from Kevin for more than a second at a time. He looks so damn good. I want to run the last few steps to him and yell ‘I do’, so we can just be married already.

We reach the end of the aisle and I turn to my dad and give him a squeeze.

“Love you.” My dad says to me. Next, he hugs Kevin. “We love you, Kev.” My dad is speaking for both of my parents. Kevin reciprocates and my dad steps aside to join my mom. Now, it’s just Kevin and I. I give my bouquet to Felicia and then lace my hands with Kevin’s. Andreas begins to speak but I don’t even hear him. All I can focus on is Kevin in front of me.

I love you, Kevin mouths. A single tear falls down my cheek and he reaches for it. I lean into his touch. My body yearns to kiss him, but I know we have a ways to go before then, including a big surprise for Kevin.

Over the previous 9 months, without Kevin’s knowledge, I’ve been working on learning Swiss German both with a tutor in Minneapolis and with Laura. Today when it’s my turn for vows, mine will be spoken completely in Swiss German. It was important to me to include a nod to Kevin’s life before me into a ceremony focusing on our future. I want him to know I’m committed to our life of blended cultures. Laura and I worked diligently the last few weeks to get each pronunciation correct. Then, I told Andreas of my plan and he about squeezed the life out of me in excitement. He knows as much as I do that Kevin will adore it.

When the time comes though, I have to fight back the urge to vomit. I glance over at Kevin’s family and worry about the few words I know I have struggled with in my practice sessions with Laura. I shake my head briefly, knowing I can’t think about that right now and psych myself out. This is important for me to do for Kevin.

“Kevin and Sam have decided to write their own vows to showcase the true love and commitment they are making to each other today. Ladies first.” He motions to me with the white paper I typed my vows on earlier this week. I grab the paper from him and he gives me a nod of encouragement. This is it. The moment I’ve been practicing weeks for. I recognize most of our guests won’t understand what I’m saying, but this isn’t for anyone else here. It’s only for Kevin.

”Kevin, I’m so happy this day is finally here. I’ve been dreaming about it daily and standing here with you feels like I’m living out a real life fairytale. I probably shouldn’t be so surprised by that. After all, every day of our life together has felt this incredible. In the beginning, it was easy to fall in love with you. You burst into my life at a moment when everything was fine, but nothing was great. From day one, you changed that. Life became exciting- full of adventure, passion and a love I’d been waiting years for. As the days have passed, it’s only become better.”

I pause to look into his face. I purse my lips immediately because he is in a stunned awe as I speak to him in his native tongue. His eyebrows are pulled together and his mouth is slightly agape. I instantly become choked up and I push out a breath to continue. Except I’m shaking now and nervous again and feeling extremely emotional at the heartfelt reaction from him.

“Um..” I look down at the paper but the words blur between the tears and the anxiousness I begin to feel. “Ah..” I push out another heavy exhale and try to pull the syllables together to pronounce the next word.

Kevin’s hands reach for my hips and he gently pulls me closer to him. The back of my hands are resting on his chest and he tips his head down to enclose us closer together. His fingers lace together on the small of my back.

“You got it, baby. You’re just talking to me.” With that, I settle. I nod my head and continue.

”Today, it gets better again with finally being able to call you my husband. In our life together, I promise to stand beside you in trust and certainty. I promise to love you and choose you, even on the days I might struggle to like you. No matter what life brings to us, I promise to hold onto you believing that together will be our only way though.”

My voice has gotten more confident as he’s been holding me in his arms. His thumbs rub comforting circles into the small of my back.

”I could fill endless pages and minutes talking about all the promises and hopes I have for us. But instead of talking about it on one day, I’d rather just live it together. I love you and I’m entirely yours for the rest of our lives.”

When I finish, Kevin rests our foreheads together and squeezes me tight. “Perfekt” He murmurs. For a moment, I forget that anyone else exists. It’s only him and I in this perfect bubble of bliss. Then, Andreas speaks to continue the ceremony. It’s Kevin’s turn.

“Well, that is tough to follow. I’m lucky that a lot of you don’t speak Swiss German, so you have no idea how impressive her vows were.” He laughs and looks out at our guests who's laughter echos his. He takes the paper from Andreas and clears his throat.

“Sam, first of all, I love you and watching you walk towards me was a dream come true. After I dropped you off from our first date, I knew you were the one. My missing piece. My forever. Actually, it might have been only an hour in that I knew. I was telling you about my injury in St. Louis. I was putting on this tough act about being over it all. But you saw right through it. Instead, you saw me. From that moment on, I saw you as my wife to be.” I bite my bottom lip, remembering grabbing his hand across the table.

“I’ve been many things to a lot of people in my life, but my favorite role is already being your husband. I promise to love and honor you every day. I promise to be your teammate and number one fan. I vow to make decisions that are best for our team, not just for me. I promise to hold you close through the tough moments and laugh along with you in the easy. I can’t wait to continue building our life together. This is a love of a lifetime. Because of that, I need all five of my languages to express it to you completely. Miluji tě. Ich liebe dich. Je’taime. Jag älskar dig. I love you.”

Andreas hands us the rings next. The burst of happiness in my chest when I slide Kevin’s onto his ring finger is so intense that I’m sure everyone can see my body shake from the force. I look into his eyes after it’s secured and I’m desperate to kiss him.

“Wrap it up, bud. I gotta kiss her.” Kevin encourages Andreas in a low voice. I can’t help but nod my head in agreement.

“They love each other. They will forever. I think we all get it.” Andreas says, snapping his book shut decidedly. “I now pronounce you, husband and wife. Kevin, you may kiss your bride.”

Time literally stands still and the world fades until it’s just us. Tears blur my vision as I reach for him, our lips come together as I bounce slightly up and down in delight. I wind my hands behind his head as he sucks my bottom lip into his mouth. We barely stay connected as our smiles engulf us and we shudder with joy. Everyone’s cheering breaks through our daze. He rests his nose against mine, swaying me slightly.

“Samantha Fiala.” Kevin whispers to me, his lips brushing against mine with every letter. I open my eyes, taking in his features. His eyes are glittering and his face is almost awestruck. “Are you ready for forever?”

“Only with you.” I kiss him again and then we pull apart, turning to look at our guests.

“I have the great honor of introducing to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin and Samantha Fiala.”

“That’s us!” I shout, squeezing Kevin’s hand as everyone hoots and hollers in our direction. I grab my bouquet from Felicia before Kevin and I glide back down the aisle, finally joined in matrimony. I turn to look at Kevin when we have passed our parents. I’ve never seen him look at me the way he is now. I feel an explosion of happiness shake the walls of my chest.

How could life get any better than this?

[audreyhepburninblackandwhite]

Audrey Hepburn at a resort in Burgenstock, Switzerland 1954

[christianpureofficial]

Vatican’s secretary of state rues Russia’s absence at Ukraine peace conference

Source The Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin attends a plenary session at the summit on peace in Ukraine at the luxury Burgenstock resort near Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 16, 2024. / Credit: ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin this week appealed for dialogue between Russia and Ukraine amid their ongoing war…

[hernonjr]

Planejando uma viagem à Suíça? Que tal conhecer e relaxar no incrível Bürgenstock Resort? @burgenstockresort #switzerland #burgenstock #burgenstockresort #lakelucerne #primetour #luxurytravelmag (em Bürgenstock) https://www.instagram.com/p/CkvMgwxOtk3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=