How I Became a Wedding Planner and Celebrant
Sometimes there are moments in life that, looking back, change the direction of your future.
For me, the story of working in the wedding industry began long before Treasure Time even existed.
After graduating from the Swiss Hotel Management School Thun in 2005, I moved to England for several years.
At the time, I had no idea how influential this chapter of my life would become.
Photo Véronique Posselt
When Weddings Took Place Every Weekend
From 2005 to 2008, I lived and worked in England. My final position was at a beautiful hotel in the county of Gloucestershire: Tortworth Court Hotel (now De Vere Tortworth Court) in Wotton-under-Edge.
A historic manor house with a long driveway, an impressive orangery and a beautiful rose garden – the kind of setting you might expect to find in a romantic English countryside story.
During wedding season, multiple weddings took place every weekend. Two on Friday, two on Saturday and often another one on Sunday.
I had the opportunity to witness countless celebrations and to see how differently each couple chose to celebrate their love.
Looking back, this was where my passion for weddings truly began.
My First Experience Supporting Wedding Ceremonies
Weddings in England are full of traditions. One role that particularly fascinated me was that of the Toastmaster.
A Toastmaster guides guests through the day, announces speeches and helps ensure that the celebration runs smoothly and elegantly.
Inspired by this profession, I completed a Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies Certificate and became a member of the English Toastmasters Association.
As a Banqueting Manager, I was also able to take on some of these responsibilities myself at smaller weddings whenever no external Toastmaster had been hired.
Looking back, those experiences were probably my very first steps towards the ceremony work I do today as a wedding celebrant.
Many Years of Experience in Hospitality
After my time in England, I remained in the hospitality industry.
For many years, I worked in different hotels and was involved in organising events, family celebrations and, of course, weddings.
Hospitality is a fast-paced world, full of challenges, unexpected situations and constant movement.
It is a unique environment that I have always loved. When many things are happening at once and all the details need to come together seamlessly behind the scenes, I feel completely at home.
My final position in hospitality was at the opening of Hotel Bell Rock at Europa-Park in Rust, Germany, where I worked as F&B Operations Manager. It was an exciting and demanding period, during which I had the privilege of working with a large team to ensure that everything ran smoothly, from restaurant operations to major events.
These years shaped me profoundly. They taught me the importance of organisation, staying calm under pressure and understanding people.
And perhaps this is still one of my greatest strengths today.
When I support a couple, I am always willing to go the extra mile because I know how much care, planning and attention go into creating a truly unforgettable celebration.
Family Time and a New Perspective
The birth of our daughter marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. After many years of working long hours in hospitality, I truly enjoyed spending quality time with my family.
Three years later, our son was born, and for several years I embraced my role as a full-time mother.
But eventually, a question began to surface again:
What should the next chapter of my professional life look like?
During the Covid pandemic, I suddenly had the time and space to reflect on that question.
One day, a very close friend said something that stayed with me:
"Kristina, have you ever thought about doing something related to weddings? Whenever you talk about weddings or help friends plan theirs, your eyes light up."
Her words sparked something inside me.
Because the truth is, I had already considered this path once before, shortly after my time in England. Back then, however, I lacked the courage to start my own business.
I still remember driving one day and suddenly thinking:
"Why not now?"
Becoming a Wedding Planner
I began researching different training programmes and eventually decided to complete a professional qualification as a wedding planner, which I attended from February 2022 to March 2023.
For me, it was important not only to deepen my knowledge, but also to build a strong network within the Swiss wedding industry.
In June 2023, I finally founded my own business: Treasure Time.
And I chose a very special date to do so - my birthday.
The Meaning Behind Treasure Time
When searching for the right name for my business, one thing quickly became clear: the word time had to be part of it.
Time is one of the most valuable things we have.
Many couples are busy building their lives together. Both partners may have demanding careers, there may already be children, and everyday life is often full of responsibilities.
Planning a wedding can be an exciting and joyful experience, but it can also feel overwhelming at times.
With professional support, couples gain something truly priceless: time.
Time to look forward to their wedding day.
Time to enjoy special moments together.
Time to experience the planning journey without unnecessary stress.
This is how the name Treasure Time was born — a reminder that precious moments are among life's greatest treasures.
The infinity symbol in my logo represents the love between two people and the hope that this connection will last a lifetime.
My First Wedding as an Independent Wedding Planner
The first wedding I planned as an independent wedding planner was a Swiss-Polish wedding with many children attending - almost as many children as adults.
It was an international celebration featuring a symbolic ceremony, a live band and a beautiful venue.
I still remember driving home that evening and sending a voice message to both my husband and my mother.
I said:
"This is exactly what I want to do."
That wedding gave me tremendous confidence and confirmed that I had found the right path.
My First Wedding Ceremony
The decision to become a wedding celebrant in addition to being a wedding planner came naturally.
During my years in England, I attended many symbolic wedding ceremonies and was often deeply moved by the emotions and personal stories shared during them.
Shortly after completing my celebrant training, I had the opportunity to conduct my very first wedding ceremony - another international wedding.
The couple came from Switzerland and Cameroon, around one hundred guests attended, and the ceremony was held in both German and French.
For this wedding, I had the privilege of providing both wedding planning and the ceremony itself.
It was one of those moments when I realised how all the experiences of the previous years had come together perfectly.
Photo: FotoErlebnis
When Two Cultures Come Together
International weddings hold a very special place in my heart.
In addition to living in Germany and Switzerland, I have spent several years living and working in England and on the French Riviera.
I love speaking English and French and am delighted to support couples in multiple languages.
When two cultures come together, unique stories emerge.
And it is precisely this diversity that I love most about international weddings.
Why I Love What I Do
I love my work because I have the privilege of accompanying couples during one of the most meaningful chapters of their lives.
Getting to know their stories, developing ideas together and then witnessing everything come together on the wedding day is something that never stops inspiring me.
These are the moments that truly bring the name Treasure Time to life.
Perhaps Your Story Begins Here
Many couples dream of a wedding that is not only beautifully organised but also feels genuinely personal and true to who they are.
Whether you are looking for calm and structured wedding planning or a heartfelt wedding ceremony that reflects your unique story, I would be honoured to support you on this journey.
You can learn more about my services here:
Wedding Planning in Switzerland
Wedding Ceremonies in Switzerland
Or simply get in touch for a complimentary introductory conversation.
I would love to hear your story.
Warm regards,
Kristina
Wedding Planner & Celebrant in Switzerland
Cover photo: Andrea Klimenko