Upper Austria
Wedding - die Hochzeit
Living in the US made it nearly impossible for us to share Stephan's family events. We painfully missed all types of family celebrations. One benefit of moving to Zürich, we hope, is reconnecting with some of Stephan's family and friends.
This past weekend we were able to celebrate the wedding of Stephan's cousin. We hopped on a train and went to Salzburg Friday night. Saturday we had just enough time to eat lunch with Stephan parents and together we drove to Upper Austria. This is the area where my father-in-law grew up and much of the family still lives. The wedding was very special. The youngest of the Altmüller first cousins married in a traditional and beautiful setting.
The wedding began in Kremsmünster. This is one of the oldest abbeys in central Europe and was formed in 777. The monks of the Order of Saint Benedict lead the church, school and all of the facilities associated. My father-in-law went to boarding school there and at one point a family member was the headmaster. There is a long family tie to Kremsmünster.
The bride and groom were lovely and planned a day for all to remember. It began with the local volunteer fireman lining up for all to enter (and exit) the church, 400 family and friends filling the church, local choir in traditional dress, traditional service, the church organ and love filling the hall to the ceiling. Afterward, we all filed out to a brass band (and I heard some yodeling) followed by a reception on the grounds.
From there the celebration continued with all driving to a farm that had a reception hall large enough to accommodate all the guests! The bride and groom arrived, in an unconventional mode of transport - but one perfect for them. Stephan's cousin is a farmer (I believe 5th generation to be the farmer/steward of the land and animals) and John Deere sales representative so much thought was brought into local traditions and foods. Groups at times, would go on stage and sing or cheer the couple. The couple greeted guests as they lined up to give gifts. I wish I could have taken photos of the creative handmade gifts ranging from a wooden board made into a heart, floral designs, toy tractors, a fig tree with wishes attached, to a wooden board with well wishes as tall as the bride. The evening continued with a band. Unfortunately, we could not stay into the wee hours to see the other traditions we knew were coming - we had an early train Sunday to head back to Zürich and Stephan to Münich for work.
I am so grateful we could celebrate such a happy day and such a lovely couple.