This was the first wedding I booked for 2015 in 2014. Eileen booked me more than one year in advance in order to be sure I would have enough time for them. She was also the first bride who prepared very special proposal card for me:

Eileen and Sebastian’s Wedding: A Cross-Cultural Celebration in Schönwald and Franzensbad

As a wedding photographer, it’s always an honor to be invited into a couple’s most intimate moments. Eileen and Sebastian’s wedding was a particularly memorable experience that went beyond just photography. The warmth, love, and deep connection between the families made it a day that I’ll never forget. From the family “goulash night” to the heartfelt ceremony in Schönwald, this was a wedding that truly embodied the blending of two worlds.

A Family-Centered Wedding Celebration

The day before the wedding, I had the privilege of joining Eileen and her family for their “goulash night” at her grandparent’s house. This was a special event that allowed me to absorb the family atmosphere and get to know the people who would be part of the wedding the following day. Spending the night there and having breakfast with Eileen’s closest family members in the morning made me feel like a real part of the event. It’s these moments, these personal touches, that truly make a wedding special and meaningful.

When it came time to share the highlights of their wedding on my blog, I reached out to Eileen to ask if she would like to share her own words about the day. She graciously provided a beautiful description that I feel captures the essence of their wedding far better than I ever could. Here’s Eileen, in her own words:

Eileen’s Reflections on Their Wedding Day

“Well, we got married in the village where my grandmother lives because we had fallen in love with Franzensbad and really wanted to have our reception there. The village church in Schönwald was perfect because it was sort of like home to me when I was little but also close to Franzensbad.

We were really excited when the RSVPs came rolling in, proving to us that our friends and family were just as adventurous as we are when partaking in a two-country wedding!

My parents flew in from Fort Bliss, Texas in the US, where my stepfather is stationed as a Command Sergeant Major. He and my mom hadn’t been back to Germany in an extremely long time, so it was very nice to share this moment with them and also let them see what my life is like. This was the first time our two families had really met each other, and it might have been one of the last times for a while because my mother has severe motion sickness when she flies. My grandmother was so nervous she said it was almost as if she were getting married. She has a huge heart and wants everyone to feel at home. It meant a lot to her to see my mother and father again after such a long time.

We also had guests fly in from Iowa, USA, and Stockholm, Sweden, while other guests drove to the wedding from various parts of Germany and Austria. Sebastian’s parents even attended an English language course so that they could communicate better with my family and other English-speaking guests.

This wedding was really about bringing our two worlds together.”

Why Schönwald and Franzensbad Were the Perfect Wedding Locations

Eileen and Sebastian’s decision to marry in Schönwald and have their reception in Franzensbad speaks volumes about their love for their roots and the desire to create a meaningful experience for their families. The village church in Schönwald holds a special place in Eileen’s heart — it was a place where she spent part of her childhood, and it was the perfect setting for their wedding ceremony.

Franzensbad, on the other hand, was the perfect venue for their reception. Known for its charming spa town ambiance, the location offered an elegant yet relaxed setting for their celebration. It was here that their friends and family from around the world came together, showcasing how this wedding was more than just an event — it was the coming together of two cultures and a beautiful testament to Eileen and Sebastian’s shared love and adventurous spirits.

A Wedding That Brought Two Worlds Together

One of the most touching aspects of this wedding was the merging of two families, cultures, and countries. Eileen’s family traveled all the way from Fort Bliss, Texas, to witness the wedding, while guests also flew in from Iowa, USA, and Stockholm, Sweden. It was the first time that Eileen’s and Sebastian’s families met in person, making the day even more meaningful.

Eileen’s grandmother, who had been nervous for days leading up to the wedding, was overjoyed to see family members reunite after such a long time. Her heartfelt desire to make everyone feel at home was a reflection of the deep love and connection that permeated the entire event. Sebastian’s parents even took the time to attend an English language course so they could communicate better with the English-speaking guests, which highlighted the true spirit of this cross-cultural celebration.

The Perfect Wedding Photographer in Saxony

Eileen and Sebastian’s wedding was a truly special occasion, and capturing those moments was an incredible honor. If you’re planning a wedding in Saxony or the surrounding regions, whether in picturesque towns like Schönwald or grand locations like Franzensbad, it’s essential to have a wedding photographer who understands the cultural significance and emotional depth of your big day.

Finding a local wedding photographer who is familiar with Saxony’s best venues, like the charming churches and scenic town squares, will ensure that your wedding photos capture not only the beauty of the location but also the emotions of the day. A wedding photographer in Saxony will know how to take full advantage of the area’s stunning landscapes, from the rolling hills to the quaint towns, creating images that tell the story of your celebration.

Conclusion: A Wedding to Remember in Saxony

Eileen and Sebastian’s wedding in Schönwald and Franzensbad was the perfect blend of two cultures, two families, and two hearts coming together. From the warm, intimate family moments to the breathtaking ceremony and reception, every aspect of this wedding was about love, connection, and adventure. It was a true privilege to be part of their special day, and I know that the memories will live on for a lifetime.

If you’re planning a wedding in Saxony or nearby, I would love to help capture your story. Whether you’re looking for a photographer to highlight the beauty of your venue, document your special moments, or simply preserve the magic of your day, I’m here to make sure your wedding day is just as memorable as Eileen and Sebastian’s.

wedding dress:The Last Minute Bride

Floral crown and decoration: Alexandra Gaus from Blumen Fichter

Wedding cake was made by grandparents

Groom’s suit: Artisan Breuninger in Freiburg

Pocket squares: Joel and Son Fabrics, London

Reception venue: Historic Ballroom at the INGO Casino

“Sebastian and I are both active members of Studentenverbindungen (Fraternity & Sorority). We actually met through our fraternity and sorority! He is a member of Corps Suevia Freiburg, and I am a member of AV Merzhausia Freiburg. We even had many guests attend the wedding that are members of Suevia and Merzhausia aswell as members from other Studentenverbindungen throughout Germany and Austria; all of them wore their colorful membership ribbons or bows. Corps Suevia & AV Merzhausia played a considerable role for us at our wedding because both Studentenverbindungen play a large role in our lives, and we invest a lot of time inthem. Of course, we met through them, but they also give us a platform to have individual interests, as well as events that we can attend together. They are like brothers and sisters to us, an extra family that we both have a life-long commitment to.”