We’ve never really experienced anything like the last wedding in Bankeryd, Sweden. I’ve said before that Iike to get to know and even become friends with the couple I’m shooting for. But I never thought I’d actually miss being a tiny part of the community they have, helping with a bit of DIY and setting up the venue the day before, seeing the guests arrive.
The moment that stopped me in my tracks was when it was about half an hour after midnight. I said to Joakim who had just arrived from the dancefloor with Pia, that if there are no more cigar events to shoot, we’ll be hitting the bed. In reply, among the many thank-you’s, he said – “We’re probably not going to meet again, but…” And that took some time to sink in for me.

I will not try and describe here in a few lines the emotional boost it gave us when I got the response from Pia last fall to shoot their wedding, let alone the feelings or mood of the day. I will rather explain it under a few of the images that we shot having the experience that will surely live long in our memory.

It all started with a little walk around Vidablick with the doggies Yoshi and Pucci.

Joakim doing his wedding-day Haidong Gumdo workout in the morning. The technique was nothing to brag about that morning as he said himself.

Pia and the bridesmaids getting ready at Karista Hair Academy, Jönköping.

Hermes perfumes used for the first time on this special occasion. As Joakim said, they wanted to the scent to be associated with the wedding day.

It’s never too much to go over the speech one more time.

Emil the toastmaster popping in, reminding of the secret cigar event.

Bouquet, boutonniere and kind words from the mother of the maid of honor.

A stop at the local supermarket to pick up a small pre-ceremony lunch. The best man Stefan and Joakim certainly had the eyeballs on them when they entered with boutonnieres on the lapels.

Cousin Erik singing at Sandhem Church. Rather than trying to rephrase it, I’ll describe it the same as was once done on Instagram already… I did my best to learn the Swedish I could during the days, but the word I will remember is alltid – meaning always. It was in the refrain of the song by the bride’s cousin at the church ceremony. And yes, it made me break a tear.

It was a winter-themed (or Frozen-themed) reception at the venue. The reason – they met when it was chilly and snowy. The care and attention to detail, and the transformation of the reception room were astonishing.

Pia’s mother knows some English, but it’s not too much. Her favorite greeting to us is “Hello, my friend! I love you!” 🙂 But her hug has all the Swedish friendliness and love in it.

Stefan, the jolly and beard-wearing best man huffing and puffing at the “secret cigar event”.

Reception venue: Vidablick, Bankeryd
Bride’s hair: Karista Hair Academy, Jönköping
Shoes: Kurt Geiger
Jewelry: Michal Negrin Hungary
Rings: Custom made by Ateljé TeBoon, Nyköping
Dress designer: Shery Esküvői Ruhaszalon – Budapest
The Bouquet by Lena, the Maid of Honor’s mother
Groom’s suit: Corneliani
Florist: Curenstams Blommor
The cake: Sofia Strängby, Faster Fias Tårtor
Catering: FC Event/Företagscatering AB