Manu & Phil

Golden-yellow grapevines, a light drizzle and a couple simply radiating joy. Manu and Phil chose an autumn wedding at Weingut Holler Obegg, and from the very first minute it was clear to us: this day would be anything but grey. The chalets of the winery sit right next to each other; Phil got ready and was already welcoming the guests, while Manu, just as you would expect, took a little more time. The proof photo exists: she was already sitting in the car, waiting for her maid of honour.

Over at Manu’s: a glass of sparkling wine in hand, laughter in the mirror, her maids of honour in burgundy and pink all around her. The bridal bouquet of golden dried flowers lay in the freestanding bathtub, the dress hung by the spa exit. Over at Phil’s: billiards, sparkling wine, one last adjustment of the tie. Two chalets, one energy.

For us, the Stadl Obegg is one of the most striking ceremony venues anywhere. Old wooden beams, wagon wheels under the roof, orange and purple pampas grass lining the central aisle, a pink curtain as the altar. Phil stood there and waited. As Manu walked in, he placed his hand on his heart for a moment. The personal words of the witnesses and the singing of a cousin who had travelled in filled the room. The “I do” came, the bridal bouquet flew into the air, soap bubbles drifted through the autumn air.

In front of the Stadl, the guests were already waiting. As the red double doors opened, orange smoke streamed into the autumn sky. Manu lifted the bouquet, Phil kissed her in a dip. Then came hugs, dances on the gravel and the first real breath as a married couple.

At Weingut Holler, prosciutto, antipasti, cheese specialities and the winery’s own wines were waiting. The champagne tower glittered. For the group photos we headed up the vineyard path, the vines golden-yellow on both sides. Orange and purple pyrotechnics rose into the sky. Sturm Graz fans, who know how to celebrate. Manu was tossed into the air by the lads. Phil suddenly had a great many ladies around him.

Just before night fell, Manu went up the vineyard path once more. The dress glowed in the spotlight, the wet asphalt mirrored the evening sky. Those two minutes are among our favourites of the whole day.

Manu and Phil celebrated their first dance in the barn at the foot of the vineyard, framed by rounded arches of old brick and a thousand tiny lights. Then came dancing, the cutting of the cake, sparklers held outside. As Phil pulled Manu into a dip one last time, the sparklers burned all around and the whole party stood gathered about them.