Dear family and friends,
We would like to invite you to join us at Goetz Palace on the 21st of August to celebrate our wedding.
Marta Kąkol
&
Robert Manschke
August 21, 2027
Goetz Palace in Brzesko, Poland
0 days0 hours0 minutes0 seconds
Ceremony details
15:30 We kindly invite all guests to gather in the palace gardens.
16:00 Wedding ceremony
📍Palace gardens
Dress code:Black Tie
ourSTORY
Our story began in Hamburg in the summer of 2018, when Robert was living there and Marta was in town
for a language course. The Hamburger Kunsthalle will always hold a special place in our hearts as the
place where we first met. Marta recalls being late to the date (probably for the first time ever),
debating which paintings we fancied most (firmly divided between the blue and green camps), and
helplessly falling in love with every minute. While we don't believe in love at first sight, ours was
truly love at first date.
Aside from a 30 cm height difference and divided taste in art, long talks about everything from
personal philosophy to favourite books revealed just how much we had in common. To this day, we
cherish knowing that even locked in a small room for a week, as we once were during the global
pandemic, we'd still never run out of things to talk about. Through those late-night conversations, we
grew to admire what we saw in each other: Marta fell for Robert's caring nature, and Robert admired
her enthusiasm and dedication.
Back in 2018
Our relationship was also shaped by years of long distance, as we visited each other across the
Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom in different possible combinations. Looking back,
we're amazed at how we held onto each other through it all, sharing dinners over Zoom and falling
asleep on the phone. Home become less about a place and more about being with each
other.
After seven and a half years, the young gentlemen (finally!) proposed in May 2025 with Japan's Mount Fuji as a
backdrop. Marta, "absolutely surprised," sobbed her way through a very heartfelt "yes".
From travelling the world and discovering new cuisines to becoming dog parents in 2024, we've shared
more adventures than we can count. Through it all, we've grown as partners, best friends and
individuals. We can't wait to celebrate our wedding day with our loved ones and keep sharing this
journey with you.
Back in 2018
The Timeline
The timeline below is not yet finalised. We’ll update this page with the
confirmed schedule closer to the wedding day, so check back soon!
3:00PM|Guest check in
We kindly ask you to check in at Goetz Palace.
3:30PM|Welcome
Join us at the palace gardens and grab flower confetti. You may also find your seats ahead of
the ceremony.
4PM|Ceremony
Join us as we exchange our vows and rings!
4:30PM|Cocktail hour
Let’s toast! Enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres, games and music with us in the
palace gardens. We’ll be gathering family for group portraits.
6PM|Reception
Come celebrate with us inside! We’ll share dinner, toasts, and plenty of fun on the
dance floor.
8:30PM|First dance and
Polonaise
We are excited to open the dance floor with our first dance as husband and wife.
We also invite all guests to join us for a traditional Polish group dance Polonaise
(Polonez).
11:30PM|Cake cutting
Join us for a sweet tradition as we cut the cake and share our first slice together. We will
also play some traditional wedding games.
01:00AM|Surprise snack
You will have to wait and see!
04:00AM|Adieu
Thank you for being part of our special day.
9:00-11:00AM|Breakfast
Keep the celebration going! Join us for a scrumptious breakfast the next day.
Travel
If you're travelling from afar, we couldn't be more excited for you to explore Kraków! The wedding will take place at Goetz Palace, a historic manor in the countryside, about 50 minutes from the city. August is one of the best times to visit and the perfect excuse to finally see arguably Poland's most beautiful city. We highly encourage arriving on Friday and spending the night in Kraków before making your way to the venue on Saturday. Accommodation at Goetz Palace for the wedding night itself (Saturday to Sunday) is completely on us, so all you need to worry about is getting there and having a wonderful time. If you'd rather not sort your own transport from Kraków to the palace, just let us know via the RSVP form.
We can't wait to see you there!
AccommodationOpen
At the Venue
We are delighted to offer complimentary accommodation to all our guests at Goetz Palace for the wedding night itself (Saturday to Sunday).
Check-in: Saturday 21 August from 15:00
Check-out: Sunday 22 August by 12:00
Staying in Kraków
We warmly encourage all our guests to make the most of their trip and spend a few days exploring beautiful Kraków before or after the wedding. Here are some of our favourite places to stay:
PURO Hotel Kraków Stare Miasto ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Marta's favourite and a personal recommendation! A stylish, design-led hotel nestled in the heart of the Old Town, just a short walk from the Main Market Square. Modern rooms, a great breakfast and a buzzing in-house bar make this a great base for exploring the city.
