There are times when you need to pinch yourself and ask whether what’s happening is real. Being in Sweden for Mike and Cecilia’s wedding was one of those moments. Sweden is a beautiful country, a huge geological contrast to Iceland where we had been for the previous two weeks – it was green and lush. It’s such an intangible experience trying to explain another country and why it feels different to you own but I must admit, it felt so very unreal to be there. But having experienced it, it’s one of those unforgettable things that is a watershed moment in your life.
Mike is a Filipino-Aussie who was living in Melbourne when one day, he happened to meet a beautiful Swedish girl called Cecilia who was visiting Australia on a holiday. Their meeting was quite fateful, it changed both of their lives from the very first meeting. Cecilia soon returned back to Sweden and a short while later, Mike decided that Sweden was where his heart and future lay. That was a little over two years ago and I can see why he traveled across the world to be with her. Mike and Cecilia are absolutely perfect for each other and part of what I love about them is that they’re perfect to other people as well. From the first email that I received from Mike describing himself and Cecilia to the moment that himself and Cecilia met us on the platform of Stockholm’s Central Railway Station, to the instant that we walked into our hotel room to find a small hamper of delicious Swedish treats for us and to Mike and Cecilia inviting us to go to a theme park in Stockholm with their bridal party a few days before the wedding, it felt like Kristen and I were spending our time with long lost friends. Life was wonderful – and so were Mike and Cecilia.
I distinctly remember feeling like there was a really beautiful destiny attached to Mike and Cecilia’s wedding, even before we went to Sweden. And it was all confirmed during the ceremony held on the edge of the lake where we were staying. Cecilia loves karaoke and had decided that she was going to sing a song to Mike and the song she’d selected was Songbird by Fleetwood Mac. And just at that moment, from out of nowhere appeared a majestic swan that casually cruised past on the lake. It was a very unusual feeling – I’m not a man that believes in signs, but this was something pretty special and symbolic. And believe it or not, it was the only bird we saw the whole time we were there.
So here it is, Mike and Cecilia’s beautiful hand made wedding in the beautiful Swedish countryside – may their love last like the sunlight of the Scandinavian midsummer.
2 Comments
From our first meeting (on the bus going to Smadalaro for the wedding), you have that positive impact on people. Given the beautiful setting that’s Sweden and the even more beautiful people around; the loving and meticulous preparation that both Cecilia and Mike went through; the genuine warmth from friends and family; the perfect weather and venue. I could go on and on. Everything about this wedding is magical – the mere thought of it evokes a smile on my face. You have captured it all – the photos are so different, unique and truly awesome. These mementoes will always be treasured. Please carry on with your beautiful work – and expect more referrals from everyone whose lives you have touched.
THANK YOU for the wonderful words, I´m on the verge of tears and feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to get to know you amazing people. The photos are breathtaking and so personal, we couldn´t be happier! Can´t wait to see your upcoming projects up until we´ll meet in Australia next year:-)