Favourite venues for hosting luxury weddings include Schloss Freudenstein in Italy, Schloss Elmau near Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, Villa Richter in Prague, and Schloss Leopoldskron in Austria. Each of these venues offers a unique blend of elegance, history, and breathtaking surroundings, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable, high-end celebrations…”
Martina Zbornikova, Founder, AlpWeddings by Martina
Martina Zbornikova, the visionary founder of AlpWeddings by Martina, is situated in Bavaria, Germany. She specialises in orchestrating destination weddings and exclusive celebrations, not only in her immediate locale but also amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps. Renowned for her ability to craft signature weddings that exude sophistication and elegance, Martina combines her expertise in event planning with an exceptional attention to detail, ensuring that each celebration is a memorable and unique experience tailored to the desires of each couple. Here we discuss what makes Alp Weddings unique, creating the perfect day, and at the perfect location…
C&B: “Martina, every wedding planner has a unique approach and philosophy when it comes to creating perfect celebrations. Could you share some of the exclusive services or distinctive touches you offer that truly set AlpWeddings by Martina apart from other planners in the industry? What can couples expect from your services that they may not find elsewhere?”
MZ: “My experience, and my team – the couple can fully trust me. The way I work and communicate with each couple is deeply personal and supportive. I’m not the bride, but I am her cheerleader, her assistant, and, honestly, her right hand. My goal is to ensure that the couple enjoys every single moment of the planning journey. I believe the process should be just as joyful as the wedding day itself – for example, champagne and sweets during a meeting with the florist are an absolute must!”
The international wedding industry is vast, with each vendor and planner operating under their own unique conditions and practices. However, one fundamental aspect remains constant: we are discussing one of the most significant and beautiful days of the couple’s life. It’s essential for them to trust their heart, instincts, and intuition when selecting their wedding planner and vendors. They have only one opportunity to ensure their day is truly exceptional. Therefore, it’s advisable for the couple to make their decision primarily based on their emotional resonance, while also considering practical factors…”
Martina Zbornikova, Founder, AlpWeddings by Martina
MZ: “I could talk endlessly about my experiences, however certain weddings do truly stay in my heart. One of the most memorable was a celebration at Lake Garda in July 2025. The ceremony was planned to be outdoors in the open air – no ceiling or roof, only the sky – which, of course, made the weather our biggest challenge. In Europe, the weather forecast is never completely reliable; it’s always a bit of a gamble. On the morning of the wedding, it rained heavily, and the venue team was convinced it wouldn’t clear up. They wanted to move everything to Plan B. Honestly, that backup plan simply didn’t capture the magic of our original concept. But I trusted my instincts and felt certain the weather would change for the better. And it did: just one hour before the ceremony, the sky cleared, the sun came out, and we made a last-minute decision to move everything back outside. It was stressful – a real struggle between me and the venue – but it was absolutely worth it. The couple told me it was the most magical moment of their lives. That experience reminded me what wedding planning is truly about: trusting intuition, making the right decisions in critical moments, and creating the vision your couple has always dreamed of, against all odds…”
C&B: “Is there a particularly memorable experience from your career that truly highlights your expertise as a wedding planner? Perhaps there was a unique challenge you overcame or a special moment that stands out. We’d love to hear about an event that showcases your skills and dedication to your clients…”
Having an understanding of the local culture and mindset is essential when planning a destination wedding. Each region operates differently – for example, German vendors have a different approach compared to their Italian counterparts. Everyone involved in my productions has been carefully vetted, so I know I can rely on them 100%…”
Martina Zbornikova, Founder, AlpWeddings by Martina
C&B: “What would you say are the key elements that you believe contribute most to a successful luxury wedding?”
MZ: “I prefer it when the wedding day doesn’t start too early – for example, the ceremony begins around 12 or 1 p.m. I love to create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere afterwards. Refreshing drinks, beautiful music, and stylish entertainment – such as live musicians, dancers, and other performers – make the experience truly special…”
One of my personal favourites when planning weddings is the incorporation of creative elements that enhance the overall experience and make it truly unforgettable. For example, I often suggest substituting a traditional photo booth with a live illustration service. In this unique setup, a talented illustrator captures guests’ portraits in real time. As a result, each attendee leaves with a stunning piece of art as a memorable keepsake. This approach not only elevates the event to a more sophisticated level but also adds a deeply personal touch, making each guest feel valued and appreciated. I believe that such thoughtful details significantly contribute to the overall ambiance and lasting memories of the wedding celebration…”
Martina Zbornikova, Founder, AlpWeddings by Martina
C&B: “How do you approach selecting and coordinating with vendors for your weddings? What criteria do you consider most important when choosing your partners, and how do you ensure seamless collaboration throughout the planning stages?”
MZ: “Over the years, my process for selecting vendors has evolved through a combination of experience and relationship-building. I often collaborate with vendors on a range of projects – such as styled shoots – or meet them at industry events and conferences. When I recognise true potential for a successful partnership, I’m always eager to give it a try. The first project together typically serves as a trial run to assess compatibility and professionalism. If everything goes smoothly and the collaboration meets my standards, I’m delighted to continue working with them on future events. Building these trusted relationships ensures the highest quality for my clients and all contribute to a seamless process…”
C&B: “Could you describe how you follow up with your clients once the wedding has taken place? Do you have any post-wedding traditions or processes that help you maintain your relationships with couples after their special day?”
MZ: “Although the main planning process is complete, I remain available for my couples. This stage often feels more emotional than practical, as they share their feelings with me and we reflect together on all the significant moments. On the practical side, post-production includes handling final invoices for catering, the venue, etc., sharing the photographer’s preview gallery, and distributing reels from content creators. I ensure my clients receive all of these, and it’s always a joy to see their excitement and hear them say, “You were the very best choice of planner for us!”
CONTACT: http://www.alp-weddings.de
IMAGE CREDITS, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM OF PAGE:
• Miriam Kuschel
• Miriam Kuschel; Miriam Kuschel
• Florian Feg-Kopie; Hope Studio – Kopie
• React Media CZ
• Carina Engle
• Hope Studio; Hope Studio
