We woke to a cool and misty morning… no sunrise for me on my morning walk today… and certainly no view up to the Dracenfels.

Today we head to Bad Ems… the town where the wedding will be held. On the way, the amazing Klaus (a true gentleman) took us to Sayn Castle to see a delightful butterfly garden. We walked in the midst of a tropical flora of palm trees, banana trees and blooming orchids with hundreds of beautiful exotic butterflies flying around us.

Bridges led over densely overgrown pools where turtles and koi romp.

Stunning colourful tropical birds…

… and quail (with tiny babies)…

… scurried through the palm and fern fronds and we even discovered a large iguana.

And it was like a dream when one of the big blue morpho’s landed on me.

The spectacular spa town of Bad Ems on the River Lahn, surrounded on all sides by the Nassau Nature Park, is Germany’s answer to Nice… where grand spa buildings and perfectly manicured gardens line the banks of the River.

It is apparently the place to go for modern medical marvels, natural remedies and Asian healing methods… as well as relaxation. And weddings!

Bad Ems, sometimes called “The Imperial Spa” was one of Germany’s most famous bathing resorts in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Kings, tsars, emperors, politicians, musicians and writers flocked here to enjoy this elegant town with its curative mineral and thermal springs. Boasting no fewer than 15 mineral springs, which are still used to treat respiratory diseases, the gastrointestinal tract, allergies and cardiovascular disorders and for improving blood circulation.

Had a little window of opportunity before a pre wedding ‘BBQ’ planned for tonight, and had noticed a couple of small lookouts on the ridge behind our hotel. So, of course I had to climb it… and it was well worth the effort to enjoy the magnificent panarama down to the river and over the town.

Had a quick walk around the town before heading back to our grand and elegant hotel to prepare for the evenings festivities.

We sat outdoors at a stunningly decorated long table for the most sumptuous feast. It may have been called a BBQ but unlike any BBQ I have ever attended (and certainly not your typical Aussie barby)… and with a generous side of cocktails and Riesling.

Woke up early and went for my usual sunrise walk… but once again, no sunrise to be seen as the area was enveloped in mist…

…always a good omen for the coming day. We all breakfasted together and then while Ina prepared for her coming nuptials we decided it was the perfect time for another walk around town (to walk off some of what we had eaten last night and what we knew was coming later in the day)…

… and to visit the spa for a relaxing hour or two.

And finally it was time for the wedding… the reason we found ourselves in Germany when the trip was originally planned for France.

From the beginning it was perfection! The small outdoor area where the ceremony was to be held looked so beautiful with a white carpet sprinkled with rose petals and showcasing spectacular floral decorations.

My precious friend Anne… looking stunning… walked her kilted son ‘down the aisle’ led by a piper.

Beautiful Ina and Klaus followed and the ceremony began… and tears flowed. Every detail was thoughtful and heart warming… from the mixing of sands from several important places in their journey together to the tying of hands or ‘hand fasting’ as it is known. Handfasting is a celtic ritual in which the hands are tied together to symbolize the union of two faithful souls. This cord is strong enough to hold them together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. As their hands were bound together, so shall their lives be bound as one. I loved the symbolism and the words of the poem read by the celebrant…

“These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as you build your future together.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it, support and encouragement to pursue your dreams, and comfort you through difficult times.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.”

Very touching and romantic… as were their individual vows. My tears (and others) flowed… and stupidly I hadn’t thought to bring tissues 🤷🏼‍♀️.

We had drinks on a gorgeous leafy garden terrace with a stunning view over the old historical part of Bad Ems and the Lahn River… listening to tunes by an acoustic pop duo Neuton.

There was a little dancing…

Here Tim and Ina cut the cake…

… which we enjoyed, among many other delicious goodies while they disappeared to have photos taken. While we were sitting and enjoying the ambience Anne realised the zip on her beautiful dress had split (too much delicious food even for someone who usually doesn’t eat much) and so we dashed back to our room for her to make a quick costume change 😂.

Eventually we all made our way to the magnificent Renaissance Marmorsaal or ‘Marble Hall’ with its wall paintings, chandeliers and columns made of Lahn valley marble… absolutely spectacular!

for another sumptuous six course meal…

… and two wonderful heartfelt speeches by Klaus and beautiful Anne. So heartwarming to see how these families envelopes this couple with love. And very special to be included in this wonderful event.

And then it was time for dancing and cocktails… and more dancing…

… but not for long for these sixty something years olds. After a long but wonderful day, a soft bed definitely beckoned and we were both quickly in the land of nod.