Schnapps-drinking, partner-swapping, drunken singing and chair kissing…that’s what happened when our favourite Swede got married this August…
And I was lucky enough to be invited! The first inkling I got that this was not going to be your average wedding was when Mia asked if I minded not sitting next to my husband at dinner. Oh, and would I be happy to sing? Interesting.
The day began in Ängelholm, Sweden, with breakfast under cloudy skies. So I had a word with Mr Sun, and by the time the coach arrived to take us to the church he definitely had his hat on (lost in translation on text to Mia!). After a coastal road trip, we arrived at the most idyllic church in a gorgeous setting.
The wedding was amazing. Bride looked stunning. Groom looked slightly panicked. The service was heartfelt and very beautiful. There were songs from a soloist in Swedish, but mostly (and how nice is this?) in English for everyone to enjoy, including ‘Your Song’ - one of my favourites.
Afterwards, we returned to Mia’s parents’ house for Pimms on the lawn. Think Grand Designs - an impressive, modern structure overlooking the sea. It was stunning. Mr and Mrs Horton arrived on the balcony to cheers and applause looking like a Royal Wedding couple, thanks to the British flags draped everywhere. And we whiled away a few hours eating cake and drinking champers in the sun before heading off to the reception.
The coach driver had no problem finding the Klitterhus (boom, boom) and we were ready to begin the evening’s festivities. Everyone had to draw names out of a hat and was allocated a partner for the evening (Swedish tradition). I ended up with my husband (fix!), which I was quite pleased about because he is a very shy boy indeed and his Swedish is rubbish.
We did, however, get to mix with lots of lovely people on our table, where we were promptly asked to select one of 6 different types of Schnapps for our first course. This was all accompanied by obligatory drinking songs with the bride and groom constantly up and down standing on their chairs kissing as part of another crazy Swedish tradition! Brilliant.
Then there were the speeches. These aren’t reserved for the best man and the groom. In Sweden, anyone can have a go. Just think of something to say and you’re up! I’ll never forget Nina’s speech (sister of the bride and chief bridesmaid), where she recalled childhood memories of her younger sibling’s boat-like feet! Nina said Mia had always wanted to be in her sister’s shoes but today, the envy was all hers.
I’m shedding a little tear at that even as I write! And that emotion really summed up the day. Warm hospitality, wonderful hosts, a fabulous couple and new friends who I’m hoping to meet again and again. Congratulations Mia and Gareth and thanks so much for letting us share this special day with you. I’ll never forget it. (Or the band’s young drummer, eh Sarah?).
