The wedding in Sweden was absolutely beautiful. For those of you following us on Twitter and Facebook, you read about the weather that day. Friday was an absolutely gorgeous day and then Saturday morning we woke up to rain (and lots of it). I had an 8-year streak up to that day of never having it rain on a wedding I photographed and I was ready to kiss that streak goodbye. Not even the most optimistic among us would put a dime on being able to have this beautiful outdoor wedding outdoors.
This would have really gotten to some (maybe even most) brides and grooms. Not Pär and Marina! I wish I could be as easy-going as they are. I knew they didn’t want to do it inside but they rolled with it in a way I wish I could more often.
There is a saying that good things come to those who wait. About 45 minutes before showtime — with most of the guests already in the indoor backup wedding spot, the rain stopped. Looking at the heavily overcast sky, it really could have started up at any time. They were getting married right on the sea between Sweden and Denmark (just south of Helsingborg for those of you who know Sweden). The call was made by both of them that if it wasn’t raining at that second to do it outside and it was the right call.
We walked over to the spot and everyone put their umbrellas aside and watched as Marina and Pär entered the garden for the first time. It was an absolutely beautiful wedding — simple and beautiful. Marina looked absolutely beautiful in the dress that she and her mom made together. God kept the rain away for the entire wedding and reception (even popped out some sun during the reception for a moment). It couldn’t have happened to a more wonderful couple.
I have known Pär for almost 15 years (exactly) since I was an exchange student in Sweden. Not only have we stayed in touch but I consider him an amazing friend. When Pär was a groomsman at my wedding we met Marina for the first time. They were still early on in their relationship but Nicole and I couldn’t have bigger supporters (and nags) for them to marry one day. There are just those people you know are perfect for each other (and I made sure to tell him that EVERY time we spoke after that!). I consider it nagging for a good cause.
Something tells me that it didn’t matter what Nicole and I said — it was meant to be.
