Meet Friederike Schaefer-wildenberg

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Friederike Schaefer-wildenberg a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Friederike, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Being confident is something that has not been natural to me growing up. I have always worked very hard and made me become very good at my job. It was not until my late 30`s that I realized that what for me seems to be normal, is not normal for everyone. The success in my career and in my private life made me finally recognize my own skills and now I can finally say that I am a confident woman.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

My name is Friederike, and I am the Co-Founder of Oaxaca Destination Weddings. Originally from Germany, I have called Oaxaca, Mexico my home for the past 14 years. This is where I got married, where my children were born, and where I built my company. At this point, I feel like I am 50% Oaxacan!

My global experiences—having lived in Chile, Austria, England, the U.S., India, Egypt, Dubai, and now Mexico—have shaped my ability to understand and connect with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This is at the heart of what we do at Oaxaca Destination Weddings: we specialize in cultural destination weddings that seamlessly blend the rich traditions of Oaxaca with the unique heritage of each couple.

What excites me the most is creating meaningful, immersive experiences that honor both the couple’s love story and the local culture in a way that is respectful and authentic. We integrate Oaxacan traditions—such as calendas (wedding parades), traditional textiles, and world-renowned gastronomy—while ensuring that each wedding is a true reflection of the couple’s own background. It’s not just about creating beautiful weddings; it’s about crafting deeply personal experiences that resonate for a lifetime.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

1. Adaptability – The ability to navigate different cultures, personalities, and unexpected challenges with grace and confidence. Every wedding is unique, and flexibility is key.

2. Service-Oriented Mindset – Providing an elevated level of care and attention to detail to ensure that both couples and their guests feel supported, heard, and valued throughout the planning process.

3. Open-Mindedness – Understanding and respecting different cultural, religious, and social backgrounds allows us to create weddings that are truly inclusive and meaningful.
Traveling and engaging with people from diverse cultures has been one of my greatest teachers. It broadens your perspective, deepens your empathy, and allows you to connect with people in an authentic way—something that is at the core of planning unforgettable destination weddings.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

Our ideal clients are couples who value authenticity, culture, and meaningful experiences. They are often well-traveled, curious, and deeply appreciative of the traditions and history of the places they visit. They don’t just want a wedding—they want an immersive celebration that reflects who they are while honoring the beauty and traditions of Oaxaca.

They are thoughtful and intentional in their choices, whether that means incorporating elements from their own cultural heritage or ensuring that their wedding has a positive impact on the local community. They understand the importance of working with local artisans, using sustainable practices, and respecting the deep-rooted traditions that make Oaxaca such a magical place.

Ultimately, they seek more than just a beautiful setting—they want an unforgettable experience that tells a story, celebrates love, and creates lifelong memories for themselves and their loved ones.

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