Based between Lausanne and Sion, Coucoustudio Love's approach is about blending cinematic artistry with genuine moments. She captures weddings the way she would want her own to be photographed— spontaneous, intimate, and full of emotion. Coucoustudio Love wants to create images that reflect the true magic of your love story, in a way that feels personal and unforgettable.
Tell us about your business!
My name is Annabelle Zermatten, but people call me Wani, and I’m the photographer behind Coucoustudio.love, a wedding photography studio based in Switzerland.
I’ve always photographed the couples around me in my personal projects, as I’m deeply in love with love—though I know it might sound cliché!
I launched Coucoustudio.love in 2023 when I decided to relaunch my career as an independent photographer. I realized that what I truly love is photographing people and capturing love. Initially, I hadn’t planned to specialize in weddings, but after taking on a few by chance, I discovered a deep passion for this work. That’s when I decided to focus my energy on creating a unique aesthetic for wedding photography—one that feels personal, cinematic, and distinctive.
What would you like couples to know about you?
When I’m not photographing weddings, you’ll find me testing a new recipe, hiking through the mountains, watching movies or documentaries with my fiancé, or becoming the life of the party with impromptu dance moves. I’m all about embracing life’s playful moments!
I studied photography for seven years in Switzerland, at the photography school (CEPV) in Vevey, by the shores of Lake Geneva. I also had the opportunity to live in New York for a few months during an internship, which taught me a lot about stepping out of my comfort zone and connecting with new people from all walks of life. This experience helped me understand the importance of human connection, something that has become integral to my work.
After that, I spent three years in Australia, where I worked as a barista and photographer. It was there that I truly had the opportunity to deconstruct many of my preconceived notions about photography and embrace a more authentic and intuitive approach.
Today, I believe these experiences have not only made me more approachable but also genuinely excited to meet and work with couples.
Where are you based?
I’m based in Switzerland, moving between Sion in the Swiss Alps and Lausanne by Lake Geneva.
Do you travel for weddings?
Absolutely! This year, I’ll be traveling to France and Italy, in addition to photographing weddings across Switzerland. Even though Switzerland is small, it offers incredible diversity in landscapes, and I’m always excited to discover new locations in my own country.
How would you describe your style?
My style is deeply influenced by my passion for the human form, colors, shapes, and the stories that emerge from real, unposed moments. I often explore bodies in sculptural ways in my personal work, drawing inspiration from photographers like Larry Sultan, Ryan Kenny, Paul Rousteau, Sarah Pannell, Nan Goldin, Lisa Sorgini, and Lucile Boiron. I’m also captivated by bold, colorful, and staged imagery, influenced by the works of Prue Stent, Lorenzo Vitturi, and Jimmy Marble, as well as cinematic storytelling by directors like the Dardenne Brothers, Quentin Dupieux, and Wim Wenders.
One of my biggest influences is the Swiss documentary series Passe-moi les jumelles, which captures the beauty of everyday life. It reminds me that everyone, no matter how ordinary their life may seem, has a unique story to tell. This resonates deeply with my own approach to photography, where I aim to capture authentic, human moments that reflect the true essence of a person, a couple, or a place.
A central aspect of my style is my love for natural light. I’m fascinated by how light shapes mood and enhances the atmosphere of an image, breathing life into every moment. For weddings, I aim to create a body of work that reflects not just the couple but also the environment—its light, its space, its feeling. I blend documentary and staged photography to craft a cinematic collection of memories. My goal is to document your love story with spontaneity and romance, while allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the present moment without feeling interrupted.
What is your most memorable career moment?
Every wedding holds a special place in my heart, and I cry at almost every one— though I try to hide it well!
One of the most unforgettable weddings I’ve shot was in my hometown, in a little chapel high up in the Val d’Hérens in the Swiss Alps. That chapel, La Chapelle de la Sage, is a place I’ve dreamed of marrying in myself. Photographing a wedding there felt like living out a piece of that dream through another couple. The ceremony was outdoors, surrounded by glaciers and mountains, and it felt like pure magic.
Another recent favorite was in Geneva, where I connected deeply with the couple. During our conversation, I shared my own love story and my dream of getting engaged with a ring designed by a specific artist. The bride wished me good luck, saying she was certain my dream would come true. Three weeks later, my partner proposed with a ring by that very designer. That couple was among the first people I told, making their wedding—my last one of 2024—extra special and unforgettable.
What inspires you?
I draw inspiration from so many things around me—good food, great wine, nature, art, architecture, sculpture, movies and the mountains and water that surround me. Encounters with people and places also fuel my creativity. Living in Australia allowed me to explore a different side of my photographic practice. In Switzerland, I often felt constrained by traditional expectations, as though I couldn’t break out of a predefined box. But when I saw what was being done in wedding photography in Australia, it was like a door opened. Everything felt possible—there was no need to follow tradition, and beauty could be found in deconstruction.
How would you describe your working style?
I approach weddings with a mix of warmth, kindness, and professionalism. My aim is to blend into the day seamlessly. I strive to be present but discreet, so you can enjoy your time with loved ones without feeling the weight of the camera. Like great service at a restaurant, the best moments are when you don’t even notice me —and yet, the magic is captured.
Of course, some weddings invite me to join the celebration more actively, whether it’s sharing a drink or dancing between shots. I love those moments, too—it’s all about connecting with the couple and their guests authentically.
Do you shoot digitally, on film, or both?
I shoot both! My personal projects are mostly on medium-format film, while my wedding work is primarily digital. However, I do offer film photography for weddings as well, with a range of options including compact cameras, 35mm, or medium format.
Do you have custom packages according to individual needs?
Yes! I offer six standard packages, but if none of them fit your needs, I’m always happy to customize something just for you.
What inspires your favorite product or service, and why?
One of my favorite things to offer is shooting some of the wedding day on film. There’s something magical about the surprise and anticipation that comes with film photography. You don’t see the results immediately, and that adds an element of excitement and authenticity to the process. It’s a slower, more intentional approach, which I believe enhances the connection with the moment. I love that it brings an added layer of emotion and timelessness to the images, creating something unique and special for my couples.
Where would you love to travel for work?
Anywhere that feels new and inspiring!
Who is your dream client?
You. Every couple who trusts me to tell their story becomes my dream client.
What is your advice to couples getting married?
I’d love to know myself—I’m getting married this year! But if I had to offer one piece of advice, I’d say: Let go, enjoy every moment, and trust the people you've chosen to make your day unforgettable. Trust your gut—when it feels right, it feels right. Choosing your photographer is so much more than just about the photos; it’s about feeling comfortable and at ease with them. The photographer is there with you all day, so make sure you connect with someone who brings good energy to your celebration!
Coucoustudio Love
Website: coucoustudio-love.ch
Instagram: @coucoustudio.love