Turning a New Page: From Exhaustion to Excitement

In May 2012, I said, “Fuck it, time for a change.” I quit my old soul-sucking job and threw myself headfirst into photography. No safety net, no clue what I was doing—just me, a camera, and a whole lot of stubbornness.

My first brush with wedding photography? Total accident. It was 2011, and I’d never, in a million years, thought I’d end up shooting weddings. But then I tried it, and holy shit, it hit me. There’s something about those raw, messy, heartfelt moments that got under my skin in the best way. I started thinking, *Maybe this whole wedding photography gig isn’t as cheesy as I thought.*

Fast forward to summer 2012. I’m officially doing this full-time, no turning back. And where does the universe send me? Fucking Tuscany. My first destination wedding. Rolling hills, golden sunsets, wine that probably cost more than my camera—an absolute dream. It was the perfect way to kick off this new chapter and start what’s become the wildest, most rewarding ride of my life: capturing love stories that actually matter.

A Year of New Adventures and Teamwork

2013 was a hell of a year—full of new beginnings and some seriously exciting shit. I headed to Paris for the first time to photograph an elopement, and yeah, it was just as magical as it sounds. The charm, the romance, the whole vibe of Paris? Absolute perfection for capturing such an intimate moment.

But 2013 wasn’t just about new places—it was about new partnerships too. That’s when my friend Jessy joined the ride, and we started tackling weddings as a team. Having Jessy by my side? Total game-changer. It let us merge our talents, our perspectives, and our chaos to tell richer, more vibrant wedding stories.

And then came another big moment: officially naming my business *Hafenliebe*. Finally giving this passion a name felt like everything was falling into place. It gave me a clear direction and set the stage for all the wild, exciting adventures that were about to come.

A Year of Growth and Making Friends in the Field

2014 was all about diving deep, learning a ton, and making some badass connections along the way. The Fearless Photographers conference in Amsterdam? Total game-changer. That’s where I crossed paths with Fer Juaristi—a photographer whose insane take on weddings completely blew my mind. Meeting him felt like seeing the world with fresh eyes, and it lit a fire in me, bringing a whole new level of creativity and inspiration to my work.

The learning didn’t stop there. I got to hang out with Sean Flanigan in Madrid—not just a killer learning experience, but the start of a great friendship too. Those moments were gold, helping me grow leaps and bounds as a photographer.

2014 also had some pretty special highlights. Like heading to Lisbon to shoot anniversary photos for some close friends. That personal project? It hit close to home and felt so damn rewarding.

And then came the cherry on top: joining the Bildpoeten network. Being welcomed into a group that included some of the photographers I admire most? Huge. It was a massive honor and felt like a solid “hell yeah” to how far my work had come. Becoming part of such a respected group was a big milestone—a reminder of why I push myself to be the best I can be in wedding photography.

Broadening Horizons and Continued Growth

2015 was a hell of a year—a “spread your wings and fly” kind of year. I found myself capturing love stories in some pretty unreal places, from the peaceful beauty of Switzerland to the wild, windswept coasts of Ireland. But it wasn’t just about the international trips. Back home in Germany, I stayed just as busy, diving into the unique chaos and love that each local wedding had to offer.

That year, I also made my way to the Way Up North conference in Stockholm. And let me tell you, it was more than just another workshop. It reignited my fire for wedding photography and gave me a whole new lens (pun intended) to see my craft. It wasn’t just about learning tips and tricks—it was about connecting with other photographers, swapping stories, and soaking up the inspiration from this amazing community of creatives.

2015 pushed me to take on new challenges and see love stories from fresh perspectives. Whether it was the familiar streets of Germany or the breathtaking new landscapes I got to explore, it shaped how I capture the wild, messy, beautiful thing that is love.

A Year Full of Adventures and New Friends

2016 kicked off with a bang—an epic elopement in Australia that was equal parts heart-pounding and absolutely thrilling. That trip didn’t just set the tone for the year; it set the tone for *me*. I came back with killer photos, unforgettable memories, a meaningful tattoo, and a new skateboard. Each one was a little reminder of the amazing time I had and a quiet promise to myself: *You’re going back someday.*

As the year unfolded, I found myself capturing love stories in some of the most incredible places: Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, Italy, and Greece. Each spot had its own magic, its own vibe, its own story to tell. Every location added depth to my work and completely changed how I see the world through my lens.

But if I’m being real, what made 2016 unforgettable wasn’t the places—it was the people. The beautiful souls I met, the raw, inspiring love stories I got to be a part of, the couples who trusted me with their chaos and their magic. Every single one left its mark on me, shaping not just how I shoot weddings but how I see life. It was the kind of year that reminds you how fucking incredible love is—and how much beauty there is in connecting with others.

