Tell us a little about yourselves!
We live in Germany and met at our mutual friends house four years ago.
Funnily enough, we don’t remember much about our first meeting, except for the fact we didn’t really get on well. As often happens in life, beauty is often right before our eyes and we don't recognise it straight away!
Why did you decide to get married where you did?
A few months later, we accidentally met again in Oldenburg and we suddenly clicked and realised that we were meant for each other. During the pandemic we moved to Hamburg and in December 2021 we got engaged and decided to get married with an intimate ceremony on the sailing ship Gitano di Mare, and have some incredible photos of our day!
We both love visual arts and photographs, which like memories are important in our lives. We feel very lucky to have met Gradisca Portento. Like a good friend, she helped us organised the entire elopement in no time! She advised us of nice places on the Adriatic coast and Pescara.
Tell us about your outfits.
Makila was looking for an original short wedding dress and the Annika Maria style was perfect; Chris wanted a modern and informal suit. The only almost traditional touch was a thin branch of white orchids and the boutonniere.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
Gradisca Portento gave us tips and suggestions and organised all vendors for the event. We still to this day are grateful for the invaluable support she gave us. She was not only our photographer but also helped us style and plan everything even to the smallest details - from the choice of our outfits to our rings and flowers. Even our rings and jewels from Monoi Design had a minimalist style that perfectly reflected us as a couple. Gradisca's approach and sense of aesthetic are a unique talent and we couldn't wish for a better experience and outcome.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
We would also like to thank the Captain Davide of Gitano di Mare, who made Chris' long-time wish of being a captain true! Thank you also to the talented Hair and Makeup Artist Marzia Crispino who made me look like a million dollars, despite the heat!
Thank you especially to Gradisca Portento, who made the elopement extraordinary by being the excellent photographer and artist that she is. We felt very lucky to have met an amazing life-long friend in our journey as a couple.
Photographer : Gradisca Portento @gradisca_portento | Ceremony Location : Sailboat Gitano di Mare @gitanodimare | HMUA : Marzia Crispino @marsino_for_bridal | Stationery : The Letterist @theletterist | Dress : Annika Maria @annikamaria_weddingdress | Wedding Rings : Monoi Design @monoi.design | Bride's Shoes : Steve Madden @stevemadden