Carolin + Fabian by Fanni Hermán

The styling was a subtle blend of urban elegance and classic minimalism.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We live together in Hamburg and really enjoy everything the city has to offer. We love strolling through different neighbourhoods, discovering new cafés, and just soaking up the atmosphere. Living in a big city like Hamburg means we have countless opportunities right at our doorstep – from cultural events to great food – and we love being able to experience so much just by walking. We both enjoy good food, love cooking at home, and often invite friends over, whether it’s for a cozy dinner or a casual celebration. At the same time, we value quiet moments too – reading a good book, working on a puzzle, or simply enjoying some downtime. Professionally, we both work in business-related roles: I’m (Carolin) in the media industry, and my husband works in the aviation sector. Our jobs are quite different, but we enjoy exchanging ideas and learning from each other’s worlds. All in all, we’re a couple who love the energy and possibilities of city life, but also appreciate a balance of activity and calm.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We first met in September 2013 in Hanover, on the very first day of our university studies. The two of us had been assigned to the same carpool group, and we met for the very first time at the meeting point for our shared ride. From Carolin’s perspective, Fabian immediately came across as very attractive and confident – maybe even a bit too confident at times, which made him seem slightly arrogant in certain situations. But that impression shifted quickly as we got to know each other better. Beneath that confident surface, there was a thoughtful and warm person, and that connection started to grow from early on.

From Fabian’s point of view, Carolin made quite an entrance with her very blonde hair and outgoing manner – she seemed a bit over the top at first. At the beginning, he wasn’t especially drawn to her, but that changed quickly. It didn’t take long for him to see what a kind, genuine, and strong character she had. That initial impression gave way to a much deeper connection, and we slowly grew closer and closer. Over time, what began as a carpool arrangement turned into a strong friendship – and eventually, a relationship that became the foundation of our lives together.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our vision for the wedding was to create a day that truly reflected the way we live our lives – simple, intentional, and rooted in the city we love. It was important for us that the wedding felt connected to Hamburg, not just as a backdrop, but as an integral part of our story. We wanted the places we chose to speak for themselves – characterful, beautiful spaces with a strong architectural presence that didn’t need to be overloaded with decoration or floral arrangements. This allowed us to focus on the essence of the day, both in the lead-up and on the day itself, without being overwhelmed by details or endless to-do lists.

We got married in the stunning old atrium of the State and University Library in Hamburg – a space full of history, once used during the war to house books from other libraries seeking protection. Our celebration took place in a restaurant called “Klinker”, situated in a beautiful brick building with a warm, urban charm and fantastic locally sourced food. We got ready in our own lovely old apartment, surrounded by familiar comfort and calm. Overall, our goal was a sense of laid-back urban luxury – elegant, but effortless; special, but grounded. The wedding was not just a celebration, but a reflection of our everyday aesthetics and values.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

When it comes to the styling elements that worked best for us, we found that the most meaningful choices were the ones that reflected our shared love for elegance, simplicity, and timeless design. Much like our overall wedding vision, we leaned toward a minimalist aesthetic – not in the sense of being bare, but in allowing each element to stand on its own and speak for itself. Nothing felt overdone or overly decorative. Instead, we chose settings and details that carried character and presence through their own form and history.

The architecture of the State and University Library in Hamburg was a key part of this. Its old atrium, with its calm grandeur and historical depth, didn’t need much to create a strong atmosphere. That quiet elegance continued in the styling choices we made throughout the day. One of the clearest examples was my wedding dress: it had a simple, elegant silhouette, but with an understated bust detail and a beautifully structured fabric that gave it a unique texture. It felt refined, but effortless – just like the day itself. Altogether, the styling was a subtle blend of urban elegance and classic minimalism, allowing the beauty of each space, each garment, and each moment to come through naturally.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

When it came to planning our wedding, one of the most important things we did was to give ourselves enough time and breathing space. We started by identifying the key elements that needed to be booked far in advance – such as the venues and our main service providers – and made sure those were fixed early on. That gave us a solid framework, and from there, we intentionally left gaps between different stages of planning. This approach helped us avoid feeling overwhelmed by the process and made it easier to enjoy each step as it came, instead of the whole experience turning into one long to-do list.

We also made a clear distinction between what absolutely had to be done in a traditional, fixed way – and where we could go more digital, flexible, or unconventional. For example, we chose not to send printed invitations or save-the-dates. Instead, we created a wedding website where guests could find all the information they needed, and we sent out invites via Messenger. That helped reduce both costs and workload. Still, even with all the careful preparation, managing expectations is never easy. After more than a year of planning, the emotions naturally build up – and some nervousness is inevitable. But in the end, everything came together beautifully, and the day itself truly exceeded our hopes.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

We were incredibly lucky to work with some outstanding vendors, and three in particular stood out as truly exceptional. First and foremost, our photographer Fanni. From the moment we discovered her website and got a sense of her aesthetic, we knew she was exactly the right fit for us. Her eye for detail and her visual language aligned perfectly with how we wanted our wedding to be remembered – and that was a crucial point for us. Photos are one of the few elements that live far beyond the day itself, shaping how we’ll revisit those memories for years to come. Fanni struck the perfect balance in the planning process: she was well-prepared, communicated clearly, and didn’t overload us with tasks. On the day, she was reliable, warm, joyful, and completely in tune with the atmosphere we wanted to create. Our guests were genuinely charmed by her presence, and her appreciation for even the smallest details made us feel truly seen. And the results? Absolutely breathtaking.

