Dominika & Florian, Oberammergau, Germany – Part 1
Bear with me – this is going to be long. But it will take to places you might have never been. And it will show you things you might have never seen.
I consider myself very lucky and blessed to photograph weddings in so many different places, even on different continents. So it was a special honor for me to document this wedding. It took place in the little town of Oberammergau in Bavaria, Germany. Despite it being small, Oberammergau is the place where the world famous Passionsspiele (Passion Plays) take place annually. Starting in 1634 these plays are performed exclusively by laymen, the inhabitants of Oberammergau.
Dominika and Florian are locals and by chance and luck I got to be their wedding photographer. This wedding was founded in many very old traditions, all the costumes worn are genuine local style. They are the real deal – not cheesy Oktoberfest outfits. You could probably buy a small car for what many of the guests and family wore. Jewelry, some centuries old.
My luck was, being from close to this place, speaking the dialect, knowing the habits. You can’t just walk in and say “hey, I am a great wedding photographer from the USA” to be part of a wedding like this. Come and witness strange habits, cool outfits – and tons of fun!
The beautiful Rokkoko church of St. Peter and Paul (1749)
The house of Dominika’s parents. Some parts are several centuries old.
Dominika’s dad and grandma.
Florian is arriving in a carriage.
He brought Dominika an old necklace.
Florian’s suspenders sport the sign of Oberammergau.
Always part of the game: snuff.
The best man, rehearsing his speach.
No, this is not a backdrop …
Leaving for the ceremony.
St. Peter and Paul.
The altar is decorated for the Erntedankfest, a Thanksgiving holiday on the first Sunday in October.
One of the musicians greets Dominika’s mom.
Boutonnieres
The wedding bands are placed on a silver tablet.
The priest leads the couple, best man and maid of honor into the church.
The musicians. Double-necked guitar and zither.
Old traditions – new stroller.
The old church benches.
“The church cordially asks for a donation to renovate the organ.”
After the ceremony, the couple is greeted by a sack race.
The musicians.
Lederhosen. The real deal.
The sign for the 2010 Passion Plays. The inhabitants of Oberammergau are extremely proud of this. And many of them have acted in them.
The couple takes off to the reception restaurant …
… led by the music.
Stay tuned for part 2 where you will witness how the bride is abducted (no harm there – it’s an old tradition) and Florian has to re-conquer her. Daunting tasks lie ahead …