I’m thrilled to share a truly unforgettable wedding I had the honor to capture: Marina and John’s stunning celebration at the breathtaking Schloss Hohenkammer, just outside of Munich.

Artikeltipp: Winter picnic in the snow – elopement at Eibsee

This wedding had it all – international charm, deep-rooted love, style, and a dash of adventure. The guests came from all over the world to witness this couple's love story, with friends and family flying in to join them under the grand Bavarian skies.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Marina & John's Wedding
Wedding timeline
Vendor overview
Impressions of Marina & John's Wedding

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Marina & John's Wedding

A Love Story that Spanned Continents

Marina and John’s story sounds like it was written for a movie. They met back in 2016, both solo travelers in a little hostel in Thailand. She’s from Germany; he’s from New Zealand. Despite living on opposite sides of the world, their connection grew stronger every year. Fast forward to July 20, 2024, and here they were, standing together under an oak tree, ready to start the next chapter of their story.

Getting Ready at Schloss Hohenkammer

We started the day at the venue, with both Marina and John prepping for the day ahead. The energy was so contagious – John was with his groomsmen, sharing laughs and a few relaxed cheers as they got dressed. Marina, meanwhile, was surrounded by her bridesmaids, all excited and full of joy, helping her slip into her stunning gown. These moments were so genuine and set the tone for the beautiful day to come.

A Ceremony Under the Oak Tree

Marina and John opted for an intimate outdoor ceremony near the small lake of the castle, with an old oak tree as their backdrop. It felt as personal and intimate as a ceremony could be. A close family member officiated, making the ceremony feel even more personal. Right in the middle of their vows, a sudden rain shower rolled in! But here’s what I loved most: neither of them let it stop them. They stood there, rain and all, exchanging vows with tears in their eyes. It was a reminder that love – like life – is all about embracing the unexpected.

Grand Entrance & Champagne Tower

After the ceremony, it was time for Marina and John to make their grand entrance. The scene was set with live music from an amazing saxophonist, filling the air with the perfect celebratory vibe. And let’s not forget the champagne tower – a towering cascade of bubbly that guests couldn’t wait to toast with! Everyone was in high spirits, chatting, laughing, and soaking in the moment as Marina and John made their way to the reception.

A Beautifully Styled Reception Dinner in the Schloss Hall

When it was time for dinner, guests stepped into the beautifully decorated castle hall. Marina and John had chosen a sophisticated “white and pearls” theme that was woven into every detail – from the delicate pearl accents on Marina's evening dress to the stunning table decor. Each table was decorated with pears, flowers, candles, and elegant ribbons that transformed the hall into a stylish haven. Every element was thoughtfully planned and executed, reflecting their personalities and unique story.

Speeches flowed throughout dinner, bringing out both laughter and tears. Marina’s father, John's father, and John himself all spoke, with John’s brother adding his own heartfelt words. These speeches added warmth to the evening, creating memories that I could tell were meaningful to everyone present.

A Few Magical Photo Sessions

As a wedding photographer, some of my favorite moments with Marina and John came from the little mini-shoots we snuck in throughout the day. The first look was a moment I’ll never forget; the emotion between them was palpable, and there wasn’t a dry eye in sight. Later, between the champagne toast and cake cutting, we slipped away for a few quiet moments. And just before the party kicked off, we captured some gorgeous sunset shots that radiated the love between them. These moments gave them a breather to soak in the day – and, of course, some timeless photos to treasure.

The Night of Dancing and Celebration

After a heartfelt and beautiful dinner, it was time to hit the dance floor. Marina changed into a breathtaking second dress adorned with pearls, perfect for their first dance. And what a dance it was! The two of them had everyone captivated. As the night went on, the party just got livelier, with friends and family dancing and celebrating under the shimmering lights. It was clear that nobody wanted this night to end.

The Personal Touches That Made This Wedding So Special

Marina and John’s wedding was a reflection of who they are, not only as a couple but as individuals. From the personal design of Marina’s engagement ring – featuring six heirloom diamonds from John’s grandmother, which have been in his family for over a century – to their love of exploring new places (they’re big on road trips!), every part of the wedding was rich with meaning.

It’s these personal touches that made the day truly theirs. Schloss Hohenkammer was the perfect venue for them: elegant yet intimate, with both classic charm and modern flair. Watching them celebrate this milestone surrounded by loved ones from near and far was an absolute privilege.

Capturing Moments that Last a Lifetime

For me, being part of Marina and John’s wedding was a joy, not only because of how beautiful it was but because of how genuine they were. It was an honor to capture their laughter, their tears, and every emotion in between. Congratulations to the lovely couple – and thank you for letting me be a part of your journey!

If you're planning your own wedding and looking for photography that captures these special, candid moments, I'd love to hear from you. Weddings like Marina and John’s remind me just how powerful photos can be, not just as pictures but as living memories of a beautiful day.

Ready to create memories that last? Let’s connect and make your day just as unforgettable.

Contact me and Let's start planning

Wedding Timeline

One of the highlights of Marina and John’s wedding was their incredibly packed timeline. They had so many beautiful, meaningful events planned from start to finish, making the day feel both vibrant and full of life. From getting ready to the grand entrance, the ceremony, multiple photo sessions, speeches, and nonstop dancing, every hour was filled with something memorable. Capturing all of these moments was a true adventure!

With a day as rich in activities as Marina and John’s, the timeline left very little room for downtime. But this was actually part of the magic – it kept everyone on their toes and made every moment count. To make sure we could capture everything they envisioned, Marina and John decided to book a second shooter along with me. This decision made all the difference, allowing us to cover every angle and capture the full scope of their celebration.

Booking a second shooter truly allowed us to work efficiently within their busy schedule, making sure not a single memory was missed. Marina and John’s packed timeline was full of beautiful, unforgettable moments, and having a second shooter ensured that every part of their story was captured, from start to finish.

If you’re planning a busy timeline for your own wedding, a second shooter can be a great way to make sure no detail goes undocumented, while also keeping things relaxed and fun for everyone.

Vendor overview

Photography : Just You Photography IG @just.you.photography
Florist : Classy Flowers IG @classy.flowers.munich
Wedding Dress : Eva Lendel IG @evalendel
Jewelry : Completedworks IG @completedworks
Jewelry : Auronia Rings IG @auroniarings
Makeup, Hair Stylist : MAKE JA UP IG @make.ja.up
Venue : Schloss Hohenkammer IG @schloss_hohenkammer
Cake/Bakery : Tortenmeisterei IG @tortenmeisterei
Live Music : Janez Uršej IG @janez_sax