Bremen

Their love story has touched millions on Instagram. But the newlyweds are not letting the hype deter them.

A couple from Bremen became involuntary internet stars overnight thanks to an Instagram video. In the clip, the two tell a British street photographer their unusual love story during their honeymoon in Paris, which has now touched more than 33 million people.

In the video, former teacher Elke reports how she met her partner in 2018 through a newspaper ad: “Hundreds of people got in touch. He was one of them.” The chemistry was right at the first meeting. “We found that we could talk to each other well. There was no mutual bragging or showing off how wonderful we were, it was very relaxed and normal,” the woman from Bremen remembers.

After a few meetings, the former Hamburg architect Ingo moved to Bremen, initially into his own apartment. A short time later, the two moved into a “typical Bremen house” together.

British street photographer Christopher Ward, who met and interviewed the couple by chance, later shared the video on Instagram. There it became a viral hit with more than two million likes. In the comments, users are overjoyed at the couple’s romance: “They’re so sweet, I can’t stand it!” writes one user, who is clearly struggling to contain her emotion.

Another wrote to the couple: “You are the hope and the good in the world. I wish you all the best and thank you for your beautiful story.” The Instagram account of the “Süddeutsche Zeitung”, through whose classifieds section the two first met, also commented: “We are happy that we have a small part in bringing people together.”

The couple is a little uncomfortable with their sudden fame. The newlywed bride told the regional portal “Buten un Binnen” about the unexpected attention: “It has reached a level where I no longer have control over it.” The couple report that they are now even being recognized and spoken to on the street.

Despite the hype, the two are concentrating on enjoying their life together. Ingo raves about their relationship: “I learned from Elke that you should celebrate a lot.” Elke adds lovingly: “And be happy together!” The two now want to live this motto again without cameras and away from the internet hype.