Kristina & Morten | relaxed wedding in Norway

Scandinavian wedding by the sea | Kristiansand, Norway

I met Kristina and Morten at their friends’ wedding in Poland, and when they invited me to capture their own ceremony in Norway, I couldn’t have been happier. Not only because I love Scandinavia and the trip to Kristiansand was a fantastic adventure, but because when they described their wedding plans I knew it would wonderful. Close to nature, without a tight schedule, just a relaxed day with their loved ones. That’s definitely my kind of wedding!

When we finally met in June, everything was even better than I had imagined and the whole day had such a relaxed atmosphere! After the beautiful outdoor ceremony, the guests had time to talk to each other, have some drinks and just chill by the water, while I took the newlyweds for a small photoshoot. Green hills, blue sea, small islets and charming Scandinavian houses, the perfect background for portraits was literally just around the corner! When we got back, a dinner was waiting for us (and not traditional norwegian quisine but a fantastic Indian buffet – what a great idea!). Then, it was time for speeches – such a beautiful tradition that I would love to see more often at Polish weddings. The toastmaster introduced everyone who wanted to say a few words, also adding his own stories that made everyone laugh or cry. Trembling voices, tears of joy, I love photographing speeches and I can always see what a fantastic thing is it for bride and groom to hear such words from their loved ones.  Friends of the groom added another wonderful surprise, when they performed a song – it was difficult to hold back the tears (I was happy I could hide behind the camera)! And one tradition that was fun for me to see was inbetween the speeches, when all guests clink their glasses – the bride and groom must stand on their chairs and kiss, and when guests stamp their feet, the bride and groom have to kiss under the table!

 DIY wedding ideas

I loved the style Kristina and Morten chose for their wedding, with simple rustic elements, flowers and wooden decor, but it was also amazing to see how much was prepared by the bride and groom themselves. Venue decor, garlands, flowers, all that prepared with some help from their friends and family! One idea I especially loved were small booklets with a few words about all the guests, so that everyone could learn a little more about the most important people in the life of the bride and groom. Candy buffet consisted of cakes baked by guests, and a surprise wedding cake prepared by the bride’s teenage sister were also a great touch. In the evening, guests could also spend time at the bar (one with drinks, and another with popcorn!), play beerpong, darts or take crazy polaroid pictures! After dark, everyone moved to the dancefloor, and I was just sad to leave such a great party!

Thank you Kristina & Morten, it was such a joy to spend this day with you and your lovely friends & family!