Kira and Damien’s wedding wasn’t about sticking to a theme or following any trends. It was about people—family, friends, and themselves. “We had no real plan for the day,” Kira says. “Everything was organically perfect.”

Their story began in a tattoo studio in Cologne. As tattoo artists, they both travel frequently, working in different cities and meeting new people. That day, fate—or coincidence—brought them together. “We met in the entry area of the studio, right before I had to leave,” Kira recalls. “It was the worst timing. I was still in a relationship, and Damian had just come out of a ten-year one. But that moment changed everything.”

The wedding itself was shaped by a desire to share the experience with Kira’s grandparents, whose health had been declining. “They were our inspiration,” she says simply. “We wanted to celebrate with them while we still could.”

She was even walked down the aisle by her grandfather, which was a really special moment. “The fact that this man had to learn to walk again after health issues and trained month for this moment was so very special”, she explained. “I was holding my breath for two minutes straight, I simply forgot to breathe. Time stood still for me.”

A live piano duo played a reimagined version of Sure Thing by Miguel as they exchanged rings. Later, Snooze by SZA played, followed by Genie in a Bottle. “It was hilarious watching everyone recognise that intro in the middle of this beautiful moment,” Kira laughed.

Their biggest cost was Kira’s outfit, her Ritual Unions gown being the star of the show. They planned the wedding quickly, in just five months, so didn’t have lots of time to save up. Instead, they paid for things as they went, not wanting a long, drawn out engagement. However, looking back, they both agree: finding budget to hire a planner would have been worth it.

Their advice for future couples is simple: communicate. “Even when it’s hard,” she concluded. “It’s the only way to have a healthy relationship and grow together.” And as for the so-called rules of weddings? “Maybe just stop making rules for weddings in general. Let people marry who they want, how they want. Getting married is the best thing ever. Highly recommend.”