We’re about to embark on a thrilling journey to Austria as we celebrate Greta and Friedrich’s enchanting Fernblick wedding, filled with divine moments and unbridled joy. The anticipation is building, so let’s take the leap and dive into this unforgettable day.
What truly stood out about their planning approach was their commitment to creating an authentic celebration that reflected their unique personalities as a couple. As a result, their special day unfolded with a serene atmosphere, perfect for a picturesque outdoor ceremony and an intimate reception.
From the exquisite jewel-toned flowers to the majestic 4-tier bundt cake and the stylish attire, every detail came together to create a truly magical celebration that will leave you smitten. We’re forever grateful to Sandy Alonso Photography for sharing these breathtaking images with us.
Fernblick Wedding
The Proposal
Our relationship had been a steady flame since 2010, with no burning need for a wedding to formalize our commitment. We’d already accepted the reality of forever together, and didn’t feel the need for an elaborate ceremony to convince us or anyone else. However, as time passed, referring to each other by labels like ‘boyfriend’ and ‘girlfriend’ began to feel outdated. It was then that we started openly discussing marriage, still unsure when or if it would actually happen. The surprise came when Friedrich proposed to me unexpectedly, catching me off guard. We were on an adventure in Namibia and Zimbabwe, driving through the African wilderness with Friedrich’s brother Anselm, who cleverly blocked our view from other tourists. As we stood before the majestic Victoria Falls, Friedrich got down on one knee, his homemade ring made from a piece of grass he’d crafted during our trip, a symbol of his thoughtfulness and creativity. I still treasure that original engagement ring, my personal token of his love and consideration. In his wisdom, he recognized my discerning taste and allowed me to choose the final engagement ring myself.
The Vision
In the absence of a clear vision, our wedding planning unfolded organically. What we did know was that we were determined to diverge from traditional, overly romanticized notions of matrimony. Both of us have an aversion to kitschy or saccharine elements, and sought to create a celebration that reflected our genuine selves.
Budget
As we go about our daily activities, we consistently aim to excel in every aspect. When it comes to throwing parties, we set out to host events that would leave us wanting to be invited ourselves. For us, the key elements that make a party truly unforgettable are top-notch cuisine and drinks, as well as an impressive soundtrack. Of course, these aspects do come at a cost. While our wedding wasn’t inexpensive, we genuinely believe it was a worthwhile investment, considering the exceptional value we received for our money.
The Styling & Decor
As we planned our special day, we deliberately steered clear of clichés and opted for an understated, yet elegant approach. We didn’t want the wedding to scream ‘wedding’ – instead, we aimed for a unique blend of cool, glam, and subtle sophistication. Our picturesque venue was already stunning, so we kept decor to a minimum, only adding a thoughtful welcome sign and a ring box as a personal touch.In terms of flowers, we were adamant about avoiding pink hues and roses, preferring seasonal, regional blooms that reflected our surroundings. The only specific requests we made were for dahlias and hydrangeas, which added a pop of personality to the arrangements.Our wedding stationery featured a subtle color palette of white, black, grey, and gold, reflecting our understated yet refined approach. And when it came to dessert, we decided against the traditional wedding cake, thanks to our mutual distaste for frosting and whipped cream. Instead, we opted for four tiers of bundt cake, adorned with golden flakes that added a touch of festive flair.
The Venue
We sought a venue that would allow us to throw a memorable celebration without being too obvious or overly romantic. We wanted a space that blended seamlessly with nature if the weather cooperated, but also offered an equally impressive indoor setting in case of bad weather. Fernblick in St. Corona am Wechsel fit the bill perfectly. Not only did it meet our criteria, but it’s also an exceptionally well-run wedding venue where every detail has been meticulously considered. The owners have thoughtfully curated a range of services, from catering and drinks to décor and equipment rentals, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. The staff is not only professional but also friendly and enthusiastic, making the entire experience truly enjoyable. What’s more, the venue itself is an inspired blend of old and new, glamorous yet understatedly classy.
The Ceremony & Music
Your Photographer
We had the pleasure of working with Sandy from Sandy Alonso Photography, who became an instant friend after a meet-up prior to our wedding day. As we prioritized building strong relationships with all our vendors, it was crucial that we clicked with them. We wanted a harmonious atmosphere and friendly vibes throughout the entire experience. Despite not knowing her well at first, Sandy felt like a natural extension of our wedding party, radiating joy and enthusiasm as much as we did. Her presence put us at ease, allowing us to relax and enjoy the moment. And let’s just say – we absolutely adore the photos she captured!
Your Outfits
I stumbled upon my dream dress at Love Glow, a trendy bridal shop in Klosterneuburg that also showcases unique designers. The ‘Lotus’ design from South African brand Vagabond stole my heart. Without a clear vision or plan for the big day, I simply knew I didn’t want a traditional princess-style gown. I craved something modern and comfortable, with long sleeves to keep me cool and minimal tulle to prevent overheating. Vagabond’s dress perfectly captured my aesthetic, and I felt radiant wearing it. As someone who loves making a statement with lipstick and earrings, I opted for bold red lip color and eye-catching accessories as my sole jewelry choices. A custom-made gold headpiece replaced the traditional veil, allowing me to maintain my personal style.Friedrich’s impeccable taste shone through in his Flossmann-sourced three-piece suit, which he paired with a rich brown tone that matched our wedding’s golden accents. The pièce de résistance was his champagne-colored bow tie and suspenders, elegantly tying the look together.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows, my partner and I opted out of the traditional honeymoon getaway. We were still reeling from the whirlwind wedding celebrations, exhausted and hungover. The days that followed were spent mostly in slumber, as we struggled to regain our footing after the excitement and chaos had finally died down. Given our long history together and numerous memorable trips, we knew there would be many more adventures to come. However, immediately following our wedding, it felt like the best decision was to stay home, savoring the peace and quiet with each other.
Memorable Moments
There’s no question that the entire experience was nothing short of magical, leaving us both yearning to relive it all over again. From the emotional vows we exchanged to the joyous celebration with loved ones, every moment felt like a dream come true. In fact, if given the chance, we’d jump at the opportunity to redo our special day without hesitation.
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the authenticity of your special day by doing what feels most true to you. Don’t let external expectations dictate the tone or pace of your celebration. Instead, start planning and preparing early on, leveraging tools like excel sheets to streamline the process. And remember, it’s okay if it’s not the most perfect day – focus on creating a joyful atmosphere that reflects your unique love story. By doing so, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the experience without undue stress or pressure. For instance, consider opting for a flat rate for drinks to simplify the planning process and ensure everyone has a great time. The key is to prioritize what matters most – your happiness and that of your loved ones.