I wrapped it all up back in Stockholm at the Way Up North conference. Sitting there, reflecting on everything—on the growth, the challenges, the wins—I couldn’t help but feel grateful. 2016 wasn’t just a year in my career; it was a chapter of personal transformation, filled with wild experiences, deep connections, and lessons I’ll carry with me forever.

A Year to Remember: Awards, Teaching, and New Journeys

2017 kicked off with a “holy shit” moment—I was named one of the *Rising Stars of Wedding Photography* by *Rangefinder* magazine out of New York. Surreal doesn’t even cover it. Out of all the insanely talented photographers out there, somehow, I made the cut. It felt like a dream, and yeah, maybe I cried a little. That moment was a mix of deep gratitude and pure awe at just how far this journey had taken me.

But 2017 wasn’t just about the big titles; it opened up a whole new chapter for me—teaching. Sharing what I’ve learned, connecting with others, and stepping onto stages at international workshops and events became a huge part of my life. One of the highlights? Speaking at *Way Up North*. It was wild to be up there as a speaker after attending as just another photographer not so long ago. And then there were my own workshops—scary as hell at first, but also ridiculously exciting.

On the photography front, 2017 was packed with weddings and elopements that took me everywhere from Portugal to England, and from Denmark to the sunny shores of Greece and Spain. Every place had its own vibe, its own story, and its own kind of magic. It was another year of adding chapters to this crazy collection of love stories I get to capture.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Jessy, who’d been by my side on so many adventures, decided to take her career in a new direction. Her departure meant I was back to flying solo, facing the creative chaos and the thrill of going it alone again. It was bittersweet, but it was also a reminder of why I started this journey in the first place: to tell stories that matter, in my own messy, beautiful way.

Spreading Love and Gaining Recognition

2018 was a hell of a ride, packed with adventures across Germany, Denmark, and Portugal. Each place had its own magic, its own vibe, and gave me the chance to capture love stories against some seriously stunning backdrops. From raw, intimate moments to big, sweeping scenes, every connection I documented felt real, and that’s what it’s all about.

This year also brought some major “holy shit” moments of recognition. One of my shots landed on Junebug’s *Best of the Best Engagement Photos* list, and another got an honorable mention. Seeing my work up there was wild—a little validation for all the love and effort I pour into every frame.

But 2018 wasn’t just about the photos; it was about giving back. I dove deeper into sharing what I know, leading workshops and speaking about wedding photography. Swapping stories, tips, and maybe a few beers with other photographers reminded me just how much we grow together. It’s a powerful thing, this community, and it made me realize how important it is to keep learning, connecting, and pushing each other forward.

Love Stories and Life’s Big Steps

2019 was one for the books—a year packed with unforgettable moments and some big-ass changes, both in my work and personal life. I got to capture love in some of the most jaw-dropping places, including my first wedding shoot in Venice. And let me tell you, Venice? Straight-up dreamland. The romantic vibes, the stunning scenery—it was the perfect setting for a story I’ll never forget.

Then came Mexico, a place I hadn’t stepped foot in for nearly a decade. It wasn’t just about the work; being there woke something up in me. The culture, the warmth, the people—it all hit me in the best way, leaving a mark I’ll carry forever.

But let’s talk about the biggest highlight of the year—the moment that topped everything. On my way to Mexico, I couldn’t stop thinking about Jana, my girlfriend. Something about being surrounded by the beauty and magic of Central America made me realize it was time to take the leap. So, in December, during a New Year’s celebration in Denmark with Jana and our friends, I went for it. I asked her to marry me. And she said yes.

That moment? Pure magic. It was the cherry on top of an already incredible year—a beautiful blend of personal happiness and professional wins that I’ll always, always cherish.

Embracing Love Amidst Global Change

2020 was a fucking whirlwind—not just for the world, but for me personally. In the middle of all the chaos, Jana and I made a decision that had been on our hearts long before the shitstorm hit: we chose to elope. We wanted something intimate, something just for us, and it ended up being exactly what we needed when the year turned everything upside down.

Jana was my rock through all of it. She wasn’t just my partner; she was my go-to person, my anchor, the one who kept me grounded when it felt like everything else was spinning out of control. From figuring out how to adapt to this new, bizarre world to keeping me sane with work and personal life falling apart around me, she was there. Every. Damn. Step.

Our elopement in April? That was our little beacon of light. It wasn’t just about saying our vows—it was about proving to ourselves that we could adapt, stay strong, and find beauty even when the world felt like it was burning. It was personal, it was raw, and it was fucking perfect.

