Stunning After-Wedding Shoot in the German Alps

Like many couples this year, Cait + Nick had big wedding plans. They were going to tie the knot in New York, surrounded by friends and family. When COVID-19 hit, travel from Germany to the United States was put on hold which meant changing their original wedding arrangements. This led the two to opt for a small ceremony with a few people close to them already located in Germany. When Cait and Nick reached out to us, they knew they wanted to do something special together as a couple, despite canceled plans. That’s when they decided it was time to take a short trip down to the German Alps for an after-wedding shoot surrounded by the beautiful scenery in Garmsich-Partenkirchen (our backyard!).

When we started planning the logistics of their after-wedding shoot, we really wanted to make it a fun afternoon that would allow them to focus on each other and celebrate this new chapter in their life. Cait and Nick are an adventurous couple that love to travel. They also love a good view. This is something we wanted to honor during their session. 

One logistic we had to figure out was finding a great, easily accessible spot for their mountain bridal portraits, while also avoiding the busy summer crowds that July brings. After some thinking, we knew the perfect place to make that happen. We also chose to go on a Monday, which would further reduce the number of people on location.

On July 13th, we met at the Mount Wank Cable Car Station parking lot. After chatting back and forth for the past month, it was great to finally meet Cait and Nick in person. They greeted us near the ticket office, dressed in comfortable clothes suitable for the warm afternoon weather. They were towing their wedding attire in two garment bags so that they could change at the top. Cait’s hair and makeup were already done and she looked radiant! 

By 2 pm, we were heading up the Wankbahn cable car towards our destination. The ride takes about twenty-minutes, making it one of the slower cable cars in town but the views are phenomenal, making it a pleasant journey. We sat in the small, four-person tram, soaking up the views and talking about what the afternoon would look like. When we reached the summit, it was time to hop off. 

At the top of Mount Wank, there are two restaurants. Cait and I walked to the women’s restroom so she could get dressed. When she came out, ready to get her gown zipped up, my jaw dropped. The dress was absolutely gorgeous and suited Cait perfectly. She got it from La Donna Hochzeitsatelier, a bridal shop near Regensburg, Germany. They sell some of the dreamiest dresses I’ve ever seen. 

When we exited, Scott and Nick were waiting for us. A few people near the restaurants gave their congratulations and stopped to smile at the stunning pair. We wandered away from the restaurant hub, along the wide, grassy summit that stretches nearly half a mile long. The crowds quickly thinned out after walking for about ten minutes. It was time to start shooting! 

The valley and Garmisch-Partenkirchen stretched below. Out in front of us, 360 degree panoramic views of the alps dominated the horizon. It was sunny and bright, just a few scattered clouds floating across the sky. When looking out at a scene like this, Scott and I would have to agree, the Bavarian Alps are one of the most underrated places to elope or have an after-wedding session. 

For the next hour in a half, Cait, Nick, Scott, and I roamed the mountain. It was nothing short of a perfect afternoon. In between shooting and exploring, we exchanged stories about adventures in Europe, what our favorite place to travel was, and how we met. It felt like spending time with old friends. That’s one of our favorite parts of working with couples- the amazing new people we get to meet and share an outdoor experience with. 

Seeking inspiration for your own after-wedding shoot or session in the German Alps? Enjoy Cait + Nick’s photos below! Love what you see? It’s time to hit our contact button to start planning your adventure!