The magic of a wedding often lies in the details, but for Alina and Marcus, it was about something even bigger—a three-day celebration filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Captured beautifully by Polina Yarmush, their wedding at Schloss Lieser combined timeless elegance with personal touches that made every moment special.
Location: Lieser, Germany
Style: Elegant, Classic, Timeless
Time of planning: 11 months
Number of guests: 91
Setting: Castle
Season: Summer
Alina and Marcus’s journey began in 2020 when they both moved to Boston to pursue their Master’s in Finance at MIT. What started as a strong friendship built on shared ambitions and competitive tennis matches soon turned into something deeper. Despite careers pulling them in different directions—Alina to New York and Marcus back to Germany—their connection only grew stronger. By the summer of 2021, Marcus made a life-changing decision: he stayed in New York, and they began building their life together.
Their proposal was a moment of pure romance. During a trip to Lefkada, Greece—an island dear to Marcus’s family—he took Alina on a kayaking adventure to a secluded beach. Under the golden sunlight and with the waves as their only witness, he read her a heartfelt poem before asking her to be his wife. A few days later, they celebrated their engagement with family, already dreaming of the wedding that would follow.
Location
Choosing a wedding venue was no small task. The couple explored options across Germany, Greece, Spain, and beyond before falling in love with Schloss Lieser. “In total, we probably reviewed around 100–150 venues and became experts in the process,” recalled the bride.
The grand castle, nestled by the Mosel River and surrounded by vineyards, offered the perfect blend of history, romance, and exclusivity. With 91 guests flying in from different parts of the world, the venue provided the ideal setting for a multi-day celebration.
Inspiration & Concept
From the start, Alina and Marcus envisioned a wedding that felt joyful, stylish, and timeless. They drew inspiration from Mamma Mia! for the vibrant energy of a summer wedding, while classic European aesthetics influenced the elegant decor and floral arrangements. Their planner, Nadya from Farniente Agency, played a crucial role in curating every detail—from venue scouting to assembling a dream team of photographers, florists, and stylists.
"We wanted our wedding to reflect who we were and the things we loved."
Morning of the First Day
The wedding weekend began with a slow, dreamy morning in one of the castle’s lavish suites. Alina’s wardrobe was a masterpiece of personal style. She chose a sophisticated yet playful feather-trimmed pajama set, setting the tone for a stylish weekend ahead. While enjoying a quiet moment together before the festivities, the couple embraced the anticipation of the days to come.
For the dinner, Alina wore a statement mini dress by Helen Kuzh, featuring a sculptural floral accent that hinted at the wedding’s romantic aesthetic. She paired it with striking JW Pei heels with a satin finish and delicate floral detail. This look allowed Alina to enjoy the celebration while staying true to her personal style and flair. Marcus, dressed in a tailored Hugo Boss suit, effortlessly matched the ambiance—sophisticated yet relaxed.
Rehearsal Dinner & Boat Party
The wedding celebrations officially began with a cozy welcome dinner on the castle terrace. Alina and Marcus, both passionate about barbecuing, decided to integrate this cherished pastime into their wedding celebration. Guests gathered to enjoy delicious grilled dishes, sharing stories and laughter as they enjoyed the warm evening together.
As night fell, the party moved onto a private boat, where Alina and Marcus embraced a fresh new look for the evening. Alina changed into a sleek white jumpsuit by Nadine Merabi layered with a structured blazer, while Marcus opted for a light beige suit, perfectly complementing the relaxed yet elegant ambiance of the night.
The evening transformed into a lively riverside affair, with string lights reflecting on the water and glasses clinking in celebration. Guests laughed, danced, and toasted to the couple, setting the tone for the joyful weekend ahead.
Bridal Fashion
Alina embraced fashion with a stunning lineup of eight carefully curated looks, each reflecting a different facet of her personality. For her morning look, Alina chose a delicate dress from Anthropologie, adding a touch of effortless elegance to the start of her special day.
The highlight was her custom gown with gloves, designed by Anastasiya Boksha and stylist Anastasiia Uganson. This breathtaking creation featured a shimmering underlayer, delicate floral appliqués, and a dramatic train that moved beautifully with every step. Sergio Rossi heels completed the ensemble, crystal-lined bows adding a refined sparkle and a touch of sculptural elegance.
