From Capturing a Fairytale to Creating One: How a Destination Wedding at Schloss Hof Inspired My Castle Wedding Agency
As a luxury destination wedding photographer, I have always been passionate about capturing the most beautiful moments of a couple’s special day. And I always put castle weddings before any modern ones. But there was one wedding that changed the game for me—not just the way I viewed my work, but my entire career path. This was the destination wedding at Schloss Hof, a breathtaking Austrian castle, where I found myself behind the camera and involved in the event’s planning and coordination. It was here that I discovered my calling: not just to document dreams but to create them.
The Beginning of a Dream
Schloss Hof, with its Baroque grandeur and lush gardens, was the perfect setting for an unforgettable destination wedding. As a photographer, I was initially focused on capturing the magic of the day—the intricate details, the romance of the venue, and the emotions of the couple. However, from the early stages of planning, I found myself stepping into a new role. I was assisting with the wedding timeline, advising on logistics and ensuring that every element flowed seamlessly.

What started as a side effort to ensure great photos soon became an integral part of the wedding’s success. I have done this many times before but have never thought of changing my career path this way. I worked closely with vendors, managed last-minute adjustments, and helped coordinate the ceremony and reception. The experience was exhilarating and rewarding. Seeing the bride and groom’s joy as everything fell into place made me realize that I had a talent beyond photography—I had a gift for orchestrating dream weddings.
Behind the Scenes: A Planner’s Perspective
From a planner’s point of view, this destination wedding at Schloss Hof was a masterclass in organization and attention to detail. We meticulously crafted a timeline that allowed for an effortless flow between the different elements of the day. The morning preparations began in a spacious and airy room at the castle, providing a perfect setting for the bride and her entourage to get ready. Then, we continued with one of the most epic First Looks I have ever created and witnessed. Having created First Looks at some of the most luxurious wedding venues across the US, this one stands out as my absolute favorite. And if I say this as a First Look ambassador, you can trust me! Meanwhile, I ensured that the floral arrangements, decor, and seating were perfectly aligned with the couple’s vision.

The ceremony itself was held inside the stunning grand hall, and it turned out to be the perfect decision as the temperatures outside soared above 30 degrees Celsius. The hall’s elegant design and regal ambiance made it a breathtaking setting, leaving no regrets about forgoing an outdoor ceremony. Immediately following the vows, the couple proceeded to a traditional military spallier with swords ceremony, adding a unique and heartfelt touch to the day. Group photos were then taken on the magnificent castle staircase, capturing the essence of this historic venue.

The cocktail hour was hosted in the Orangerie, where guests enjoyed exquisite finger food, Prosecco, and heartwarming speeches. Another military ceremony took place, further celebrating the couple’s journey, before the wedding cake cutting became the sweet highlight of the gathering. The later reception remained a private affair, allowing the couple and their closest guests to enjoy an intimate celebration of their love.

One of the most crucial aspects of the day was seamless coordination. From ensuring that the bridal party arrived on time to keeping the reception program on track, my role extended far beyond what I had initially envisioned. I navigated challenges—such as unpredictable weather and last-minute adjustments—with a calm and strategic approach, ensuring that the couple and their guests experienced nothing but perfection.
Why This Wedding Was Such a Dream for Me
The location itself made this wedding extraordinary—Schloss Hof is a 300-year-old castle in Austria, near the border of Slovakia. Once belonging to Prince Eugene of Savoy, who purchased it in 1726, it was later enlarged in the Baroque style by architect Johann Lukas von Hildebrandt in 1729 and used as an elaborate hunting lodge. The historic charm and grandeur of this castle made it a truly exceptional venue.
The couple’s story also added to the uniqueness of the event. Living in Vienna, the groom, Andreas, and his bride, who is Slovakian, chose Schloss Hof not only for its beauty but also for its sentimental value. From the castle, you can literally see Slovakia, making it the perfect symbolic location to celebrate their union with family from both sides of the border.

Adding to the magic was the groom’s distinguished role—Andreas is the president of Deutschmeisterbund. This meant the wedding incorporated traditional military tributes, including an impressive spallier with swords. The grandeur and significance of this moment cannot be overstated—it was a breathtaking spectacle that truly set this wedding apart.
The Birth of a Castle Wedding Agency
This experience was more than just another wedding—it was the catalyst for a new chapter in my career. I realized that I could offer more than just photography. I had firsthand knowledge of what it takes to create an exceptional destination wedding at Schloss Hof, from venue selection to timeline management and day-of coordination. With this insight, after I met Tatiana, I founded my Castle Wedding Agency, which is dedicated to helping couples turn their dream of a storybook wedding into reality.
Now, we work with couples from around the world who long for an unforgettable celebration in a historic European castle. Our agency provides full-service wedding planning, ensuring that every detail is meticulously handled—from finding the perfect venue to designing a bespoke event that reflects the couple’s unique love story.
A Fairytale That Continues
Looking back, the Schloss Hof wedding was more than just a beautiful event—it was the moment that redefined my purpose. It taught me that creating a wedding isn’t just about capturing moments; it’s about crafting an experience that will be cherished for a lifetime.
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” in a castle, let’s make that dream a reality. With my expertise in both photography and planning, as well as Tatiana, a seasoned wedding planner, I can ensure that your wedding is not only breathtaking but also flawlessly executed. Because every love story deserves a fairytale ending.
Here are some photographs from this wedding. If you would like to see more, you can check out my initial blog post as a photographer from this Schloss Hof wedding.