PURO Kraków Kazimierz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The sister hotel in the vibrant Kazimierz district — Kraków's bohemian Jewish quarter, full of galleries, restaurants and nightlife. Features a full-service spa, sauna and the acclaimed Halicka Eatery & Bar on-site.
Stradom House, Autograph Collection ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A luxurious five-star retreat housed in a stunning historic building, perfectly positioned between Wawel Royal Castle and the Kazimierz district. A beautiful blend of Polish modernism and original heritage details, with a world-class spa, indoor pool, and two on-site restaurants.
Ventus Rosa Boutique Aparthotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A charming boutique aparthotel in the Old Town, just minutes from St. Mary's Basilica and St. Florian's Gate. With fully equipped kitchen apartments and a full-service spa.
Muse by StayLab ⭐⭐⭐⭐ A modern, design-forward aparthotel just 600 metres from St. Florian's Gate and within walking distance from the city centre. Guests enjoy an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna and stylish self-contained apartments.
Travel to KrakówOpen
Car
Kraków is well-connected by road from all major directions. If you are travelling from Germany, the A4 motorway is your main artery, running east-west across southern Poland. It connects the German border directly through Wrocław, Katowice and into Kraków. Note that the section between Katowice and Kraków is tolled (paid directly at toll booths, about 8 EUR total).
A note on driving in Kraków city centre:
The historic Old Town is restricted to residents and delivery vehicles, personal cars cannot enter freely.
A Paid Parking Zone spans across the city centre, applicable Monday to Saturday.
Flight
The most convenient option is flying directly into Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK), also known as Balice Airport. It is Poland's second busiest airport and the main gateway to the city, located just 15 km (9 miles) west of Kraków's Old Town.
The train is the fastest and cheapest option to get to the city centre. It’s just a 5-minute walk from arrivals via a covered walkway to the dedicated airport station.
Car Rental
Renting a car is a great option if you plan to explore beyond the city centre. If you stay mostly in the city, you won't need a car. Kraków's Old Town is compact and walkable.
All major rental desks are located inside or directly outside the terminal building at the Kraków Airport (KRK). Reputable international operators at the airport include Europcar, Hertz, Sixt and many others.
A note on driving in Kraków city centre:
The historic Old Town is restricted to residents and delivery vehicles, personal cars cannot enter freely.
A Paid Parking Zone spans across the city centre, applicable Monday to Saturday.
Train
Kraków Główny (Kraków Central Station) sits right on the edge of the Old Town, making it one of the most convenient arrival points if you are staying in the city centre.
The Warsaw–Kraków Express runs roughly every hour throughout the day. Tickets can be booked via PKP Intercity (the Polish national rail website).
Travelling by train from Berlin is a scenic adventure and a great option for guests who prefer to avoid flying and love eating delicious pierogi on their journey ;). The afternoon direct service from Berlin is typically the fastest, arriving in Kraków in the early evening. Services are operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and PKP Intercity. Book via Deutsche Bahn website.
Getting to the venueOpen
Goetz Palace is around 50 minutes by car from Kraków. We'd recommend travelling by car or taxi, as the venue isn't easily reachable by public transport.
Wedding venue address
Goetz Palace ul. Barona Jana Gotza 6 32-800 Brzesko
Parking is available on site to all guests.
Most of our guests will be making their way by car or taxi, but we don’t want anyone left stranded! If you need help arranging transport from Kraków to the palace, please let us know by filling out the . Once we understand how many people need transportation to the venue, we will offer a solution.
Practical tips for travel to PolandOpen
Cash & Currency
Poland’s currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Cards are widely accepted in Kraków's restaurants, hotels and shops, but it's worth carrying some cash for smaller cafés, market stalls and tips. ATMs are plentiful across the city and typically offer the best exchange rates. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Poland (10–15% for good service).
Do I need a visa for Poland?
Citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland can enter Poland with a valid national ID card or passport — no visa required. Citizens of the UK, USA, Canada and many other nations can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period with a valid biometric passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from Poland, and must have been issued within the last 10 years. Please check your government's travel guidance for the most up-to-date entry requirements for your nationality.
Connectivity
Getting a local SIM card or eSIM (easiest option) is a great way to stay connected without paying roaming charges. Poland's four main networks (Orange, Play, Plus, and T-Mobile) all offer reliable 4G/5G coverage across Kraków and its surroundings.
Weather & What To Pack
August in Kraków is glorious. Expect warm and sunny days with temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F) during the day, cooling to around 12°C (54°F) in the evenings. It's one of the best times to visit the city. We recommend packing:
Light, breathable clothes
A spectacular outfit for the wedding day
A light jacket or cardigan for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Kraków on foot
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A compact umbrella or light raincoat, just in case
Getting Around Kraków and Beyond
Kraków's Old Town is easy to explore on foot. For longer journeys, the city has an excellent and cheap tram and bus network, and ride-hailing apps Bolt and Uber both operate in the city.
