Why Don’t You Get Married in a Castle in Sweden, Said the Father of the Bride!

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]White and blue.[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

Katharine and Marcus welcomed their loved ones to Sweden with an extravagant soirée that truly celebrated their Swedish roots. Set in the magnificent Eric Ericsonhallen on Skeppsholmen in Stockholm, the grand venue was the perfect canvas for a night of elegance and personal touches. At the heart of the design was a stunning round bar, an eye-catching centerpiece that set the tone for the evening. As guests entered, they were greeted by an impressive hanging display of delphiniums, immediately capturing attention and setting a luxurious, memorable vibe, champagne in hand. The atmosphere was a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary—string musicians played pop songs, creating a “Bridgerton”-inspired vibe that brought the space alive with romance and modern flair. Guests mingled, sipped on expertly crafted cocktails, and sampled Swedish delicacies, all while taking in the stunning setting. A custom-designed pattern added a unique, personal touch, featuring details like the couple’s monogram, their beloved dog Malcolm, favorite flowers, and symbols representing their shared journey, all woven into a toile de Jouy-inspired motif. This pattern appeared on signs, napkins, and other decor elements, infusing the evening with meaning and artistry. Modern, sculptural floral arrangements filled with Katharine’s favourite flower, Hydrange, framed each moment, bringing an elevated, polished feel to the space. For cocktails, Cocktailgruppens’ master mixologists created a custom menu, with each drink adorned in fresh floral garnishes. Guests enjoyed a three-course selection of hors d’oeuvres featuring Swedish specialties and the couple’s personal favorites, starting with light, savory bites and finishing with a dessert and Swedish candy buffet. This welcome party was more than an introduction—it was an immersive experience that set the stage for the unforgettable wedding weekend ahead. The couple’s wedding day unfolded beautifully at Rånäs Slott, beginning with welcome drinks for the guests as they made their way to the ceremony area. The ceremony featured a stunning floral arch under which vows were exchanged while a string quartet serenaded the guests with elegant melodies. Following the ceremony, everyone enjoyed a delightful cocktail hour filled with drinks and delicious canapés. The celebration continued in a spacious, clear, custom-built tent, where guests gathered for an exquisite dinner. The evening culminated in a lively performance by an ABBA tribute band, setting the stage for an unforgettable dance party that carried on into the afterparty inside the castle. It was a day filled with love, joy, and cherished memories.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

The idea of a Swedish wedding first came up over a family dinner when Katharine and Marcus were talking with her dad about their “one day” wedding plans. With a smile, her dad joked, “Why don’t you get married in a castle in Sweden?” Sweden, after all, was not only the perfect meeting point between Marcus’s family in Australia and Katharine’s in the U.S., but it also held special meaning as the place of their shared heritage. Katharine and Marcus exchanged a wide-eyed look, immediately knowing this was the perfect idea—it was everything they hadn’t yet dreamed of. Not long after, Marcus brought that dream one step closer with a proposal on the beach in Santa Barbara, creating a moment they’d both remember forever. They celebrated this new chapter with a beautiful dinner by the ocean, surrounded by a few of their closest family members, filled with love, laughter, and a hint of the adventure that awaited them in Sweden.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

For the welcome party, Katharine was stunned in a chic Oscar de la Renta mini dress, crafted from intricate floral lace that perfectly captured the romantic vibe of the evening. For the wedding day itself, she wore a breathtaking gown by Ines Di Santo, which blended timeless elegance with modern sophistication—an unforgettable look for an unforgettable day.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]On the wedding day, the bridesmaids wore elegant dresses in a stunning shade of blue that complemented the wedding decor perfectly. The harmonious color added a graceful touch to the celebration, creating a beautifully coordinated look for Katharine’s closest friends.[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The groomsmen looked incredibly sharp in sleek black tuxedos, exuding timeless elegance on the wedding day. Each ensemble was complemented by matching cufflinks, adding a polished and cohesive touch to their sophisticated attire.

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]The wedding day took guests on a delightful culinary journey, beginning with a refreshing welcome of champagne, local beer, and a lavender and lemon cocktail as they made their way to the ceremony. After the vows, a lively cocktail hour featured an assortment of red and white wines, beer, and specialty cocktails, including Espresso Martinis, Manhattans, lavender and lemon vodka, and skinny margaritas with a hint of passion fruit—Katharine’s favorite.

To accompany their drinks, guests enjoyed a selection of elegant canapés: Skagenröra, a traditional Swedish dish made with prawns; chanterelles on light bread; and beef tartare, each a perfect representation of the couple’s love for quality flavors.

