January 17, 2024

Breathtaking Long Thursday Summer Celebration

Emma Wilder Photography

We really do love when a wedding blows us away! This gorgeous day in July 2023 was filled with colour, music, bows and fun! Danielle & Henrik celebrated their fabulous day with 2 nights of celebrations and 150 guests. A relaxed Swedish style do with lots of love and character.

So if you're on the hunt for white, classic and fun wedding inspiration then this is the blog for you... Take it away Danielle!

So... how did you meet?

We were both working in the fashion industry, Henrik was selling, I was buying. Our paths had crossed a few times but we didn't really get to know each other until one fateful evening during Paris fashion week where a large loud tequila fuelled group of us descended on a random nightclub (some of whom we are happy to still call friends today and who attended the wedding!). Cut to our first kiss, and Henrik doing a very literal French exit as he didn't want to get in trouble for smooching his biggest account! We reconnected a few months later, made the most of all the random date spots in London and soon became inseparable.

Tell us your proposal story!

8th July 2022, on a Swedish road trip travelling from Stockholm (where we now live) to the most northern city called Kiruna. Halfway through the trip we arrive in Umeå, the town Henrik’s Grandmother lived and somewhere he hasn’t visited since he was young. On a morning swim at Kärleksviken, which translates to Love Creek, as Henrik jumped out of the water he stayed on one knee and asked me to marry him. We spent the rest of the day in an emotional love bubble journeying to our next spot. Henrik had thoughtfully packed a dress for me to wear to a celebratory dinner that evening as all we’d taken for the week were matching bright blue tracksuits! We kept the news to ourselves for 3 weeks until our next planned visit to the UK, so we could share with family and friends in person. Whilst difficult to keep a secret, this was a really special time and allowed us to discuss, just the 2 of us, the kind of wedding we’d like.

Emma Wilder Photography

Why Elmore Court?

In a nutshell, because it allowed us to welcome all our favourite people in so many ways. It was really important to us to have our entire guest list at the ceremony, so the capacity of the great hall was a big deciding factor. Similarly, we hoped to find a venue which could host our wedding party the day before, accommodate these special people under one roof, and limit the amount of moving around between venues on the day itself. Plus it’s totally gorgeous and the team were so friendly and professional from the get go.

Where did your wedding inspiration come from?

Our motivation was for the celebration to be authentic. Whilst we hoped to blend both our cultural traditions (Swedish and British), we also wanted to reflect our personalities and not make decisions just because they're expected at a wedding. The day was relaxed yet full of life, extravagant yet elegant - just as we'd wished.

We loved your gorgeous gown how did you choose this look?

I actually found dress shopping quite difficult in the beginning. I struggled to find a store which captured what I was searching for and was told a few times it wasn't possible to be both show-stopping and timeless. Thank goodness for Amare Bridal and Halfpenny London, who encapsulate this to perfection. The structured column and elegant neckline was classic and romantic, and the pleated skirt and huge bow were dramatic and unique. It was everything and more.

On the morning of your wedding, how did you feel?

Content and impatient! It was certainly emotional, yet we both felt confident that everything was under control so it was super calm and exciting. I didn't really feel nervous, I was just so delighted it was happening I couldn't wait to get going.

Emma Wilder Photography

Tell us about the ceremony?

Definitely the most moving part of the day. From the vows to the readings, every word feels so poignant and significant. A mixture of thoughtful and lively, we had Eclectic Strings play us in and Back Chat Brass play us out, so the energy was always high even when the serious stuff was happening. Sorori Design who supplied our styling and flowers created the most magical display including two Rowan trees as the aisle entrance which we've now planted in our garden. We had three readings, including a piece the groom wrote himself.

Talk us through the drinks reception?

A gin bar and afternoon tea on the East Lawn whilst Back Chat Brass continued to entertain the guests kicked off the reception. In line with Swedish tradition, ahead of the wedding, guests were invited to make a speech. Those who did spoke throughout the afternoon and it was such a special way to mix up the day and full of laughter. Some of our most treasured pictures of the day are from this time.

What was your food of choice?

We went for classic heritage dishes which were easy to share and line the stomach! A Swedish starter of herring, cheese and bread, followed by an English main course of chicken and nduja pie. We started dinner with the Best Men leading a Swedish drinking song with shots of Swedish snaps (flavoured vodka) for everyone! We opted out of dessert or wedding cake so guests weren't sat for too long, and instead served his and hers cocktails and ice cream on the Meadow which was a huge hit.

What was your reaction to your reception at the Gillyflower?

It was exactly how I imagined it to be, but more incredible. You spend a lot of time deliberating and daydreaming over the stationary, flowers, favours, and the wonder of it actually all being pulled together is fantastic. We had a first look with our superstar photographer Emma Wilder who captured the amazement so well, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Having some time to take it all in before the guests come in we'd highly recommend.

Emma Wilder Photography

First dance choice?

Stone Sour, Song #3. Stone Sour was the first concert we went to together, and the lyrics of this song resonated with us from this day. So much so, one of our ceremony readings was an excerpt from the song. For the first dance, the incredibly talented White Keys performed it acoustically before ramping it up and inviting all our guess to head bang with us. We were so grateful TWK learned this for us - I didn't leave the dancefloor all night.

What were your wedding highlights?

Back Chat Brass storming the ceremony once we were pronounced man and wife will always be a highlight, the guests were so surprised and dancing was pretty much nonstop from this point. Likewise, entering the Gillyflower to Tina Turner whilst our guests played the personalised tambourines we had as favours was excellent. Mostly, having all our favourite people together, feeling the love and happiness and just having the most fun I've ever had will always be what I remember most.

Any tips for couples currently planning their wedding?

Remember, it's all about the love the two of you have for each other. Wedding pressure is somewhat inevitable - staying united, blocking out the noise where you can, and focusing on how you want to start your marriage definitely helped us have the day of our dreams and, more importantly, start married life strong and happy.