Föteli vom Mötteli

Föteli vom Mötteli is the wedding photography business of Simi and Jasi Mötteli, based in Thalheim an der Thur in the canton of Zurich. They always photograph weddings together as a pair, publish a clear five-step process from first call to final gallery, and also rent out a photo booth that can take over once they leave the party.

Who they are

Their homepage introduces them in one line: "Natürlich, schlicht und ungezwungen. Das sind wir, Simi & Jasi." (Natural, simple and relaxed. That's us, Simi and Jasi.) The heading above it reads "Hochzeitsfotograf aus Leidenschaft" (wedding photographers by passion). They explain why they work as a pair: "Auf Hochzeiten sind wir immer zusammen unterwegs, damit wir auch wirklich jeden wichtigen Moment verewigen können" (at weddings we are always out together, so that we can really record every important moment). One of their Google reviewers calls them a talented married couple.

A quote from them near the bottom of the page describes what photography means to them: forgetting everything around them and focusing on what is in front of the camera.

Their wedding reports on the homepage show where they typically work: a rainy wedding in Winterthur, a winter wedding at the Rathaus in Bülach, a small civil wedding at the registry office in Andelfingen on a spring day, a wedding at the Chäferhütte in Winterthur, and a summer wedding at the Dorfalm in Mettendorf (Thurgau). Most of their published work is around Winterthur, Bülach, Andelfingen and Thurgau.

How it works: five steps

The homepage sets out the process clearly.

1. Say hello. Couples get in touch without obligation through the contact form. Simi and Jasi call back to answer first questions and get to know each other, because personal contact matters to them.

2. Meeting (for bookings of six hours or more). They meet to learn about the couple's ideas and wishes, and as a small gift they offer a short engagement shoot at that meeting. It gives the couple a feel for being in front of their cameras, and the pictures can be used for invitation cards.

3. Talking through the schedule. About two weeks before the wedding they phone the couple to go through the day, so they arrive well prepared.

4. The wedding. They are always on site about 15 minutes before the planned time, so the couple never have to wait, and use that time to photograph the venue. They stay close all day, photograph whatever comes in front of the lens, help with advice, and stay longer if asked. On request, their photo booth takes over when they leave.

5. The pictures. First impressions arrive within 48 hours of the wedding. They then go through every picture, select the best and edit them all in their style. On average, couples receive around 100 pictures per hour. After about three weeks, all the wedding photos arrive in an online gallery that can be shared with family and friends, and the pictures are also sent by post. They are happy to design a wedding album as well.

Prices

Under the question of what a wedding photographer costs, they explain that the price covers not only the day itself but also experience, an eye for special moments and careful editing. They promise transparent pricing without hidden costs or services a couple does not need. The homepage links to a first overview of their prices and offers an individual quote tailored to the couple's wishes and day.

The photo booth

Their photo booth is pitched as an easy way to get guests mixing, especially when not everyone knows each other, without much organizing. The reviews speak to how it is run: one client has booked it for four years for a Christmas party and praises prompt delivery, setup and dismantling, good instructions and phone support late into the night. Another calls it visually appealing and good value.

What couples say

The homepage carries a long run of Google reviews. Ladina Meier writes that from the engagement shoot to the wedding day they felt "jederzeit unglaublich wohl und bestens aufgehoben" (incredibly comfortable and in the best hands at all times). Josia Hänseler, after a spontaneous engagement session, writes "Eure professionelle, diskrete und leise Arbeitsweise waren beeindruckend!" (your professional, discreet and quiet way of working was impressive).

A couple posting as Smile, who were usually uncomfortable in front of cameras, say the couple shoot beforehand meant they were completely relaxed at the wedding. They add that Simi and Jasi designed the album exactly as they wanted, in very high quality, and that their wedding took place in Italy, where the two traveled specially. Celine writes that on the day they were like two good friends at their side, always there at the right moment without being noticed. Stefanie S. praises the attention, security, warmth and calm they brought, the first-look images and a spontaneous sunset shoot. Reena Jucker notes, candidly, that they spent a fair amount of money but would make the same choice again.

Other services and partners

Besides weddings, they photograph couples, pregnancies, newborns and families, and the menu lists a wedding album page. The homepage also has a partners section recommending other suppliers by category: venue, flowers and decoration, cakes and favors, music, stationery and bridal wear.

What the site does not settle

The site is in German and does not say whether Simi and Jasi work in English. Couples from abroad should ask in the first message. The homepage does not give the prices themselves (they are on a linked overview), and it does not say how travel outside their region is charged, although one review confirms they have traveled as far as Italy. The meeting in step two is described as an in-person meeting, so couples living abroad should ask whether it can be arranged around a visit or held another way.

Who they suit

Föteli vom Mötteli suits couples marrying in the Winterthur, Zurich or Thurgau area who want two photographers at every wedding, a relaxed, natural style, and a clear timeline: first images in 48 hours and the full gallery in about three weeks. The engagement shoot included with longer bookings is a real help for couples who are nervous on camera.

They suit less well couples who need English confirmed in advance, or who want a heavily styled, posed look. For a destination couple marrying further afield, travel costs are the question to settle early.