DAY TRIP: RHEINGAU

Tue
Sep 19
2023
10:00 am

DAY TRIP: FRANKFURT

Wed
Sep 20
2023
11:00 am

WARM-UP: GET TOGETHER

Thu
Sep 21
2023
6:00 pm
RSVP

Zum Grünen Baum
Langstraße 52
Bad Soden am Taunus, 65812
Germany

BIG DAY: CHURCH

Sat
Sep 23
2023
1:30 pm TO 4:00 pm
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Pfarrkirche St. Peter & Paul
Hauptstrasse 30
Hofheim am Taunus, 65719

BIG DAY: RECEPTION

Sat
Sep 23
2023
4:30 pm
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Orangerie im Kurpark
Augustaallee 10
Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, 61348

DAY AFTER: BRUNCH

Sun
Sep 24
2023
11:00 am
RSVP

Café Klatsch
Louisenstraße 107
Bad Homburg vor der Höhe, 61348
Germany

An Excursion to Riesling Vineyards, Monasteries and Castles

Join us for a picturesque excursion to the Rheingau, a richly cultured region just an hour west of Frankfurt, renowned for its world-class wines, breathtaking landscapes, and historic landmarks.

We'll start our journey with a visit to Eberbach Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, famed for its Romanesque and early Gothic architecture, and it's pivotal role in the film "The Name of the Rose".

Next, we follow the Rhine River to Schloss Johannisberg, a historical vineyard boasting more than 1200 years of winemaking history. Here we'll get into some wine-tasting - delving into the crisp, complex flavors of their signature Rieslings.

Carrying on to the scenic town of Rüdesheim, home to the charming Drosselgasse, a cobblestone alley lined with traditional taverns and wine bars. We'll take the cable car up the vineyards for panoramic views of hillsides and the glittering Rhine below.

We'll finish off our excursion with a visit to a local (wine estate) Weingut Robert Weil, where we'll tour their centuries-old cellars and enjoy a final tasting of Rheingau's renowned wines.

Frankfurt Homecoming: Hanging out in the City

Come along for a tour of our hometown, its sights and our old haunts. We’ll begin at the Old Opera House, a grand plaza from which elegant avenues, flanked by grand architecture and beautifully manicured trees lead to the Fressgass, and Goethestraße, often cited as Frankfurt’s (miniature) Fifth Avenue. We’ll do some (window) shopping, indulge in local delicacies at the Kleinmarkthalle (farmer’s market), as well as take in some of the history.

The Goethe Museum, birth house of the greatest and most influential German writer, offers insight to his life, work and the city around 1750. More of which we find at the Römerberg, the city's historic heart, adorned with picturesque half-timbered houses. Nearby stands the majestic Frankfurt Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece offering panoramic city views from its tower.

Finally, we’ll cross the river via the Museum Embankment, to taste a slice of local life in Sachsenhausen, an amusement district where quaint taverns serve Frankfurt's traditional drink, Apfelwein. Amazing culinary treats like Handkäse mit Musik, Grüne Soße, Rippchen mit Kraut or Ahle Wurst. And we close the day with rounds and rounds of the classic Frankfurter digestif, "Mispelsche".

Meet the Wedding Party before the Main Event

This will be a 'Polterabend' without 'Poltern'. Typically we'd host an informal gathering with family, friends, and neighbors. You'd get to smash porcelain and ceramic dishes aka 'Poltern' - shattering any bad fortune in the marriage. We'd then have to clean up the shards to signify unity and shared responsibility. We've done plenty of that since our civil marriage 4 years ago - so we'll skip the 'Poltern'.

At Zum Grünen Baum, an authentic Hessian restaurant run by our dear friend, Max Reul, you can expect an evening steeped in stories from our time growing up. Amidst the rustic, half-timbered charm of the restaurant, we'll enjoy hearty, traditional Hessian cuisine and a rich, tangy Apfelwein.

Uniting in Love at Our Beloved Family Church in Hofheim

Our joyous union is set to be celebrated at the venerable Pfarrkirche St. Peter & Paul in Hofheim. This historic church, graced with a Gothic facade, exquisite Baroque interior and an imposing tower, has been a cornerstone of the community since the 13th century. Elaborate frescoes and a beautifully carved altar provide an ethereal backdrop for this special day.

More than just a picturesque setting, Pfarrkirche St. Peter & Paul is significant to us, having been the Schaefer family church for many years. It's here where in the past Nina's father, Dr. Bernd Schaefer led church service, married couples, and baptized children in his now retired role as deacon to the congregation.


About the kids

We look forward to having your children enrich the church service. However, afterwards, we would like to celebrate with your undivided attention and therefore ask you to drop-off your children before coming to the Reception. This doesn't apply to babies not ready for babysitting yet, of course.

Party Time, People!

Majestically nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Kurpark in Bad Homburg, the Orangerie is the enchanting location for our main event.

Built in the 19th century as a winter garden for citrus trees, it mimics a Renaissance architectural style with its grand hall bathed in natural light, high ceilings, and ornate detailing, while its expansive parkland offers an idyllic, Instagram-worthy backdrop.

The reception and dinner will be filled with heartwarming speeches, and shared stories — all smoothly conducted by one of our oldest friends and MC of the night, Tim Steinbrecher. The perfect soundtrack will be delivered by DJ Leonardo Aquino, a resident of the Frankfurt nightclubs we used to frequent in our heydays.

We hope for the party to last until the morning.

Dress Code

Cocktail

Reflecting the elegant ambiance of the Orangerie in late summer, we invite you to don your stylish, festive attire.

We envision a kaleidoscope of colorful dresses and smart, flashy suits that match the warmth of the season and exude your style, class and sophistication. 

Come adorned in a look that celebrates not just our union, but the joy and beauty of this special season.

Café Klatsch : Hair of the Dog that Bit You

RE-EDIT: Change of Plans -- we're back at Café Klatsch in Bad Homburg!

Whoever survived the party is welcome to join us for our post-wedding brunch. The institutional Café Klatsch offers an à la carte menu with an array of breakfast and lunch favorites, from delectable pastries and fresh fruits to gourmet sandwiches and salads.

We'll let hearty fare soak it up, sip on sparkling mimosas to get the juices flowing again, and suckle the night before's lingering inebriation.