A Morrhof Wedding: A Little Tuscany in the Palatinate
The first time you arrive at the Morrhof, you could be forgiven for thinking you’ve ended up in Tuscany. Cypress trees, olive trees, stone steps, a pool tucked between tall hedges. In fact you’re in Großkarlbach, right in the middle of the Palatinate wine region in south-west Germany.
This is where the couple celebrated, after a church ceremony at the Bergkirche in Osthofen. I was with them all day, from the first toast in the morning to the last song on the dance floor. I brought the drone along too, because you only really see how beautifully the Morrhof is laid out from above.
Getting Ready at the Morrhof
The Groom and His Friends
The groom’s morning started relaxed. A toast with the guys first, then the white tuxedo, the bow tie and one last look in the mirror. When the mood is this easy-going in the morning, I usually know how the rest of the day is going to go.
The Bride and Her Bridesmaids
On the bride’s side it was brighter and a little more nervous. The dress hung in the doorway of the garden house, with the shoes, perfume and rings laid out. I like to photograph details like these first, while things are still quiet. Then her bridesmaids in their pale yellow dresses helped her into her gown, tugging here, adjusting there, until everything sat just right.
First Look by the Pool
The two of them didn’t want to wait until the church to see each other. So we set up the first look by the pool, with no guests and no audience. Just the two of them, and me a little further back.
I really love this moment. The first reaction is almost always honest, and once it’s over, the biggest nerves are gone. You can feel that for the rest of the day.
Couple Portraits Among the Cypresses
We went straight from the first look into the couple portraits. That has a very practical upside: the most important photos of the two of you are done before a single guest arrives, which leaves you more time for your people later on.
The Morrhof makes it easy. Stone steps, cypresses, old walls, lots of green. A veil caught by the wind, a kiss on the stairs, the groom simply picking the bride up. I didn’t have to say much, the two of them were clearly having fun.
Church Ceremony at Bergkirche Osthofen
Then it was over to Rheinhessen, to the Bergkirche in Osthofen. The Protestant church sits on the Goldberg hill above the town, surrounded by vineyards, and its history goes back to the 11th century. Another place that’s well worth seeing from the air.
Inside there are red sandstone arches, stained glass windows and the organ up in the gallery. The groom waited at the altar while the bride’s father walked her down the aisle. It’s one of those moments when even the back rows reach for the tissues. Then the rings, a few laughs along the way, and outside a guard of honour of cheering guests.
Reception at the Morrhof with a Champagne Tower
Back at the Morrhof, the newlyweds pulled up in a golf cart. A champagne tower was waiting at the reception, and the groom filled it himself. Light, glass, movement: that always works on camera.
Then things got loud. The groom’s friends threw him up in the air, and the bridesmaids cheered from the garden steps.
Dinner, Speeches and the First Dance
A Grand Entrance with White Napkins
When the two of them walked into the dining hall under the glass roof, the guests waved white napkins. A simple idea that looks great, both in the room and in the photos.
The Speeches
The speeches came during dinner. One moment the whole room was laughing, the next it went completely quiet. That mix is what makes a good speech, and the guests' faces in those moments are exactly what I want to capture.
The First Dance
Later came the first dance. A few spins, a kiss, and after that the dance floor was open.
Cutting the Cake with a Katana by the Pool
The cake was cut at night beside the lit-up pool. It stood on a wooden cart with sparklers on top, and instead of a cake knife, a katana did the job. Not something I see every week.
Bouquet Toss and Party
For the bouquet toss, the girls were already in position, and one of them ended up with the bouquet in her hands. After that, everyone danced until late into the night.
