Love at Vienna's Belvedere: Where Elegance and Tradition Meet

The weather in Vienna wasn't ideal for this wonderful, sweet couple who had dreamed of a fairy tale wedding at the Belvedere Palace. On that late October day, with the city's foliage mid-transformation into autumnal hues, it was nearly snowing, yet the cold couldn't dampen the spirits of Miss S and Mr. T as they embarked on what would be one of the happiest days of their lives.

The day began with morning preparations at the opulent Palais Coburg, a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture, designed in 1839 by architect Karl Schleps and constructed from 1840 to 1845 by Prince Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha. An exceptionally skilled hair and makeup artist, specially flown in from Paris, worked her magic on the bride who was exceptionally calm. Following their preparation it was time to head to the Belvedere Palace where once inside they passed by the mesmerizing paintings of Alfons Mucha, setting a cultural tone for the day. The ceremony itself was a dream, with close family and friends, some having journeyed from Japan, witnessing the heartfelt union as the Lower Belvedere and its opulent gardens was visible from their vantage point in the ceremonial hall.

Despite the weather, we managed a brief outdoor portrait session on the palace grounds, capturing the essence of their love against the backdrop of this historic venue. Their adventure continued with a horse-drawn carriage ride through Vienna's charming streets. When Mrs. T (as she was now) inquired about where else to go that was more peaceful than the busy cobblestone streets around St. Stephen*s, I had the perfect spot in mind - the Volksgarten.

There, amidst the wintry chill, they found warmth in each other, sharing laughs, embraces, and a few private moments of exploration before we whisked them back to their hotel for an evening filled with dinner and dancing at the superb Clementine restaurant.

The day was a testament to their love's warmth, where even their smiles were able to break through the grayest skies, creating a memory that would warm their hearts for years to come.

Bride & Groom Preparation Location: Palais Coburg (Vienna)

Wedding Venue: Belvedere Palace

Dinner and Dancing: Clementine

Hair & Makeup: Akina Gross

Video: Wolfgang Pecka

Wedding Planning: Kimiko Hagiwara