INEZ & FRANZYS

Fire, Mud, and Happy Tears

At the beginning of 2021, I received a once-in-a-lifetime invitation that promised to challenge my perception of what a wedding could be. Inez and Franzys, my friends of many years, had dreamed up a wedding festival that spanned four days on a idyllic Danish island.. To participate, all guests were required to attend the whole festivity and to contribute to its creation financially, as well as with choosing work shifts and with organising a workshop or activity during the event. At first, I couldn't believe it - could this really work?

Despite my initial skepticism, I put my trust in Inez and Franzys, who had proven to be capable of creating extraordinary experiences before. We had attended burns together in the past (co-creative festivals in the style of Burning Man), but I had never heard of a wedding-burn before. It was a curious and exciting concept! When Inez and Franzys asked me to be their photographer, they also made it clear that I should enjoy myself and not feel like I was on the job for the entire four days. They wanted me to capture the moments that truly moved me.

As the celebration unfolded, I found myself completely swept away by the incredible energy and authenticity of the guests. I was impressed by the level of participation and contribution from all the guests, and my heart was overflowing with gratitude for being a part of such a unique and magical experience. Between shedding a happy tear and snapping a shot, I knew right then that if I ever got married, it would have to be a wedding-burn.

And so, a year later, I found myself walking down the aisle at my own wedding-burn, my fiancé by my side. Looking back, I couldn't be more grateful for the inspiration that Inez and Franzys provided me with. While I'm unable to share most of the pictures I took at their wedding, due to the privacy of the guests and occasional nudity, I hope that my story inspires you to consider what is possible when it comes to celebrating love in its many forms.