Second, the restaurant. We had known and loved it before, and the experience was just as we had hoped – if not better. They had just received a green Michelin star, which felt so well-deserved. The team offers refined, luxurious service with warmth and authenticity – never cold or distant. It was the perfect setting for our celebration.

Lastly, the brand Prea James, where I found my wedding dress. I was immediately enchanted – I could have bought three dresses from them! I flew to London for a trunk show just to try it on, as it wasn’t available in Germany. I ended up buying it through Anwe Bridal here, who supported me with incredible care from start to finish – even down to helping me pick the perfect playlist while trying on dresses.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

I first discovered my wedding dress online about a year before the wedding, when Prea James released a new collection. I had already looked at a lot of dresses by then – I’m quite picky when it comes to special clothing. I didn’t want anything too mainstream or overly playful. I was looking for something structural, a little cultural, and definitely something that still felt bridal. When I came across this design, I knew instantly that the brand was something special. I checked all available stockists, but that particular dress wasn’t available anywhere, even though many of their other pieces were beautiful too. When I saw that the dress would be featured at a trunk show in London, it became clear: that was the earliest opportunity to see it in person before committing. My amazing husband immediately said, “Let’s do it – we’ll make a lovely trip out of it,” and we flew to London together. I went to the fitting on my own, tried it on, and it was exactly what I had hoped for. My gut feeling was right. I ended up ordering it in Hamburg through Anwe Bridal, who supported me beautifully through the whole process.

The dress combined a classic-modern silhouette with structural elements that felt fresh, urban, and elegant – exactly what I wanted our wedding to embody. My husband’s look was just as refined: he wore a custom-designed midnight blue tuxedo that he picked out locally in Hamburg with his brother, who also got his suit there. He looked absolutely incredible – elegant, timeless, and, without a doubt, the best-dressed man in the room.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Our wedding and engagement rings were intentionally kept very minimalist – a reflection of our general approach to design and personal style. The wedding bands weren’t a major production for us financially, but they still held deep meaning. Early in the process, we came across the brand Mejuri and discovered they had a dedicated wedding collection. We both knew right away that we wanted simple, timeless bands that could be personalised with an engraving, and Mejuri offered exactly that. During our trip to London for the wedding dress trunk show, we took the chance to visit their store and try on the rings in person to confirm sizing. It was a quiet but special moment, and we ordered the rings from there. The simplicity of the design was key for us – these are the rings we’ll wear forever. We figured: more expressive, trend-driven pieces can come and go throughout life. These needed to stay.

The engagement ring was something my husband chose separately. He found it at a small local goldsmith, where the jeweller crafts each ring by hand. He had a strong instinct about it – a delicate, minimalist ring with a small diamond that felt just right. He spotted it in the store, knew immediately it was the one, and bought it on the spot. It was a quiet but certain decision, and it turned out to be perfect – both for the moment and for me.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

The areas where we decided to invest more were very intentional – and both were deeply connected to what mattered most to us personally. First and foremost: our photographer. As we’ve already described, we knew from the beginning that how our wedding would be captured would shape how we remember the entire day. That long-lasting impact was worth every bit of care and investment. We chose to have her with us for ten hours – from 1 PM until 11 PM – so that the full arc of the day could be documented, from the quiet moments of getting ready to the very last dance. Her work, her presence, and the resulting photographs were absolutely central to our experience.

The second area, for me personally, was the wedding dress. Fashion and clothing play a big role in my everyday life – they’re a form of self-expression and something I truly appreciate on a deeper level. It felt only natural that this part of myself would be reflected in the wedding too. I loved immersing myself in the craftsmanship, the design, and the uniqueness of bridal fashion. Choosing a dress that inspired and excited me was never just about the look – it was about honouring that part of myself and bringing joy into the process. I felt that passion reflected in the final choice, and it made the day all the more personal.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Some of the most special moments of our wedding day were the ones that brought us back to the core of why we were there – and allowed us to fully feel the weight and joy of it. At the top of that list were the vows we wrote ourselves and exchanged during the ceremony in the beautiful atrium of the university library. Neither of us is naturally very verbal when it comes to expressing love, which made it feel even more meaningful to speak those words out loud. Writing and sharing them reminded us—and everyone present—of what truly mattered that day. It set the tone for everything that followed.

Shortly after the ceremony, we had a few quiet minutes together on the upper balcony, overlooking the space where we’d just promised each other everything. That pause was so important – a moment to take it all in before the evening began. Throughout dinner, we were gifted with incredible speeches from friends and family. The thoughtfulness and elegance they brought into their words moved us deeply. Later, our first dance, followed by a night full of joyful dancing, gave the evening a sense of celebration and ease we’ll never forget.

And even the next morning held something special: sitting in the soft Sunday sunshine in our apartment, reading the cards and kind words from our guests, and finally beginning to process what had just happened.