Couple marries centuries ago in the Black Forest, setting roots deep in regional history
In the picturesque Black Forest region of Germany, Sandra Schreiber and Moritz Volk exchanged vows in a wedding that was as much a community celebration as it was a personal milestone.
The wedding ceremony was marked by the presence of the entire St. Georgen Trachtenverein, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion. Sandra and Moritz, however, chose to forgo the traditional white wedding dress and suit, instead donning the region's traditional Black Forest costumes.
Central to the wedding was the Schäppel, a delicate headdress that Sandra wore on her special day. This 120-year-old Schäppel, adorned with paper roses, was passed down through generations in the Schreiber family. Sandra's grandmother Lydia had worn the same Schäppel at her wedding, and Sandra's mother Renate had worn it at festivals.
The Schäppel, a symbol of unmarried women in the Black Forest region, weighs nearly three kilograms. This fact necessitated a concentrated effort from Sandra during the wedding dance, a tradition that Sandra and Moritz had practiced diligently before the big day.
The wedding procession through St. Georgen marked the traditional departure of the bride from her parents' home. The bride's dowry, including a marriage bed, wooden chest, spinning wheel, and milk churn, was presented on a wagon as part of the procession.
For Sandra and Moritz, the presentation of the dowry was purely symbolic. They looked forward to the beautiful part of the ceremony, and Sandra concentrated on the weight of the Schäppel as they said 'Yes' in traditional costume, just like 100 years ago.
The wedding was not just a personal highlight for Sandra and Moritz, but also a festival for the entire community. The tradition of the Schäppel, which comes from the Schönwälder family, added a touch of history and culture to the celebration, making it a day to remember for all involved.
