Fairy Tale Norwegian Wedding by Sherrell Photography

A romantic summer wedding in Norway

I always get excited when a photographer shares a wedding from another culture – I love to learn about them and see the time-honored traditions and customs come to life in a couple’s wedding day. I’m so thrilled that Sherrell Photography shared her gorgeous photos from Helene and Åge’s August wedding in Norway!

First off, I can’t help but be blown away by the majestic scenery of the Saudasjøen mountains and fjord – the rocky trails, the pristine water, the verdant forests… they’re all simply magical. To someone like me who lives in flat-as-a-pancake Florida, the landscape is something out of a fairy tale. Add in those gorgeous purple mountain flowers (transformed into arrangements, bouquets and boutonnieres by friends and family) and the rock centerpieces from the mountains, and the result is spectacular.

I was so appreciative to experience the customs of a Norwegian wedding. The setting was perfect in the fjord of Saudasjøen. The Sauda church was quintessential Norway with beautiful carpentry and the mountain scene surrounding it. Though I could not understand a word of the Norwegian ceremony I was touched by the expressions and the glorious sound of the brass horns and organ.

Their family and friends came together and surrounded the couple with helping hands, homemade desserts and lots of love. They wrote songs about Helene and Åge and sang them while Helene’s Uncle Svain, who is the secretary to the Prime Minister of Norway, played the accordion throughout the dinner. Dinner was delicious and very local. The lingonberries and assorted berries atop the crème brulée were hand picked. The main course served was venison tenderloin and it was delicious.

The party continued into the early hours of the next day as the guests moved into the lounge where dessert and cognac were enjoyed. The desserts in Norway are the best I have ever tasted. And they look like a true baker made each one. The tastiest was of course Kvæfjord cake, A.K.A. “The World’s Best Cake,” made by Helene’s Aunt Lina.

They danced until 3AM to their live Saudasjøen band. They partied to many American classics and had their own Norwegian folk music to make it a perfect homegrown wedding celebration. Almost all of the guests were amazing swing dancers (not what I was expecting but totally awesome). At the end of the evening, delicious soup and bread was served because as Bjorg, the mother of the bride, said “Åge always likes to have a little soup before bed.” Hospitality like I have never seen can be found in Norway. And they really know how to celebrate their loved ones. – Tabitha, Sherrell Photography
See also
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Leoness Cellars Wedding