As the evening progressed, a delicious five-course dinner awaited. The meal began with a cheese plate showcasing local cheeses paired with marmalades and crispbread. The second course featured a vibrant salad of seasonal dark leafy greens, green asparagus, radishes, cucumber, Swiss chard, and cherry tomatoes, all lightly dressed in a vinaigrette of Swedish rapeseed oil, champagne vinegar, lemon, and floral honey.

The third course highlighted a deconstructed Toast Skagen, featuring tender Swedish prawns, dill and lemon mayonnaise, pickled red onion, sourdough flakes, and trout roe, presented with a modern flair. Guests then chose between two exquisite main courses: baked mountain trout with summer primroses, garden herbs, crudités, new potatoes, and beurre blanc, or a grilled beef fillet with smoked Borretana onion, potato terrine with browned butter and parmesan, and a rich red wine reduction.

Every dish was thoughtfully crafted to enhance the overall experience, creating a memorable feast that celebrated the couple’s heritage and favorite flavors.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The wedding design was inspired by Katharine’s favorite flower, the hydrangea, and this element was included from the very beginning in the save the dates and the wedding invitation and, of course, in beautiful floral arrangements on the big day. We aimed for a Scandinavian chic, elegant look with a touch of modern. With a classic color palette of white and blue, timeless pieces like glass candelabras and vases, monochrome floral arrangements filled with garden roses, and delphinium and hydrangea mixed with large garden-inspired floral installations, we got the perfect look. Ceremony Space The ceremony area was transformed into a garden setting with a stunning floral arch framing the couple as they exchanged vows. The aisle featured elegant arrangements of white hydrangeas. Guests were seated on clear acrylic chairs, while a soft beige rug covered the custom-built aisle and podium, adding warmth to the space. As the couple said their “I do’s,” guests received lovely white boxes filled with rose petals to toss at the newlyweds in celebration. Reception Tent After the ceremony, guests entered the reception tent, a magnificent, clear structure. The ceiling was adorned with hanging white floral installations, showcasing a beautiful mix of delphinium and greenery. The tables were dressed in luxurious blue linens and complemented by tall glass candelabras. Monochrome floral arrangements in clear glass vases were placed on the long tables, and garden-inspired arrangements framed the tall candelabras on the round tables. Clear acrylic chairs added a modern touch. Custom details were visible throughout, including elegant embossed hydrangeas and leaves on the dinner menu cards. The entrance featured lush floral arrangements leading to a striking seating chart filled with fresh white hydrangeas. This chart displayed the couple’s monogram and guests’ names on acrylic boards against a rich blue velvet backdrop. The tent was illuminated with twinkling string lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The cocktail bars featured a lovely floral pattern that echoed the wedding theme, and bar menus adorned with handmade white clay floral and blue velvet added a refined touch. The reception beautifully reflected the couple’s style, making for a memorable of its kind experience.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple delighted their guests with an selection of Swedish baked goods served in an English afternoon tea style. The dessert spread featured a classic strawberry and cream cake, as well as Prinsesstårta—a traditional cake with cream, and jam, adorned with marzipan. Guests also enjoyed rich brownies topped with fresh raspberries and a zesty lemon meringue pie, creating a delectable assortment that perfectly reflected the couple’s favorite treats.[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

The wedding ceremony was filled with beautiful music from the string quartet, Rosa Kvartetten. The groom, groomsmen, and bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton. The bride, accompanied by her father, made her entrance to “Never Enough” from The Greatest Showman, creating a touching moment. After exchanging vows, the couple celebrated their new union by dancing out to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne. Each song added to the joy of their special day.

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[field title=”Special Detail #1″]The floral installation and custom-made round bar for the welcome party featured a one-of-a-kind design that left guests in amazement. The floral circle, measuring 5 meters in diameter, was adorned with over 800 stems of delphiniums in varying shades of blue and white.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The paper goods and signs for the wedding day were true masterpieces, particularly the seating chart crafted from three large framed boards. Two of the boards were covered in beautiful blue velvet, with an acrylic sheet floating above that displayed the guests’ names in white. The middle board featured over 300 fresh white hydrangeas and showcased the couple’s monogram, elegantly painted on an oval acrylic plaque, gracefully set against the blooms. All elements were custom-built on-site.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]After the reception, it was time for a big surprise for the couple’s family and friends. An ABBA tribute band entered the tent and performed the most popular ABBA hits, and the guests loved it! It was the perfect way to kick off the dance party![/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

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