I’m a lover of the Disney classics, but when it comes to real life fairytales, this stunning German affair takes the cake. Think gorgeous nuptials in an 800-year-old church (the same one the mother + grandmother of the bride tied the knot in), classically stunning details and a romantic castle reception with a plethora of crazy cool (+ oh-so-fun) traditions filling the evening. Want to see it all captured beautifully by Luminance Wedding Films? Press play.
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From Luminance Wedding Films…I magine having the opportunity to get married in the same church that your grandmother and mother had been married in. Then imagine that this church was built in the 15th century making it over 800 years old. Next, imagine placing this church in the charming town of Schwabach, Germany. A destination wedding indeed! Not only is this gorgeous, gothic styled church soon to be a place you would wed, but low and behold just 20 minutes down the road is an amazing Castle with which you would hold your reception. Ummm….yes please!
The bride, who now lives in America had the privilege of holding her fairytale wedding in her hometown in Schwabach, Germany. The wedding ceremony took place at the Stadtkirche St. Johannes und St. Martin which is located in the heart of the charming Schwabach Plaza. It had recently gone under a massive renovation, but the church kept a portion of the original flooring with bronze medallions that can be seen in the film. Our bride was enchanting as she walked down the aisle in her delicately stitched, handmade, lace dress.
The reception took place at the gorgeous Burg Castle, located in Abenburg, a quaint little town minutes away from Schwabach. Not only has this castle been converted into a hotel (and I highly recommend staying there) but it’s placed right in the center of the other homes. Imagine a castle being one of your neighbors and the view from your backyard. From an enchanting Wishing Balloon Release to a mouth dropping, AMAZING Fire Dance show (I get lost in this footage every time, it was so incredible) this wedding was packed full of German traditions.
Here are just a few that were highlighted in Jessica and Bryan’s film. Breaking plates you thought were just a Greek tradition…well, at least I thought…but no, this tradition is celebrated a few nights before the wedding at the Polterabend. This is an informal gathering between friends and family where dishes are smashed to bits. The breaking of China symbolizes that while some dishes may break, the marriage never will. Once the smashing is over, the couple work together to clear away the shards, which represents how well they will work together as a team during their marriage. The next tradition was the release of the wishing balloons. Guests write a wedding wish on a pre-addressed and stamped postcard and tie it to the ends of helium balloons. All at once the balloons are released. The postcards have a note that says, “If found, please toss me in a mailbox”. The newlyweds will enjoy receiving lovely wishes in the mail from their guests over the next weeks. Another tradition showcased was the kidnapping of the bride. This entailed the bridesmaids kidnapping our bride, Jessica, during the reception and bringing her to a local pub. The groom then has to go and find his new wife and when he does, he has to pay the bar tab of the kidnappers to procure her freedom. The kidnapping of the bride symbolizes the separation of the young woman from her parents and the subsequent transition to a new community. So what does one bride do while she waits for her love to find her? She drinks and receives many kisses from the locals who have to pay for a kiss.
The night ended with a jaw dropping fire show where our fire master brought the couple down to join him for a spectacular finale. Needless to say, this fairytale wedding was beyond magical.
Photography: Katja Schünemann | Cinematography: Luminance Wedding Films | Floral Design: Blumen Dollinger | Cake: Hale Koa phineas Estate | Ceremony Venue: Stadtkirche St. Johannes Und St. Martin | Reception Venue: Burg Abendberg Castle | Hair + Makeup: Friseur Niveau - Hairstyling Mit Klasse | Fire Artist: Markus Just
