All the way from America to Sweden
We’re Emily and Sam, a couple who live in Santa Cruz, California, USA, a little surfing town on the California redwood coast. Emily is a mental health therapist working for a non-profit, and Sam is an electrical engineer in the Silicon Valley. We spend our days going on bike rides by the beach, hikes in the woods, and grabbing a beer on the boardwalk.
How We Met: We met in Los Angeles through a dating app — after a long back and forth trying to figure out the best place to meet, we realized we lived only a mile from each other. In LA, that’s a big deal. We spent two and a half years exploring that awesome city, finding hidden gem coffee shops, bars, restaurants, beaches, music events, and so much more. We met in Los Angeles in 2019 (although our officiant humorously got that wrong, saying 2016!). Since then, we’ve lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and eventually settled down with a home in Santa Cruz.
The Proposal: Sam planned a surprise proposal in Central Park during a trip to New York City to reconnect with old friends. Emily didn’t know that friends from back home would appear for the big moment, which took place on a bright autumn morning. A string quartet happened to be playing nearby as a running club cheered Emily on to say, “Yes!” — and she did!
Wedding Dreams: We didn’t have a set vision before the proposal, but we knew we wanted something meaningful and unique. After visiting Sam’s family in Northern Sweden, we realized that few places would be more special to us than Älvsbyn.
Rings: For Emily — a slim platinum band to match her engagement ring
For Sam — an old-fashioned, sturdy 14K gold band, because he’s clumsy
The wedding
We envisioned an intimate, nature-focused wedding with a rustic vibe. We wanted to keep it small, but more guests than expected RSVP’d “yes,” which made it extra memorable! Altogether, 104 guests joined us in Sweden’s breathtaking Arctic Circle.
Key Priorities: We prioritized guest comfort, focusing on delicious food and ample drinks for everyone. Our wedding planner, Pernilla, made sure every detail was just right, including heartfelt vows and a beautiful setup in nature.
Wedding Location: Our wedding was held on Sam’s family homestead, a scenic lakeside property in Älvsbyn, surrounded by gardens, barns, and even a neighboring strawberry farm.
Highlights of the Day: It’s hard to choose just one favorite moment! Our vows, the midnight sun, and that first meal with the perfect wine pairing were unforgettable. Our ceremony took place at 4:00 pm, followed by a cocktail hour by the lake, then a beautiful dinner and dancing.
Wedding Style: Emily wore a stunning Justin Alexander wedding dress, while Sam chose a light grey suit from Suit Supply. Bridesmaids wore blush, and the groomsmen wore dark grey.
Advice
Hire a skilled wedding planner! Also, write down what’s most important to you in advance, and let that guide your planning. Finally, embrace the moment and go with the flow. It’s your day, so enjoy every second!
Best Tip for Newlyweds: Take your time on the honeymoon and enjoy the transition back to daily life after such a special time together.
Suppliers
Pernilla, our planner, linked us with talented professionals:
Photography & Videography: @rebeccalundh and @martinalundborg.se captured our vibe and natural moments.
Tents & Facilities: @samelandsresor provided elegant tents, restrooms, and comfortable outdoor furniture.
Decoration: Pernilla (@pernillaohlund.se) also took care of the decor, realizing our vision perfectly.
Hair: Hilda and Emma @nyansbyhilda @nyansbyemma created beautiful looks for the wedding party.
Makeup: Josephine@studiojowa made Emily feel stunning, even with a busy schedule.
DJ: Move Entertainment — Ove played everything from Latin jazz to modern pop seamlessly.
Transport: @granbergsbuss brought our guests safely to and from the venue.
Catering: We enjoyed delicious food from @arvidsjaurrenslakt, @skatauddens_lantgard, @uddenshembageri, and @centrumkonditorialvsbyn