Language
The official language is Polish (Polski). The good news is that in Kraków, especially in the Old Town, Kazimierz and tourist areas, English is widely spoken, particularly among younger people and hospitality staff. That said, a few words of Polish go a long way. Locals genuinely appreciate the effort, even if it comes with a stumble. For adventures beyond large cities, Google Translate is highly recommended.
Food
Here are some traditional Polish dishes you absolutely must try:
Pierogi — A must try and our favourite! These stuffed dumplings come in dozens of varieties; the classic pierogi ruskie (potato, cheese and onion) are subjectively the best, but don't skip the cabbage and mushroom or fruit-filled dessert versions either.
Żurek — A tangy, creamy sour rye soup (sometimes served in a bread bowl) with a hard-boiled egg and chunks of white sausage.
Bigos — A rich, smoky hunter's stew of braised cabbage, mixed meats and mushrooms, slow-cooked for hours. The ultimate Polish comfort food.
Kotlet schabowy — Poland's beloved breaded pork schnitzel, usually served with mashed potatoes and salad. Something my grandma would make for Sunday supper.
Gołąbki — Tender cabbage leaves stuffed with pork and rice, baked in a tomato sauce. Pure Polish home cooking at its finest.
Zapiekanka — Our street food favourite. I can’t remember a trip to Poland when we did not get at least one 😁 It’s a toasted baguette usually with mushrooms, melted cheese and sauce.
Oscypek — Another regional favourite of ours! A smoked sheep's cheese from the Tatra Mountains, usually served grilled with cranberry jam. A uniquely regional delicacy you won't find elsewhere.
Obwarzanek — Kraków's iconic ring-shaped bread roll, sold by street vendors across the city. The perfect quick snack while exploring.
Pączki — Robert’s obsession! Poland’s (arguably better) version of the Berliner/doughnut: deep-fried, filled with jam or custard, with powdered sugar or icing.
A note on gifting
Your presence is truly the greatest gift, and we feel so lucky to have you celebrate with us on our
special day. We genuinely do not expect gifts in any form, particularly given that so many of you will
be travelling.
As we will be travelling shortly after the wedding, physical gifts, especially flowers, may be tricky to
manage. That being said, we absolutely love handwritten cards and scratch cards are a fun alternative
(Marta is especially fond of these!).
If you would like to contribute something, a monetary gift toward our future home would mean the world to
us, though please know it's entirely optional. We're happy to share bank details privately.
Dress Code
We look forward to a beautifully dressed-up evening with you!
Our dress code is black tie. Think elegant evening style with a touch of celebration. We would love our guests to dress to impress.
Ladies, this joyous occasion presents the perfect opportunity to bring out your most exquisite gowns - graceful, floor-length dresses that make you feel fabulous. For gentlemen, we would be delighted to see tuxedos or formal suits. A classic dark ensemble with a crisp shirt is always most becoming, though you are warmly encouraged to add your own flair.
Ladies
While we gather for the ceremony at 16:00, we would be grateful if guests dress in black tie, as the festivities will unfold primarily into the evening.
Please kindly note that, weather permitting, the ceremony will take place outside in the palace gardens, and we warmly invite you to dance the night away afterwards. We therefore most gently encourage you to consider comfort when choosing your footwear. To assist in your preparations, we have prepared mood boards to serve as inspiration for your attire. These are intended as a guide should you find yourself uncertain of what to wear, and not in any way as a constraint. We look forward to seeing your elegant interpretations.
Gentlemen
Picture Gallery
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Just kidding!
We can’t wait to share the memories from our special day with you.
Once the celebrations are over, we’ll be adding our favourite photos
from the wedding here.
Things To Do
Szara Resto & Bar
Rynek Główny 6 Kraków, Old Town
Grab a terrace table and watch the Main Market Square! The family-run brasserie serves a brilliant
mix of Polish, French and Scandinavian classics under a hand-painted 14th-century vaulted ceiling.
A former Jewish prayer house in Kraków’s historic Kazimierz district, now one of the city’s most atmospheric bar-restaurant-club hybrids. Think antique chandeliers, peeling frescoes and a menu rooted in Galician culinary traditions.
Bufet KRK is a Michelin-recognised brasserie in Kazimierz district. The menu redefines Polish
classics, such as pierogi and charcoal-grilled meats, using seasonal produce sourced from local
farmers.