Looking back, 2020 taught me a lot. It reminded me how crucial love, partnership, and finding moments of joy in the shitstorm really are. It was a year of hard lessons and growth—learning about resilience, the beauty in simplicity, and the insane power of sticking together, no matter what life throws your way.

The Beginning of a New Chapter

Looking back at 2021, it felt like a chapter packed with deep change and some serious soul-searching. With everything going on in the world, I found myself diving headfirst into elopement photography—not just because of the times, but because of how much it resonated with me. These intimate, heartfelt celebrations? They hit different.

There’s something incredible about these smaller, more personal moments. They opened up a whole new level of storytelling for me, one that felt raw and real. Being there to catch those unguarded, genuine moments in cozy, stripped-back settings turned out to be so damn fulfilling. It sparked a whole wave of creative energy I didn’t even know I had.

As the year rolled on, this deep dive into elopements started to fine-tune the way I approach weddings, big or small. It gave me a new appreciation for the little details—the ones that make every love story its own. Looking back now, I can see how 2021 reshaped my craft, blending the closeness of those quiet, intimate moments with the energy and grandeur of bigger celebrations.

2021 taught me a lot about the resilience of love and the art of rolling with life’s punches. It reminded me why I do this—to capture every couple’s story in their own unique light, whether it’s whispered vows during an elopement or the loud, wild buzz of a big wedding bash.

Epic Elopements and Memories for the Books

2022 was one hell of a year, packed with adventures and love stories that crossed borders. It was a year where I got to dive deep into what I love most—telling stories of love and adventure. One elopement took us on a week-long journey I’ll never forget, from the cozy streets of Copenhagen to the jaw-dropping landscapes of Iceland. It wasn’t just about snapping photos; it was about diving into the heart of their story, making it one of the most unforgettable experiences I’ve had with a couple.

But the adventures didn’t stop there. I found myself back in Venice, wandering its dreamy canals, and in Tuscany, soaking up its postcard-perfect hills, capturing another elopement that spanned these iconic backdrops. Moments like these remind me why I’m so drawn to couples who turn their big days into epic adventures—celebrating their love in some of the most breathtaking places on earth.

2022 was all about the beauty of love stories that take the road less traveled. I was right there with couples, saying “fuck it” to the norm and turning their weddings into something extraordinary. Each elopement was a vivid reminder of why I do what I do—blending love stories with wild, breathtaking adventures and creating memories that are as much about the journey as they are about those intimate, raw moments we shared.

Back to Big Bashes and Personal Bonds

2023 felt like a bit of a homecoming to the buzz and chaos of big weddings—a scene I hadn’t really been in for a while. It all kicked off with a call from an old photographer buddy who’s now a dear friend. She was getting hitched and wanted me to capture her day. How the hell could I say no to that?

Her wedding was right up my alley—vegan goodies, punk rock vibes, and just the right amount of rebellion. The day was buzzing with genuine energy and that spirited defiance I live for. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d vibe with big weddings again, but there I was, soaking up the lively chaos, loving every second of catching all those rich, fleeting moments.

And the story doesn’t end there—they’re planning an even grander shindig for 2024, on Star Wars Day, no less. I mean, how could I not be stoked for that? Can’t wait to see what kind of magic they cook up.

2023 also pushed me into some uncharted territory—a family shoot. Yeah, I usually steer clear of those, but I made an exception for some old clients who’ve become friends. And you know what? It was sweet as hell. A little reminder of the incredible connections I’ve made through this job and the joy of documenting lives as they unfold.

This year was all about mixing the wild energy of big celebrations with the warmth of those personal connections. It highlighted just how much I love the versatility of what I do—whether it’s the cozy vibe of a smaller gathering or the dynamic, chaotic energy of a big wedding bash.

Turning a New Page: From Exhaustion to Excitement

In May 2012, I decided it was time for a big change. I left my old job behind and dove headfirst into the world of photography, starting my own journey as a solo entrepreneur. My first brush with wedding photography happened kind of by chance in 2011. It wasn’t something I’d ever pictured myself doing, but to my surprise, I found myself really drawn to it. There was something special about capturing those heartfelt moments that started to change my mind about the whole wedding photography gig. So, when I switched to doing this full-time, weddings were definitely on my radar. That very summer, I got the chance to shoot a destination wedding in Tuscany, Italy. It was the perfect beginning to this new chapter, surrounded by stunning views and starting my adventure in capturing love stories.

THE FUTURE IS STILL UNWRITTEN