Carlie + Markus

How did you meet?

Markus and I met at a restaurant. And I did something I never do … I slipped him a piece of paper with my phone number on it (he still has that piece of paper!). He didn’t waste any time and texted me the very same night, inviting me out for a dinner date.

When did you know they were the one?

It didn’t take long to know that Markus was the one for me. I never felt more loved and special than when I was with Markus. He makes sure to tell me every single day how beautiful he thinks I am and how much he loves me. I knew that I didn’t want to spend another day without him by my side.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

Markus is the most kind and easy going man. He doesn’t have a selfish bone in his body and he does everything in his power to make me happy every day.

Who proposed and how?

Markus proposed to me on my birthday! I grew up in NYC so he knew that it would be a special place for our proposal. He asked me to marry him right by the Brooklyn Bridge with the breathtaking Manhattan skyline as our backdrop. But there was another surprise … he had my parents and best friend waiting in the wings, along with a photographer to capture the moment!

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I fell head over heels for the “Darcy” gown at the Lovely Bride location in Manhattan. With its plunging neckline, backless design, form-fitting silhouette, and 3D floral lace, it was a dress that combined sensuality and elegance in the most stunning way. The drama that the “Darcy” gown evokes really made my decision for me. It was the first dress that I tried on, and when my mother’s eyes filled with tears it confirmed that this was “the one.”

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

I asked Markus what his favorite part of the wedding was and he replied “seeing you walk down the aisle towards me”. It’s a moment that I think everyone dreams of. And it’s hard to picture what it feels like until it’s actually happening. I walked down the aisle to the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. I could never have stopped myself from falling in love with Markus and being able to marry the love of my life in front of our friends and family was absolutely amazing.

What were your favourite details?

I always dreamed of a destination wedding so choosing Markus’ home country of Germany was the perfect choice. Our venue, the Relais and Châteaux Hotel Burg Schwarzenstein in Germany, turned out to be a fairy tale come to life. The dining room, with its long table, vine-adorned ceiling, and panoramic views of lush vineyards, elicited a Tuscan feel that I had hoped for. It was the epitome of romance. Overlooking the Rhein River, the venue also had a Michelin-starred restaurant and a beautiful hotel, all on the same property.
I wanted a timeless and romantic wedding with all-white candles and flowers. It really turned out to be a classic and elegant event!
We had an intimate affair with just under 50 people. Our guests travelled from other areas of Germany and from America to join in the celebration. We had a Catholic ceremony and our priest did such an amazing job of blending both of our cultures. He spoke a combination of both English and German throughout.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Do whatever makes you happy for your wedding. Sometimes you try hard to please everyone, but it really is your day! In the whirlwind of the big day, remember to take a moment to soak it all in, because time flies. The most important part is marrying your person, and that’s what truly matters!

Any standout vendors?

Venue: @burgschwarzenstein
Photographers: @destinationlovers.wedding
Flowers: @blumenlaube_ffm
Suit: @suitsupply
Rings: @ringconcierge
Hair & Makeup: @katha_mua
Nails: @houseofbeautyfrankfurt
Music: @danielmehrsadeh
DJ: @djmonobeats