We were lucky enough to travel to Europe last year to celebrate Kyle + Andrea’s special day at Gamsalm Ehrwald located in Austria at 1.278 meters high in an incredible mountain range on the sunny side of the Zugspitze below the Gamskar. Ski here in the winter and hike here in the summer – the views from this location are absolutely stunning year round. Kyle has been working as a ski instructor in nearby Garmisch for many years and skiing is a passion the couple shares, so it was only fitting to celebrate their special day in the mountains!!!!
It was a complete honor to be asked to photograph this wedding in such a special place, and so far from home. I have known the groom’s brother since college and have had the sincere privilege of photographing many families, weddings and newborns in this group of people over the year, so we felt included, welcomed and loved as soon as we arrived. What an absolute dream of a job this is! I never would have imagined myself traveling across the world doing what I love and being a part of so many incredible moments in time with people I love. I feel so, so lucky.
When it comes to traveling for work, I take it VERY SERIOUSLY. I spent hours looking for the exact right suitcase size that I could carry on to an international flight. I spent way too much time reading and re-reading each airline’s rules to be sure that the suitcase I picked would meet their regulations. I needed it to be as light as possible while still having a hard shell – this was it if you’re interested 😉 Once I found the perfect case, it was game on in the packing department – finding the lightweight clothes that don’t wrinkle, the packing cubes, the small enough (but big enough) toiletries bag.. you name it. I made it happen with lots of room left to bring back keepsakes and German wine! I don’t pack camera gear in my suitcase, though. Those items always stay with me through air travel to be sure they don’t get separated from me. Cameras, memory cards, batteries, diffusers, flashes, backups- ALL THE THINGS stay in my favorite carry on backpack so I can walk onto the job feeling 100% prepared no matter what happens.
We made it with all our belongings, ended up in an amazing convertible rental car and made our way from Frankfurt to Garmisch where we were staying for the wedding. We made several stops along the way to see Würzburg and The Linderhof Palace before arriving!
We started the wedding day with the bride in Garmisch, getting ready in an amazing little home with her Mom, sisters, sweet little niece and friends. From there, we drove over the board into Austria to head up the mountain to the wedding location. The lovely ceremony took place on the deck and the reception unfolded in the charming dining room. It was a warm, beautiful day that was full of so many happy tears, big hugs and memories that will stick with me for a lifetime.
We traveled around Europe for a little while after the wedding day! If you want to read more about our trip to Innsbruck, Highline 179, Dinkelsbühl + Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Heidelberg + The Rhine Valley and Prague in my travel posts!
