Tell us the inspiration behind the shoot.
I wanted to show that we all are organic shapes, and we shift and we turn, and we emerge differently. Some of us don’t – and don’t want to – fit in the traditional male and female grid, which also applies to their weddings. So this shoot is for all people who love to see others being happy just their way, wearing make-up, bold patterns, strong shoulders, delicate lace, heels, capes, and flowers, not regarding any stupid gender rules.
Why was creating this shoot important to the team?
The German wedding industry is very heteronormative and gender-conforming. As a committed ally with lots of contacts in the LGBTQIA+ community, I try to change that and show all the fun of being open and playful with gender and roles in the wedding context. So I gathered a great team, and we designed a styled shoot with a beautiful gay couple who are also doing drag to express themselves. The concept I created is called “organic shapes,” as gender can be fluid like water or solid like a rock (which also can break and disrupt with time…).
What are the key styling elements of the styled inspiration, and who brought them to life?
I wanted to showcase the shapes in all parts, like the stationary, the ceremony backdrop, the wedding bands, the Vases, and the sweet table. But the most important thing was the playfulness with everything. You can play with many things at a wedding, which can be fun and personal, so I tried to show that to couples.
As the venue had very narrow tables, we had to design a delicate and narrow table setting that was nevertheless spectacular and beautiful. So I chose to add a special kind of anthurium, which is treated to have a shimmering finish, and the lovely Blumenoase created this incredible all-over decoration. She also made a fantastic flowerpiece for Tobias’ outfit to show that grooms can rock flowers, too!
For the styling, I ensured Tobias and Julian were extremely okay with everything I put them in because not everyone is happy with sequins, bold patterns, or feminine styling. So we came up with the extravagant styles that match very well. And of course, we added some beautiful make-up by Michaela Rader. And for the evening party, we had some glitter, too!
The stationary I redid two times because it did not feel organic enough. But the last version was perfect, and I am very happy with how the paper looks, and the different parts come together.
THE COUPLES STORY
Julian & Tobias
What is your favorite memory together?
In the summer of 2021, we spent our first vacation together. We spent a week at my grandma’s place next to Lake Constance. It was such a beautiful experience for us both and deepened our connection.
What is been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome together?
We met while Tobias was still studying industrial design. Half a year after we met, Tobias moved to Sweden for a semester abroad. After completing his bachelor’s, he pursued a master’s degree in the Netherlands, which meant another year of long-distance relationship for us. It wasn’t always easy to deal with the emotions involved in this process, but with video calls and regular visits, we managed to push through. Now, it’s been a year since we were fully reunited again. This challenging time enabled us to value our time together even more.
What would you say if you could give your younger selves a pep talk for the future?
Start exploring the queer scene around you instead of just hanging out with straight friends. Go to queer venues, and you will meet beautiful souls that enrich your life like you could have never expected. This experience will also make you feel more at home and rooted.
Tell us your favorite thing about one another.
Julian always manages to make me laugh with his humor and jokes. We both enjoy going out into nature and are both quiet introverts with a similar level of energy. That’s why we share similar ideas of what a nice day/activity or vacation looks like for us.
Tobias can be very enthusiastic about things and spend a lot of time on them. His Drag persona, Monique Fatigue, is a good example. He never loses patience when things don’t work out immediately or when he experiences setbacks. I would describe it as a childlike curiosity that he has never lost. I should take that as an example.
Photography by Gloria Schwan Photography
Accessories Stadtholz
Cake Sweet Diva
Cape Hugs & Kisses
Catering & Venue Moglis
Celebrant Worte mitten ins Herz
Ceremony Venue Tonwerk
Florist Die Blumenoase
H&MU Michaela Rader
Lighting Event24Muc
Planner / Stylist & Stationery Mrs. Right
Suit Designer Asos
Wedding Rings Trauringmanufaktur
