We absolutely adore the details and story behind this stunning German wedding from Lauren Kinsey. Keep reading to hear more from the bride herself.
From the Bride:
Benjamin and I met when we were 15 years old through a mutual friend and started a close friendship. For a long time we have been nothing more than friends until one day Benjamin kissed me while playing video games. Suddenly I was very confused and noticed a change in my feelings toward him. I had butterflies and started to avoid him as I wasn’t sure what label to put on our relationship. It was complicated and awkward until our friend announced that we obviously loved each other and that we would make a great couple. Ever since we have been in love and inseparable. Not only was Benny my best friend now, he became the love of my life and the man I knew I would marry some day.
We knew we would stay together forever so there was no rush to get married. I waited 12 years patiently until he finally proposed under a starry sky, on the beach, by the fire while on vacation in Florida. It was just the two of us. Benjamin had planned to propose to me that night but it became the perfect moment when he went down on his knee right after we saw a shooting star. My wish came true immediately.
Benjamin and I are both from Germany and since our families still live there, we decided to get married in a little art village near our hometown Bremen. Planning a destination wedding was quite a challenge but we had great help from our parents. We pictured a laid back wedding with just our closest friends and family (we ended up having around 70 guests), a Tuscan inspired decor with a warm feeling, a little rustic yet elegant. We wanted our guests to feel like they can have a great time without being in a stiff environment. We asked them to dress up stylish, in light fabrics and summery colors.
Photography is very important to me as I am a wedding photographer myself. Benjamin and I were thrilled when Lauren and Michael of Lauren Kinsey Photography agreed to photograph our wedding and to travel all the way to Germany. Not only did they an amazing job capturing all the beautiful and special moments, they also became friends and we were so happy to have them spend the day with us.
Benjamin got ready at his parent’s house and I, just a short walk away at a small hotel called ‘Der Eichenhof Worpswede’. The hotel is a renovated farm and the rooms are in little houses that used to be stables, such a neat and beautiful place.
We agreed to see each other before the ceremony to ‘exchange vows’ in private. After all, it is a very private moment that we did not want to share with everyone. During the ceremony we each said one sentence to give us the life-long promise. It was a great decision and we both stayed calm and enjoyed the moment. I would have been too nervous to even get a word out had we decided to tell each other all we have to say in front of so many people.
The church St. Jürgen we got married in is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by nothing but fields. It’s story started in 1106 but the actual church that exists today was built in the 13th century. It is a gorgeous little place with a lot of character and history.
We had live music during the ceremony that was absolutely incredible. As soon as the first song started, we couldn’t help but shedding tears. The music was by former classmates of mine, Lena Wischhusen & Arne Henseleit.
The reception was at Tietjen’s Hütte, a neat and open space by the river in – you guessed it- the middle of nowhere surrounded by nothing but fields. Instead of a ‘Grand Exit’ we had a ‘Grand Entrance’ with a boat traditional to the area. While the guests were waiting for us to arrive, they could enjoy drinks including a ‘Hugo’ (elderflower syrup and Prosecco with sparkling water and mint leaves) and our signature drink, a ‘Cucumber Gimlet’ as well as different kinds of olive oils with good German bread.
Almost the entire decor was hand crafted by my mother. She sewed all the light grey/ blue linen table runners and napkins, painted the plant pots rustic white, did the rosemary salt favors, and even made the wedding cake. We decided to go down the more untraditional road and went with different herbs, whole hydrangea plants, and olive branches instead of cut flowers for the tables decor.
The food was amazing and the night held many surprises and laughter. The dance floor was never empty, the party went on until the morning hours, and the last guests left around 4am.
We will never forget this day that truly has been the best and happiest in our lives so far. We are especially grateful for our friends and family who traveled to Germany from the US, South Africa and other cities and for everyone who helped to make this wedding so perfect.
Photography: Lauren Kinsey | Getting Ready Location: Hotel Eichenhof Worpswede | Church: Church St. Jürgen, Lilienthal | Decor Church and Brides Flower Crown: Die Blumeninsel Worpswede | Musik Church: Lena Wischhusen & Arne Henseleit | Officiant: Pastor Henner Flügger | Reception Location and Catering: Tietjens Hütte | Decor: Annette Mieling, Brides Mom | Cake: Annette Mieling, Brides Mom | Musik Reception: DJ Uwe vom Ballermann | Stationary: Bride who is a graphic designer | Rentals: La Jour, Agentur für Veranstaltungsdesign | Bride’s Gown: Designed by the Bride and made by Kim of Misdress | Bride’s Shoes: Aldo | Bouquet and Buttoners: Der Blumenladen in Bremen | | Ribbon on Bouquets: Froufrou Chic | Hair: Mareike Stange, Art of Hair Worpswede | Makeup: Bride | Grooms Suit: Tommy Hilfiger | Grooms Shoes: Cole Haan