A bar mleczny (milk bar) is a government-subsidised cafeteria from Poland’s communist era,
serving traditional dishes at cheap prices. Nice options are Bar Mleczny Krakus (near the Jewish
Ghetto Memorial), Bar Mleczny Pod Filarkami (closer to the Old Town) or Bar Mleczny Flisak (close
to Wawel castle). While not a milk bar, Kuchnia Domowa Sąsiedzi serves similar kind of food and we
absolutely love the atmosphere!
Miód Malina is our favourite Polish restaurant in Kraków. Marta loves the pierogi and Robert can
eat the apple pie in 5 seconds. The restaurant sits right on Grodzka, one of Krakow’s most
iconic streets, leading down to Wawel Castle.
It was Poland’s most celebrated political cabaret and a haven for artistic freedom during the
communist era. Today it’s one of Kraków’s most atmospheric bars, with live jazz nights.
You enter through the back of a restaurant, navigate a cloakroom, and find yourself in 1920s
Paris: velvet curtains, Art Deco booths and some of the best cocktails in Poland. On select nights,
live jazz and international burlesque acts take the stage.
Perched atop Wawel Hill and overlooking the Vistula River, the Wawel Castle is a historic landmark
encompassing a royal residence and Gothic cathedral. Don’t leave without finding the
fire-breathing dragon statue down by the river.
The largest medieval town square in Europe. You can sit at a terrace, watch the hourly trumpeter
from St Mary’s Basilica and browse the Renaissance Cloth Hall for souvenirs. Keep an eye out
for Lajkonik: a costumed figure of a Mongol warrior riding a hobby-horse, who occasionally parades
around the square.
A Gothic masterpiece at the eastern edge of the Market Square, housing one of the world’s
finest gilded altarpieces carved by Veit Stoss. Climb the Bugle Tower, where Krakow’s famous
trumpeter has played every hour since the 13th century.
Poland’s most valuable art collection, home to one of only four female portraits by Leonardo
da Vinci in existence: Lady with an Ermine (one of Marta’s favourite paintings with an
interesting story). Beyond the Leonardo, expect Rembrandt, Chopin’s death mask, trophies from
the 1683 Battle of Vienna and an extraordinary range of European decorative arts.
Krakow’s historic Jewish quarter, now the city’s most bohemian neighbourhood. Synagogues,
street art, vintage shops and the best café-bars in the city all within walking distance.
We kindly ask you to RSVP by XYZ by clicking
. If you have any
trouble, please reach out to us directly.
What time should I arrive?
The hotel check-in starts at 15:00. We kindly ask all guests to gather in the palace gardens at
15:30. The ceremony will begin promptly at 16:00. Please view full schedule of events
.
What is the timeline of events?
The main wedding events are wedding ceremony and reception on Saturday 21st as well as the wedding
breakfast on Sunday 22nd. The festivities will begin at 15:30 on Saturday. Please view full schedule
of events .
Will there be accommodation provided?
Yes, we are able to accommodate all of our guests at our wedding venue. Please note that the
check-in time on Saturday (the day of the wedding) is at 15:00 and check out is at XYZ. The wedding
breakfast will be provided on Sunday from X till Y.
Will there be transportation provided?
Once we understand how many of you need transportation from Krakow to our wedding venue, we will
offer solutions for transportation. Please make sure to RSVP to let us know if you need
transportation.
What's the dress code?
Our dress code is black tie, and we warmly encourage elegant eveningwear. Ladies may opt for graceful,
floor-length gowns, while gentlemen are invited to wear tuxedos or formal dark suits. You can find
outfit inspiration and recommendations
.
Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place in the palace gardens before evening festivities
continue. Please choose footwear with comfort in mind.
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes, parking will be available for all guests at Goetz Palace.
Are kids welcome?
We most respectfully request an adults-only celebration. Thank you for arranging childcare so that
you can relax and enjoy the evening with us. If helpful, we are happy to assist you in exploring
local childcare options.
Can I bring a +1?
We are planning an intimate celebration in the company of those dearest to our hearts, and thus are
unable to extend invitations beyond those expressly named. Unless previously agreed with us, we
regret that we cannot accommodate additional guests. Your invitation has been addressed with great
care to the specific guest or guests we have the honour of inviting.
Can you accommodate my dietary needs?
We shall do our utmost to accommodate your dietary preferences and requirements. Kindly share any
allergies or special needs when you RSVP so that we may ensure your dining experience is both
comfortable and delightful.
Whom should I contact if I have further questions?
Should any further questions arise, we would be most delighted to assist. You may contact Marta
(Polish/English) at +48 573 780 036, Robert (German) at +49 176 206 636 67, or our wonderful wedding planner,
Karolina, at +48 519 392 666 (Polish/English).
RSVP
Please let us know if you can join our celebration by June 1, 2027.