Wedding Photographer Limburg: Romantic wedding reportage at Schloss Schonau in Aachen, at DaelenBroeck Castle in Herkenbosch, and at the church in Schwanenburg
Wedding photography in Germany for me last Wednesday and Saturday. On Wednesday morning, I started by capturing the civil marriage of this lovely couple at Schloss Schonau in Aachen.
It was my second wedding in Germany but the first civil ceremony I had the opportunity to photograph there. In reality, it differed very little from a Dutch ceremony; it was a very relaxed afternoon with only close family in attendance. After the ceremony, I took the couple and their family to the park around the castle to take some group photos and a few shots of the newlyweds. Additionally, there was a toast with Sekt, brought by the bride's father in a large picnic basket.
The official wedding day was last Saturday and, for me, it began by photographing the bride's preparation and makeup. In between, I also took a moment to go to the groom's room to capture him getting dressed with his brother. There was plenty of time for everything. The bride was beautifully made up while chatting with her sister, and then the wedding dress was put on as they slowly headed to the church in Schanenburg (Germany).
I wasn't allowed to take photos during the church service, which I was aware of. I found it unfortunate, as I always find it very beautiful to capture genuine emotions. I only walked upstairs briefly during the service for an overview photo. After the service, we were allowed to take some posed photos in the church, thankfully.
Because the weather was so beautiful on Saturday, the homemade heart-shaped strawberry wedding cake was cut outside, and Sekt was served to all churchgoers and family. It was particularly enjoyable and crowded in the courtyard next to the church in Schwanenburg, the village where the bride grew up.
After the festivities, we strolled around the church for some photos of the bride and groom. Then, the bride's father drove them back to Daelenbroeck Castle. On the way, we stopped for some beautiful photos in a wheat field, and then we drove back slowly. There was another round of drinks, and the candles were lit in the beautifully decorated dining hall.
In Germany, it is customary for all guests to be present throughout the day and to join in the dinner and festivities. There is, therefore, no transition to new guests arriving after the evening party starts. The bride and groom gave a brief speech, and then the buffet was opened.
I was also invited to the delicious dinner, and during the meal, I captured some atmospheric shots of the guests and the decor.
At 9:00 PM, I bid farewell while the whole group continued to enjoy each other's company.