In and around Frankfurt

Finally, I am getting around to posting about our trip to Frankfurt! The trip was centered around my friend, Kirstin's wedding. She and I have known each other since we were very young (I don't remember how young). She has been living in Germany for several years and studying opera, and recently graduated. She has an AMAZING voice!

Kirstin met Jorn (now her hubbie) in high school and they've been together ever since! He proposed to her on their 10 year dating anniversary! Prior to their wedding, the last time I saw Kirstin was at my wedding, a bit more than four years ago. I wasn't expecting to be able to spend too much time with her, since weddings are so hectic, but I was pleasantly surprised. She and Jorn even made time to meet us at the airport!

After we were settled into our apartment for the weekend (belonging to a friend of Jorn's family) we headed into downtown Frankfurt. Les had schoolwork to do so priority number one was finding someplace for him to get online and study. We walked around for quite awhile but didn't have any luck. How is it that we were in the financial capital of Europe and couldn't find wifi? I don't know...

Eventually we gave up and started looking for someplace to eat dinner. We found a great place, albeit a bit touristy. We shared a massive platter of sausages, sauerkraut, and potatoes and sipped delicious German beer.

The next day was Kirstin & Jorn's civil ceremony. In Germany (and many other places in Europe) you have to get married in a civil ceremony before you can go to the church. At the small ceremony I saw many familiar faces and became acquainted with a few new ones. Several members of Kirstin's family were there and it was great to see them! I also got to meet Jorn's family. They are extremely generous and kind people. The civil ceremony was completely in German so, other than a handful of words I had no idea what was being said, but at the end they were officially married and were able to legally go to the church.

After the Civil Ceremony
Joni (Kirstin's mom), Ron (Kirstin's dad), Kirstin, Jorn, Eva (Jorn's mom), Bern (Jorn's dad)

After the civil ceremony everyone in attendance toasted the couple with champagne or orange juice. After the toasts we made our way up the street to a Thai restaurant for a delicious lunch. The food and company were both great! I love being at a large table surrounded by good people laughing and enjoying each others' company.

Next, we all made our way over to Jorn's house for coffee and dessert. Eva had made a decadent assortment of cakes. I chose one that was like an almond cookie on top, the middle layer was a combination of whipped cream and strawberries, and the bottom was a bit softer like almond cake. It was TO DIE FOR!! I need to ask Kirstin if Eva shares her recipes...

Once we were all full to the brim, several of us decided to go for a walk around the neighborhood. Bern took us to a nature reserve nearby and we walked for a good hour.

Down the path in the nature reserve.

After our walk Les and I decided to make our way back into Frankfurt so he could do some more studying. We found a Starbucks and after a yummy latte I headed outside to walk and discover whatever I could. None of my pictures from that night turned out very well, but I did enjoy the walk and looking in the many shops.

The next day, Friday, was a big study day for Les. I promised him that if he got his schoolwork done that I'd take him back to the restaurant from the first night and buy him a liter stein of beer. He gladly accepted the challenge and finished his schoolwork by mid afternoon.

We then met up with Joni, Ron, Kimily (Kirstin's sister), and Mindy to do some pre-wedding night shopping for Kirstin. The girls took care of the shopping while Ron and Les talked religion outside of the stores. We had a great time picking out fun things for Kirstin and Jorn.

After we had shopped til we were ready to drop we made our way back to the restaurant from the first night. Arnaud (Mindy's hubbie) met up with us and all seven of use crowded around a table and enjoyed delicious German food, great conversation, and lots of laughter.



Saturday was the day of the wedding. We didn't have to be there until mid afternoon so Les and I set off on foot to explore the neighborhood where we were staying. There were several shops and restaurants to look at as well as some quaint architecture.

Springtime is popping up

After our walk we made our way back to the apartment and just about when we were feeling like we were lost we found it! We got changed and headed to the wedding.

Wedding Flowers

The church where Kirstin and Jorn were married

Inside the church

The wedding was beautiful, but sadly I don't have many pictures to prove it. The ones I took inside the church came out very dark, and even though I lightened them up they are grainy. I have them for memory photos, but unfortunately nothing that could be hung on a wall.

Arnaud and Les

Jorn & Kirstin

I think this was the best one I got of them the entire day

After the wedding ceremony we made our way to a beautiful hotel in the country for the reception. The reception was a lot of fun! The food and wine was excellent, but the company was even better.

Arnaud and Mindy

Mindy, Me, & Kirstin

Who would have though that the three of us, all friends since childhood, would end up living in Europe? It was such a treat to be able to see them both, and at the same time. I hope to see them both again soon!

The reception finally wound down around 2:15A Sunday morning. We were exhausted but didn't want to leave. It was hard because I don't know when I'll see them again. It was like spending a long weekend with family. After lots of hugs we pulled ourselves away, knowing that we had a plane to catch in just a few short hours.

No wonder I got sick, right? Haha! At least I was able to stay well while we were in Germany. I had such a great time and I hope we can get together with Kirstin, Jorn, Mindy and Arnaud again before we move back to the States.