Danika & Anders
A royal celebration bathed in light
Some love stories feel like they’re written for the movies, and Danika and Anders’ journey is one of them. Danika, originally from the Philippines, and Anders, from Sweden, first met in the bustling streets of New York City. After years of building their life together in the Big Apple, they made the decision to move to Sweden and reconnect with Anders’ roots. Although they officially tied the knot during the lockdown in 2020 during a small ceremony in New York, the couple knew they wanted to celebrate their love with a grand celebration in Sweden surrounded by family and friends.
The picturesque Uppsala Castle became the venue of choice for their summer wedding. Its regal atmosphere and historic charm were the perfect backdrop for the elegant and romantic vision they dreamed of. I was honored to step in to help plan, design, and coordinate a day that felt royal yet intimate, with a touch of Ascot-inspired sophistication.
A Ceremony to Remember
The day began with a heartfelt ceremony at Gamla Uppsala Kyrka, one of Uppsala’s most iconic and historic churches. Surrounded by their loved ones, Danika and Anders exchanged vows in the serene and timeless setting of the church.
A magical moment during the ceremony was when Danika herself performed a moving song, her beautiful voice filling the church while accompanied by a violin duo. It was a breathtaking highlight that left everyone in awe and brought tears to many eyes—an unforgettable tribute to their love and a nod to Danika’s artistry.
Mingle Under the Castle’s Vaults
Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed to Uppsala Castle for a delightful mingle with canapés and drinks. Although the Swedish summer is known for its unpredictability, we had hoped for sunshine. But when the rain made its uninvited appearance, we quickly adapted and moved the mingle to the castle’s dramatic arch vaults. What could have been a setback turned into a cosy and memorable moment, with the soft sound of rain adding an unexpected charm to the occasion.
An Elegant Dinner Fit for Royalty
Dinner was held inside the castle, where the stately hall was transformed into a dreamy, pastel-hued wonderland. To keep the atmosphere dynamic, the layout featured a mix of one grand rectangular table and several smaller round tables. Each table was dressed in long, flowing tablecloths and adorned with lush floral arrangements in soft pastel tones, accented by golden votive candles that added a romantic glow.
The three-course meal was a culinary experience enjoyed by all, with heartfelt speeches and toasts filling the room with laughter and love. The couple’s families and friends, some traveling from as far as the Philippines and the U.S., truly made the day a global celebration of Danika and Anders’ union.
Dancing the Night Away
After dinner, the magic continued with the couple’s first dance. Their love shone as they gracefully moved across the floor, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. From there, the party came alive with music, dancing, and laughter as the guests celebrated into the night.
Danika and Anders’ wedding was a perfect blend of elegance, tradition, and personal touches, showcasing their unique love story while honoring their cultural backgrounds. Despite the unexpected rain, the day was nothing short of magical—a true testament to how love can shine even brighter when plans take an unexpected turn.
Planning this celebration was such a joy, and being part of their journey was an honor I’ll always treasure. Danika and Anders, your love is truly inspiring, and I wish you many more years of happiness and adventures together.
Words from Danika & Anders
“Planning a wedding can be an overwhelming and stressful task, but with the right wedding planner by your side, it can be transformed into an enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Today, we are delighted to share our thoughts on our wedding planner Karolina from Wahlman Weddings, who went above and beyond to create a truly magical day for us and our loved ones.
One of the most striking qualities of our wedding planner Karolina, was her ability to flawlessly execute our vision. She meticulously coordinated with vendors, ensuring that everything was in place and on time. Her organizational skills and professionalism were truly remarkable, allowing my husband and I to relax and enjoy our special day without worrying about any logistical hiccups. Karolina's creativity and innovative ideas truly set our wedding apart from the rest. She brought fresh and unique concepts to the table, incorporating personalized touches that left a lasting impression on our guests. Whether it was the choice of flowers, flower arrangements, the stunning table settings, or the unexpected entertainment, her creativity added an extra layer of excitement and surprise to our celebration. Throughout the entire planning process, Karolina maintained open and clear communication. She was always available to discuss any concerns or changes, promptly responding to emails and calls. Her ability to effectively communicate with me, my husband Anders, and all involved parties ensured that everyone was on the same page, leading to a seamless and stress-free experience.
Wedding planning can be an emotional rollercoaster, but our wedding planner Karolina, remained a calm and supportive presence throughout. Karolina provided guidance, advice, and reassurance during those moments when decisions seemed overwhelming. Her ability to keep everything running smoothly, while also being a source of comfort, made all the difference in creating a positive and enjoyable planning experience. In conclusion, our wedding planner Karolina exceeded all expectations, delivering an exceptional experience that will be cherished for a lifetime. Her attention to detail, flawless execution, creative ideas, exceptional communication, and calm presence made our wedding day truly unforgettable. We wholeheartedly recommend our wedding planner to any couple looking for a professional, dedicated, and talented individual to bring their dream wedding to.”
Location: Uppsala Castle
Date: 2023.07.08
Guests: 60
THE TEAM
Event planner & stylist: Wahlman Weddings @wahlman.weddings
Photographer: Jenny Drakenlind @jennydrakenlind via Anette Bruzan @anette_bruzan_photography
Location and food: @cajsas_kok
Florist: Blomstersystrarna @blomstersystrarna
Backdrops: MirjaMira Weddecor @mirjamiraweddecor
Hair and Makeup: Sofia Pusa @makeupbypusa
Entertainment: Duo Bergh @duobergh
Cake designer: Linneas Andrae @linneas_patisserie
Transportation: Högbergs buss