When Bastian and Mark imagined their wedding day, they knew exactly what they wanted. It’s stylish, modern yet relaxed and warm. With thoughtful details, meaningful ceremonies and heart-centered touches, their celebration in Munich was a true reflection of their love story.
Naturally unfolding love
They both attended Passau University and took the same course, but Bastian and Mark didn’t meet until a few years later. Thanks to dating apps. “I liked Bastian right after his writing,” recalls Mark. Six months after the chat, their first date sealed the deal. That felt just right. From there everything unfolded easily and organically.
In 2021, Mark proposed this while taking a photo of his Christmas card. “He pulled out the ringbox and I was very surprised,” says Bastian. “But Mark is sure I did it,” he adds with a laugh.
After Student Day at Passau, they moved to Munich for work and returned to Passau in the beginning of 2023 with their dog Pike.
Thoughtful design celebration
Bastian and Mark’s wedding took place in late October, and the ceremony took place in a stunning old industrial building next to the reception venue, Tongall Doughen. The ceremony space was warm and romantic, filled with candlelight as the sun sets. The live acoustic duo played four songs on guitar, violin and keyboards, and the groom exchanged personal vows in front of his loved ones. There was no religious element. It was just a heartfelt ring warming ceremony and touching words from both my mother.
The design was minimalist and modern, with a palette of gentle colors: green, nude, white, soft pink and black. The flower arrangement was intentionally simple with a reception table curated by Die Blumenoase, with a more luxurious display during the ceremony.
Their goal? To keep the day friendly and stylish. “We wanted to feel relaxed, whether stiff or overwhelming,” they shared.
Pride is subtly woven into it
In line with the German wedding tradition, Bastian and Mark offered an afternoon “Coffee and Cake” reception following the ceremony. Guests were treated to a stunning sweet table served by a vintage ape car and accompanied by a hearty finger food handed over as a flying buffet. Piècederesistance was a wedding cake from Sweet Diva. This had a surprise rainbow Pride flag.
The couple offered something deeply meaningful rather than traditional guest favors. Guests will receive a wooden token and place it in one of three boxes. Each represents a charity that is close to the groom’s heart. After the wedding, Bastian and Mark made donations based on the guest’s choice and rounded up the total itself. “I felt it was very right to give back on our big day,” they shared.
Celebration, connection, ice cream
Dinner at Moglis Tonwerk is a culinary experience, focusing on high-quality food and shared connections. The groom then surprised the guests. Guests were finished with a self-made ice cream bar with toppings and sprinkles, a playful, sweet ending for the meal.
Their first dance was set to “I’m Yours” by Oleta Adams & José James. This is an intimate and soulful moment that sets the tone of a dance party spun by Event24Muc.
All day long, I’ve stood out more than anything else. Couples take great care of everyone around them. All vendors received thoughtful bags of sweets, handwritten cards and small gifts. “They were more than just vendors for us. They became part of our celebration,” the couple shared.
Words of wisdom from the groom
Bastian and Mark are advised to plan a wedding to other LGBTQ+ couples.
“I think the most important thing is to find a vendor you can trust and find one that you feel completely comfortable with from the first conversation. You should click right away. We did a pre-search on Google and Instagram for planners that explicitly cater to LGBTQ+ couples.
They also encourage vendors to be visible in their support:
“If your website or social media channel shows you working with LGBTQ+ couples, it can be a huge help in making your choice. Exclude people who don’t want to work with LGBTQ+ couples right away, and don’t want to save time and stress on both sides.
They experienced early moments of uncertainty and subtle fears of subtle rejection, but choosing the right planner changed everything. Their planner, Mrs. Wright, not only helped them organize the day, but also united them with positive vendors who felt like a family they had chosen by the end.
A wedding that felt just right
“As we move away from the traditional and classic wedding concepts, we realize that a whole new world of possibilities is open to us. We were extremely fortunate to our wedding team who tailored every detail to the details to fit us perfectly.
vendor:
Photo: Cocogonser Photo | @coco.gonser
Plan: Mrs. Right | @mrsright_hochzeitsplanung
Floral pattern: bluemenoase | @dieblumenoase
Ceremony venue: Tongaku Doughen | @wedding_tonwerk
Reception venue: Moglis Tonwerk | @moglis_tonwerk
Cake: Sweet Diva | @sweetdiva_tortencouture
DJ: Event24Muc | @event24muc
Live Music: Music Made with Love | @musicmadewithlove
administ: worte mitten ins herz | @worte.mitten.ins.herz
Entertainment for Kids: Children in Munich | @kidsinmunich
Suit: Suit Supply | @suitsupply
Source: Equally Wed – LGBTQ+ Wedding Magazine and Wedding Vendor Directory – equallywed.com