Her bouquet by Samira was a stunning mix of orchids, anthuriums, and blush-toned roses, blending romance with a modern edge. Sasha Reutskova created a soft, glowing makeup look that highlighted Alina’s natural beauty, while her hair was styled in a chic updo that added a touch of effortless elegance.
Her reception dress, a dazzling Nadine Merabi piece, was inspired by her love for Mamma Mia!—a perfect blend of chic and carefree elegance.
Marcus complemented her in a classic Ralph Lauren tuxedo for the ceremony, embracing a look of timeless refinement that paired seamlessly with Alina’s bridal vision.
Ceremony
Their wedding ceremony took place in a picturesque Catholic church just minutes from the castle. Guests climbed a scenic staircase to reach the venue, adding a touch of cinematic magic to the moment. Marcus’s former teacher, now a priest, officiated the ceremony, making it all the more personal.
The couple memorized their vows, ensuring that their words came straight from the heart. With touching speeches, heartfelt songs, and the love of their closest family and friends surrounding them, the ceremony was filled with both laughter and tears.
"We couldn’t have wished for a more magical moment."
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests returned to the castle terrace for an elegant cocktail hour. They sipped on a selection of German wines and classic aperitifs while enjoying the golden afternoon light. The air buzzed with excitement, and every conversation carried warmth and joy.
"The most unforgettable part was seeing 100 close friends in one place in Germany, living together for three days, just like in a camp! Over those three days, we all experienced so many emotions together."
Private Moment
While guests mingled under white parasols, Alina and Marcus stole away for a quiet moment together—a highlight captured beautifully by photographer Polina Yarmush. It felt like no detail escaped her lens. Every frame became a memory, a moment, a piece of art.
Against the stunning backdrop of the castle, Marcus lifted Alina in a spontaneous, joy-filled embrace, encapsulating the sheer excitement of the day in a way only she could.
Reception
The reception took place on the castle’s terrace, overlooking the Mosel River. As the sun dipped below the horizon, guests were welcomed with signature Aperol Spritz and German beer. Each table was named after a city that held meaning in Alina and Marcus’s journey, adding a deeply personal touch. The evening’s program, hosted by Marcus’s best friend, featured moving toasts, a surprise poem from Marcus’s godmother, and warm wishes from loved ones.
This heartfelt atmosphere was further enriched by a cherished tradition—Alina’s parents welcomed the newlyweds with bread and salt, a symbolic gesture of prosperity, hospitality, and enduring love. The ritual, deeply rooted in Slavic culture, signified their wish for the couple to always have abundance in their home and strength in their union.
"Our cake was custom-made, featuring figures of us and the cities where we live!"
Dinner was a feast of flavors, including a special German delicacy—flammkuchen, adding a local touch to the celebration. As the evening unfolded, Alina changed into a playful, lightweight dress that sparkled under the lights, designed for movement and pure joy on the dance floor. It was a look inspired by her love for energetic, carefree moments.
The couple’s first dance to Lay All Your Love on Me kicked off an electrifying night, where the live band and DJ kept guests on their feet until the early hours.
Breakfast Time
The final morning of the celebration was a picture of relaxed elegance. Guests gathered for a farewell breakfast, savoring fresh pastries and reminiscing about the unforgettable weekend. Against the serene backdrop of Schloss Lieser, the photographer captured the couple in a moment of quiet bliss—one last portrait before they stepped into the next chapter of their journey.
"Our team was absolutely fantastic, and our friends and family made the weekend truly unforgettable! We couldn't have even dreamed of such a wedding — it was a true fairy tale!"
Advice from the couple:
• Your wedding is your imagination! Don’t be afraid to experiment and enjoy the preparation process.
• Choose a place that resonates with your soul, and be sure to pay close attention to selecting your team! In our case, both of us were truly involved in the process and shared the same vision, which made it so much easier to plan accordingly.
PHOTOGRAPHY Polina Yarmush | VIDEOGRAPHER Dima Vlada Movies | PLANNING & DESIGN Nadya Gulika, Farniente Agency | DECOR The House of Artz | FLORALS Samira | VENUE Schloss Lieser | DRESS Anastasiya Boksha | STYLING Anastasiia Uganson | MUAH Sasha Reutskova | BAND Neon Lights Live | CAKE Meisterstücke Graf
