2022 was wild. After two years of pandemic, everything came at once: postponed weddings, spontaneous bookings and a season that hardly allowed for any breaks. It was intense, chaotic and great - exactly what wedding photography is all about. Here is a look back at a year full of unforgettable moments.
An Irish start
The year began in February on the west coast of Ireland, in County Clare. The cliffs near Liscannor, wind, rough waves - and yet we were lucky with the weather. After relaxed group photos on the rocky coast, the celebration really got going at the Armada Hotel in Spanish Point. We had barely returned to Germany when the next wedding was already waiting: Cologne, the chocolate museum, bright sunshine. And then: finally the wedding tower in Darmstadt again.
March: Ireland and a St. Patrick's Day that ended in a wet weather
Back in Ireland, there were two weddings - one after the other. I will probably always remember St. Patrick's Day on the beach. A wave surprised us and caught my camera bag. Two lenses and several batteries were lost, but the bag - and the photos - were saved. Despite everything, great portraits were taken, and as always with Irish weddings: a party that left nothing to be desired.
The second wedding in Lahinch was no less spectacular. After an improvised "drying phase" there was an after-wedding session on the beach in Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher. Ireland simply delivers - always.
Back in Germany: castles, villas and more
In Germany, weddings awaited at Philipsruhe Castle in Hanau and a lively celebration at the Frankfurt embassy in the Westhafen, where there were cool portraits at night. The island of Nonnenau on the Rhine was also a real highlight: a stylish wedding, organized by Thorsten from Blickfang Eventdesign, with details such as ice cream spoons bearing the wedding logo and a perfect sunset.
The Villa Rothschild in Königstein was on my list twice. Both weddings were unique - from an intimate summer wedding to a big celebration after a civil ceremony that was postponed several times due to the pandemic. I was particularly impressed by Hofgut Hohenstein, a new location for me. Two free weddings on the extensive grounds convinced me: a real insider tip.
Summer: From Connemara to Saarbrücken
Summer brought an elopement in Connemara, Ireland. A wedding on a hidden lake, lunch at Misunderstood Heron - a small food truck with a view over the Killary Fjord - and a photo tour through the wild landscape. Back in Germany, we went to Saarland, for a wedding in Saarbrücken and a celebration in France - all outdoors, late into the night.
Romrod Castle surprised us with a wedding where there was dancing right after the ceremony. And in the Rhön there was a forest wedding, after which the couple started van life - together with their cats. Their first stop: Scotland.
Late summer full of contrasts: Boho style meets wild coast
In August, another trip took me to Ireland - this time to County Wexford. A boho girls' wedding that was not only stylistically outstanding, but also characterized by a special energy. The outdoor ceremony in the middle of the gentle, green landscape, followed by a lively party, showed how multifaceted weddings can be.
Autumn and winter: Finale with fireworks
In autumn, DIY weddings awaited, such as the one in the Kulturbahnhof Idstein and civil weddings in the Römer in Frankfurt and in the Old Town Hall in Oberursel. Particularly cool: portraits with sneakers and craft beer in the old town of Oberursel. The Bolongaropalast in Frankfurt-Höchst was also a destination again - a location that never ceases to surprise me.
An absolute highlight of the season was the wedding in the Dolce in Bad Nauheim. Almost like a crowning conclusion: a lively celebration, Bengalo fireworks and an atmosphere that lasted into the night.
In December we went to Hessenpark in the Taunus, where we even had snow - a wonderful end to a wild year.
Vacation and a look ahead
After this year, it's time to take a deep breath. I'm spending New Year's Eve in Strasbourg, then I'm going snowboarding in Carinthia. Many thanks to all the couples who made 2022 so special. You challenged me, inspired me and reminded me again and again why I love this job. 2023 can come - I'm ready!
