Düsseldorf Registry Office - Neuss, Germany + Garden Ceremony Elopement Photo Story Award

Backyard Garden Wedding photo from North Rhine-Westphalia During a garden ceremony

A couple exchanged outdoor vows in a backyard and placed bracelets on one another in a small garden ceremony as a sign of their commitment

Rather than becoming frustrated by the fact that they were not going to have the wedding that they originally planned, Katrin and Manu decided to put their own spin on their pandemic wedding. During their garden ceremony, they took off their wedding rings, as they plan to save the exchange of rings for their 2021 ceremony and reception. In lieu of rings, they placed bracelets on one another, which they will wear as a sign of their commitment and love.

When they were first engaged, Manu and Katrin knew that they wanted to hire a wedding photographer who would feel less like a vendor and more like a friend. Their initial meeting with this photographer lasted for six hours. There was an instant connection, and they discussed all of the details of their grand wedding event that they had planned for August of 2020 in Dusseldorf-Neuf, Germany. 

However, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Manu, Katrin, and their photographer knew that their plans would have to shift. The couple decided to postpone their large wedding celebration until 2021, but they didn't want to delay their marriage. Instead, they opted to have a carefree garden party on their original wedding date. 

The photographs from this wedding showcase the relaxed nature of this couple and the images highlight the fact that beauty can arise from the most unexpected of circumstances. 

Düsseldorf Registry Office, North Rhine-Westphalia photo from before the start of the civil ceremony

Düsseldorf Registry Office, North Rhine-Westphalia Picture | it is time to go in and begin the civil ceremony

On a sultry day in August, the bride waits outside the registry office until it is time to go in and begin the civil ceremony.

Düsseldorf Civil Registry Marriage photo from a North Rhine-Westphalia ceremony as groom pumps his fist with excitement

Düsseldorf Civil Registry Marriage North Rhine-Westphalia Image | The groom pumps his fist with excitement before the civil ceremony

The groom pumps his fist with excitement before the civil ceremony begins as the bride laughs in an easygoing manner.

Düsseldorf Civil Marriage, German Wedding picture of The bride and groom sharing a kiss at the end of their ceremony

Düsseldorf Civil Marriage, German Wedding Photo | The bride and groom share a short yet sweet kiss at the end of their ceremony

Katrin and Manu share a short yet sweet kiss at the end of their ceremony. It was a fitting end to an experience that was brief, yet filled with warmth and devotion.

Düsseldorf Registry Office Germany Wedding Portrait during the COVID-19 virus of bride and groom with tongue-in-cheek face masks

Düsseldorf Registry Office - Germany Wedding Portrait | in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the bride and groom wore tongue-in-cheek face masks

The newlyweds pose for portraits in Dusseldorf after their civil ceremony. As an ode to their fun-loving nature and in order to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the bride and groom wore tongue-in-cheek face masks. Manu's mask says "What she said" in German, while Katrin's says "Yes!"

Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Backyard Wedding image of a guest giving the bride a cigarette light

Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany Backyard Wedding Photo | A wedding guest gives the bride a light

A wedding guest gives the bride a light as she mingles with her friends during the garden party.

North Rhine-Westphalia Backyard Wedding image during a thunderstorm at the outdoor gathering

North Rhine-Westphalia Backyard Wedding Picture | a thunderstorm popped up during the outdoor gathering

As if getting married during a global pandemic was not unexpected enough, a thunderstorm popped up during the outdoor gathering.

Backyard Wedding Photo from North Rhine-Westphalia of The bride took the groom running into the rain

Backyard Wedding Photography - North Rhine-Westphalia | The bride took the groom by the hand and ran into the rain

Ready to take on life as it comes, Katrin took Manu by the hand and ran into the rain. It was the perfect opportunity to capture unique wedding portraits that showcased their lighthearted and adaptable approach to life. 

Garden Wedding Detail of the brides dress and shoes with mud - cannot tarnish the bride

Garden Wedding Detail Image - Germany | A  bit of mud cannot tarnish the glow of a bride

A detail shot of Katrin's shoes proves that a bit of mud cannot tarnish the glow of a bride.

The photographer was able to capture the special, intimate moments that this couple enjoyed on the day they became husband and wife. In addition, the photographer will be joining them once again when they are finally able to throw the lavish party they postponed as a result of the pandemic. Couples who are coming up with creative ways to continue living their lives during these unprecedented times should remember that this is an option. They can get married now in an intimate, private, and personal ceremony, and celebrate later with friends and family. All the while, they can hire an experienced, professional photographer who will capture both celebrations and allow them to bask in the memories of this era for years to come.