Blessings from God on the Reeperbahn area. - We will tie the knot in a local tavern.
"In a pub, we honor love with God," states Pastor Angelika Gogolin (48) as the wedding ceremony begins. She dons a gown in this establishment. Disco balls and fan scarves hang from the ceiling alongside the pastor, the walls covered in Polaroids. Sandra (42) and Tobias Geiseler (39) stand before her. They exchanged their wedding vows at the registry office earlier in the day, and followed it up with a divine blessing at the bar in the afternoon.
As 30 guests watch, Gogolin discusses their bond forged in Timmendorfer Strand and their approaching honeymoon in Turkey with their son Felix (8). What does Sandra enjoy most about Tobias? "He's not only an excellent father but also a best friend." And the same about Tobias? "Everything, including the hair on her teeth," quips Gogolin.
Following, the ceremonial exchange of rings, the blessing - and the wedding kiss. Simultaneously, Windjammer hostess Izabella (49) pushes the right button on the jukebox. "All You Need Is Love" permeates the pub. The couple fires up a beer and clinks glasses with the pastor. Then, they unwind and dance around the pub to the Beatles' tune.
The Geiselers constitute the 20th Protestant wedding in the Hamburg neighborhood pub. "We desired to be where the people are and where they feel at ease. This could be in the allotment garden, city park, outdoor pool, or even in the pub," explains Pastor Gogolin, who has "Zum Windjammer" tattooed on her forearm.
She currently has no congregation of her own but works for the agency "st.moment," which is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany. Her duties encompass accompanying individuals at christenings, weddings, and funerals - and she does this in unconventional locations. If you get hitched in the pub, there's no requirement to be in a church or pay for it (discounts may apply to Izabella's tab).
Groom Tobias points out that he was drawn to these innovative religious practices: "Religion need not be antiquated. This possibility has deepened our link to the Church."
Prospective neighborhood wedding aspirants can reach out to "st.moment" - or simply show up unannounced on May 23rd and 24th from 8 pm. Pastor Gogolin will be marrying couples in the pub for two straight nights - no prior registration necessary.
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Source: symclub.org
