Maureen and Ingo — IDO Events

In the heart of a splendid summer's day on January 18, 2020, Ingo entered Maureen's life at Cape Town International Airport. Holding a sunflower, his eyes mirrored the sky's hue—a moment orchestrated by their international matchmaker, Ana. The whirlwind romance began with exploring the Cape Peninsula, and Ingo's genuine help during Maureen's move sealed their destiny.

A love story bound for Botswana and Berlin faced the unexpected hurdle of Covid. Separated for five months, Maureen and Ingo navigated lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business challenges. Despite the ocean between them, they built their connection virtually, finding joy in shared activities and celebrating birthdays from afar.

Two years later, on Maureen's birthday in May 2022, Ingo proposed during a Plettenberg Bay holiday. Borrowing a boat, he cruised on Swartvlei Lake, asking the question that led them into the next chapter of their lives. The "Yessssssss!" sealed their commitment as they sailed into the sunset. In celebration of their newfound home in each other, Maureen and Ingo chose to have their wedding celebration in Berlin—a city that holds their dreams and where they're building a life together.

A Week Of Celebrations In Berlin

For Maureen and Ingo, their wedding week was not just a day but a seven-day celebration of love. Each event designed to showcase their sense of "home" in Berlin, centered around their values, love for sustainability, and the significance of their new home.

Hello BBQ

The week kicked off with a Hello BBQ by Chamaeleon's chefs, emphasizing sustainability and the foundation's commitment to protecting the rainforest. M&I, value-driven and eco-conscious, found resonance with Chamaeleon's mission, having already purchased 24 million square meters of rainforest in Ecuador.

Ginbledon Tennis Tournament

Held at Ingo's tennis club, the tennis tournament showcased Ingo's passion for the sport and gave guests a glimpse into their shared sense of home.

Berlin City Boatcruise

Transforming a boat's deck into a glamorous setting, the Berlin City Boatcruise offered a unique perspective of the city from the water, creating an unforgettable experience.

Welcome Garden Party At Their New Home

The Garden Welcome Party at Maureen and Ingo’s soon-to-be-renovated home symbolized their upcoming renovations. Overcoming challenges, they transformed the wild garden into a bohemian setting, celebrating their connection and new home amidst the ivy-covered surroundings.

Schlachtensee Lake Fun

A day at Schlachtensee filled with a lakeside picnic, swimming, and SUPing perfectly captured their favorite Berlin pastime, creating cherished memories in one of their beloved spots.

Rehearsal Dinner + Sunset Cocktails

The wedding weekend kicked off with "Nothing Friday," a distinctive rehearsal dinner experience with sunset cocktails. Family members gathered at the venue, which had been rented exclusively from Friday to Sunday, setting the perfect tone for a weekend filled with love, joy, and celebration.

Wedding Celebration Day

The Schlosshotel Berlin set the stage for Maureen and Ingo's main event—a day of enchantment, where the ceremony seamlessly flowed into sundowners, dinner, and dancing. The summer sun cast a warm glow on the extensive setup, featuring custom-made chandeliers adorned with greenery and ivy. The curved dinner table boasted more than bespoke chandeliers, including an envelope wall serving as the seating chart.

Creating intimate corners with additional chandeliers, the ambiance echoed the concept of a "family feast." Accommodating 150 guests with intricate decorations, the event brought to life Maureen’s culinary dreams. The menu featured special dishes and drinks from both Germany and South Africa, reflecting Maureen’s heritage.

As day turned to night, a live band filled the air with melodies, and the dance floor became the centerpiece of joy. A note-worthy detail—the couple shared a first look before the ceremony, adding an extra layer of sentiment. The bridesmaids' dresses, custom-made in South Africa, adorned the celebration with rich jewel tones, visible in the vibrant table decor and the ceremony's opulent setting.

Farewell Brunch

The week of festivities concluded with a leisurely brunch, offering a gentle farewell before everyone parted ways.

“For our wedding week in Berlin, we wanted to work with the BEST wedding planner. Someone that understood elegance and beauty but also true hospitality, someone who would have the knowing that every detail ultimately informs the feeling captured in every moment, someone who would have everything under control at all times. Someone we could trust with the most special week, and day of our lives. We cannot thank Sharon and her team enough for being the custodian of our wedding celebration journey. We felt supported along every step of the way.It was magical, breathtakingly beautiful, unforgettable and left us and our loved ones feeling connected and inspired. Thank you IDO!” - Maureen & Ingo

Note: Out of respect for the couple's privacy, we are selectively sharing images from the wedding day itself and not other events.