Great things have happened in the past few months/years when it comes to getting a step closer to having equal human rights in Switzerland. The Queer Community in Switzerland has finally had a win for themselves – especially when it comes to queer couples that want to get married!
That’s why I decided to interview one of my favorite Queer Wedding Planners from Switzerland: Michael Zangger. He is the owner of PassionUp Weddings. I got to ask questions about him and his work. Additionally, he also told me about the new association Felix and him have just founded in regard to the legalization of same-sex marriages in Switzerland.
Want to see more about the incredible Shoot Michi and I organized together? CLICK HERE to have a proper look at it.
Michael Zangger from PassionUp Weddings
Next to him being an absolute legend and his loving personality, Michi is a Queer Wedding Planner based out of Switzerland. He describes himself as very cheerful, determined and as a sociable young man. As a trained professional chef, he likes to spoil his loved ones with culinary delights, and he loves and cherishs a good wine.
Weddings have always fascinated him since he was a small child. The individuality of every single occasion motivates him so much that he never sees such a festivity as a “copy-paste” and a “one fits all” occasion. This enables him to create a unique event with the people behind it.
Two years ago Michi decided to complete the diploma course at the “Academy of Wedding and Event Education ”. Right during that time, there was the voting going on regarding the “Marriage for All” in Switzerland. That was a clear sign for Michi that he will be specializing in Queer Weddings. This decision got packed up by the outcome of that voting: it got accepted!
Want to see what Michael from PassionUp Weddings has done so far? Follow him on Instagram: CLICK HERE Check out his Website: CLICK HERE
the Queer Wedding Planner
When it comes to his passion as a Queer Wedding Planner, it is very important to him to offer his wedding couples a competent and personal service. The ability to have the proper understanding and sympathy for a queer couple is very important to him. Since he is also a part of the LGBTQI+ community, the relationship between his couples and himself begins on an even deeper level of understanding and trust. The wedding planner – also so-called the temporary best friend – accompanies the couple for an average of a whole year which requires some close exchange. There are also some private topics that need to be addressed. This needs a very fundamental level of trust. He finds this basis essential for optimal planning and ultimately for a smooth process on their big day. You can find more about the voting about the same-sex marriage in Switzerland via these two links: – Message from the Media – Ehe Für Alle Association Disclaimer: this does not mean that Michi is excluding any heterosexual couples. Him being specialized on LGBTQI+ weddings is just a very clear definition of him being very inclusive and open-minded. He actually cares about the love of people and the unforgettable wedding he can plan with his couples.
The Wedding Planning itself
It is very crucial to Michael that the wedding couple is aware of the fact that he is not making any decisions himself. He works out various pro and contra points for every topic. This way he is providing his couples with his professional knowledge combined with his connection within the wedding industry. Transparency is a very big thing for him too. The couple can only choose the best option for them with all the necessary information there is to know for them. Michi will then take over the coordination and planning for both.
Struggles while planning a wedding?
When I asked Michi what the couples struggle the most with, he said that it’s often the little things. Some of which they don’t even know as a layman but which can ultimately lead to misery. For example:
The booking timeline of the wedding vendors. They ask themselves questions like “Which service provider do I have to book first?” and “What makes sense and how to I have to about to do this correctly?” As a second and even more fundamentally struggle, Michi says that some couples struggle with the question “Where do I even begin to plan?”. His tip regarding the top 3 decisions/bookings to make are: 1. Date 2. Location 3. Photographer/Videographer and after that, you can tackle all the rest. This prioritization cannot be applied to all couples as every couple perceives different things as very crucial and important for their wedding day. The third and last biggest struggle Michi sees couples having while planning their wedding is the budget. One often underestimates certain service providers and products. With a wedding planner, the budget is managed accordingly to the wedding couples wishes. The most common miscalculation are the flowers and decoration which can quickly lead to nasty surprises. With a professional at your side who knows the usual market prices you manage to set the budget appropriately right from the start.
Want to see more about the incredible Shoot Michi and I organized together? CLICK HERE to have a proper look at it.
Swiss Queer Wedding Association
As you now know for sure after reading the first few paragraphs of this blog, Switzerland has legalized same-sex marriages in Switzerland starting from the 1st of July 2022. What does that mean for us Wedding Vendors? No major changes. We will continue to accompany YOU on your big day. We are here for your love and your love only. Whether this includes signing a legal contract or not. BUT for a few people of the Queer Community in Swizerland that always wanted the legal marriage, a lot has changed. They can finally get married to each other as equals and make it official. Not just for them but also for the government (big thing you know – especially when there’s also a plan called “wanting to have kids” involved). And that’s where two Queer Weeding Planners from Switzerland decided to take the leap and give something back to their community: Felix Fay from Faytastic Wedding and Michael Zangger from PassionUp Weddings. The Swiss Queer Wedding Association explained in only three bullet points:
They are a Swiss platform of Swiss professionals who are sensitive, trained, and ready to support all couples. Thex are providiing LGBTQ+ couples with a positive and supportive experience when planning their wedding. They want lovers to be perceived as human beings. Acceptance as everyone expects from society.
You want to read more? Find more about their amazing association and also their Kick-Off Event back in May 2022 on another blog post I have written about it: CLICK HERE . Want to check them out immediately? CLICK HERE .
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Hi there friends, I’m Max.
I’m an International Wedding, People, and Lifestyle Photographer based out of Switzerland and South Africa – available for worldwide travel.
Me and my art are a package of a celebration of life, silly dance moves, and stupid jokes (dark humor included).
My photography is a celebration of life, raw emotions, pure happiness, and love—the focus: on you and all the small and big moments.
Part of me and my services is being a part of my client’s journey and everything leading up to their big celebration. I love to openly share some of that experience and knowledge to help you get to your kick-ass event of celebration!
Learn more about me here !
Great that you’re interviewing others in the industry and sharing the love!
Yes of course – sharing the love and the support is so important! 😀
Love that pink suit, looks so sharp!! Great images and blog glad that gay marriage is finally legal in Switzerland!
Yes right! Such a nice fit.
Thanks so much for the compliment and yes, so excited same sex marriage is legal now. One step closer to an equal legal system here in Switzerland.