Two Hearts, One Castle: Kristin and Josef's Spellbinding Black and White Wedding at Schloss Freudenstein

Author: Natali Grace Levine
Wedding date: 08/17/2024
City: Dresden

Love Story

Their love story began in November 2015, within the walls of a university where fate had brought them together. From the very start, their bond was undeniable—deep, genuine, and effortlessly natural. As Kristin fondly remembers, "We studied together and have been one person in two bodies ever since." What blossomed between them was more than just affection—it was a soulful connection that only grew deeper with time.

While some couples have grand, orchestrated proposals, Kristin and Josef’s path to marriage was woven from quiet tenderness and unwavering devotion. "There was no classic proposal," Kristin shares with a soft smile. "We decided together that we wanted to get married for love. This was one of the most beautiful moments in my life."

Their love story took a beautifully unexpected turn during the quiet days of the COVID pandemic. In February 2021, they chose to marry in secret—a deeply intimate moment shared by just the two of them and a photographer to capture the magic of their union. It was a quiet promise made with hearts full of love. Their 2024 celebration at Schloss Freudenstein was more than just a ceremony; it was the continuation of their love story, lovingly rescheduled to finally embrace the presence of their cherished family and friends.

About Your Wedding

With 76 guests in attendance, the couple chose to create a weekend-long celebration. "On Friday we had a pool party and on Saturday the free wedding ceremony including a party took place," explains Kristin.

The couple spent a full year planning their dream wedding with the help of wedding planner Sarah Linow. Their vision was clear from the start: "Our concept was black and white. It was important to us that everything was designed very simply and elegantly. Our guests came in black," Kristin explains. "The vision was to have an unforgettable time together with our family and friends," Josef adds. "It was unforgettable and it touched our hearts deeply."

When asked what inspired them most during preparation, Kristin's eyes light up: "To create the concept and to coordinate and select all the details based on this concept. It just had to be perfect."

Morning Details

The couple’s wedding stationery set the tone for their elegant celebration—an exquisite blend of style and sentiment. The invitations, thoughtfully crafted by wedding planner Janine Stange through Minted, were complemented by beautifully designed paper goods from the creative agency Liebe auf Papier, each piece a reflection of their refined taste.

Their wedding rings were a symbol of their shared vision and deep connection—timeless, thick gold bands that mirrored each other perfectly. "We bought these together from a jeweler. We both wanted the same ring," explains Kristin, her words echoing the harmony between them. Adding a delicate touch of romance, the bride chose earrings from the Berlin label Bruna—elegant and understated, they enhanced her sophisticated look with grace and intention.

Bride Getting Ready

The morning of the wedding found Kristin at Schloss Freudenstein, surrounded by her bridesmaids who had each selected their own black dresses to align with the wedding's aesthetic. Her wedding dress journey was remarkably decisive. "My wedding dress is from Made With Love Bridal and when I saw this dress on Instagram I knew it was my dress," Kristin remembers with certainty. She found her dream gown at Brautblüte in Cologne.

To complete her bridal look, Kristin chose elegant Jimmy Choo shoes and a veil from Studio Hale Tuna in Cologne. Her bouquet maintained the wedding's minimalist aesthetic with simple white flowers, coordinated by Schloss Freudenstein's décor team.

Groom Getting Ready

Josef prepared for the big day in another area of Schloss Freudenstein, accompanied by his best man. His choice of attire—a sophisticated Dior tuxedo—perfectly embodied the elegant black and white theme of their celebration.

First Look

The couple’s first look unfolded in a quiet, hidden corner of Schloss Freudenstein—an intimate moment that was as powerful as it was tender. Surrounded by the serenity of the setting, they saw each other and were immediately overcome with emotion. "We just cried," Kristin recalls, her voice filled with feeling.

In that instant, time seemed to stand still. It was a raw, unfiltered expression of their bond—a love so profound it needed no words, only the tears that spoke of a connection deeper than anything they had ever known.

Ceremony

As the heartfelt notes of Lady Gaga’s "Million Reasons" filled the air, Kristin walked arm in arm with her father, each step bringing her closer to a visibly emotional Josef. The ceremony unfolded in the romantic courtyard of Schloss Freudenstein, framed by the majestic mountain views of Bolzano—a setting as breathtaking as the love shared between them. "The key moment was when I ran towards my crying husband with my father. Of course I cried too," Kristin recalls, her memory as vivid as the emotion of that day.

Though the traditional ring exchange was absent—having already taken place during their private 2021 wedding—the ceremony lost none of its emotional weight. It was a celebration of enduring love, enriched with deeply personal moments. One such touch was the presence of the couple’s great cousin’s niece as the flower girl, her innocence adding a sweet and tender charm to the sophisticated affair.

Photoshoot After the Ceremony

Following their tearful and heartfelt ceremony, Kristin and Josef wandered the enchanting grounds of Schloss Freudenstein for their post-ceremony portraits. Bathed in the golden light of late afternoon, the Italian mountains provided a majestic backdrop, wrapping the couple in a warm, ethereal glow.

Wedding Venue & Decor

Schloss Freudenstein wasn't just a venue—it was a character in Kristin and Josef's love story. "We found the location through our wedding planner. We immediately fell in love with the mountains and this breathtaking castle," the couple explains.

True to their vision, the decor maintained a strict black-and-white color palette throughout. Every element—from the flowers to the table settings—adhered to this sophisticated scheme, creating a timeless elegance that perfectly complemented the historic castle. This minimalist approach allowed the architectural details of Schloss Freudenstein to shine while creating a cohesive, elegant atmosphere that felt both contemporary and timeless.

Reception

The reception continued the couple's elegant black-and-white theme with sophisticated details throughout. For their first dance, Kristin and Josef chose "Earned It" by The Weeknd, followed by the Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams"—selections that reflected their contemporary taste while maintaining the romantic atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails including Pornstar Martinis, Espresso Martinis, and Cosmopolitans, alongside homemade Prosecco. The culinary experience featured a three-course menu with both meat and vegetarian options, catering to all preferences. The wedding cake, created by KP Creations, maintained the black-and-white aesthetic while providing a sweet conclusion to the meal.

"Every single one of our vendors did their job to perfection," the couple enthuses. "We are so grateful for these great people."

As night fell over Schloss Freudenstein, with the mountains silhouetted against the starry sky, Kristin and Josef found themselves surrounded by the people they love most, celebrating a union that began in university halls and would continue for a lifetime.