As I sit down to write this blog post, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey that the past 20 years as a wedding planner have been. It’s a journey that has taken me to places I never imagined. Filled with moments of joy, challenges, and countless unforgettable memories.

This summer season, in particular, has been a record-breaker in every sense. We’ve witnessed a surge in tent weddings, welcomed more guests than ever, and fielded inquiries that seemed to outnumber the stars in the sky. Our team has grown significantly, and personally, I’ve found solace in meditation. A practice that has kept me grounded amidst the whirlwind of wedding planning. Most remarkably, we’ve had the privilege of orchestrating more weddings than ever before. An astonishing 21 weddings in just 20 weeks.

The start of WeddingPlanner Stockholm

I could delve into the origins of WeddingPlanner Stockholm, a journey that began over two decades ago in the heart of New York City. Back then, I was pursuing a career as a ballet dancer and unexpectedly found myself working with a Swedish-American consulting firm that organized seminars for the Swedish Consulate on the iconic Park Avenue. Back in Stockholm in 2003 I embarked on a new path, founding my small business after a foot injury brought me to a crossroads. However, as you’ve already heard this story countless times, I won’t reiterate it here.

Instead, what fills me with immense pride is witnessing the journey of WeddingPlanner Stockholm from a modest idea into one of the most respected and sought-after wedding planning companies in the Nordic region. Our portfolio now boasts around 500 weddings and events, each a unique tapestry woven with love, faith, and tradition.
Alongside my remarkable team, we’ve orchestrated weddings of all sizes, spanning various themes, religions, nationalities, and traditions. We’ve also successfully organized 40th birthday parties, baptisms, and company anniversaries.

Signature

Our signature has always been rooted in creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and a personalized approach to every wedding. Perhaps it’s that indefinable quality that sets us apart. In the world of ballet, they say it’s the steps between the steps that matter most. Similarly, in the realm of weddings, it’s the moments between bookings and vendor interactions that contribute to a seamless flow.

So yes, when you, our cherished brides and grooms, entrust us with your music preferences for the ceremony, I don my headphones, take a walk, and immerse myself in the sounds. I strive to feel, visualize, and create a flow and atmosphere during the ceremony, not only for you as a couple but also for your esteemed guests.

The summer of 2023

And throughout this journey, we’ve encountered a fair share of unexpected events. Yet, it’s impossible to encapsulate two decades of weddings in one blog post. Instead, I will provide a glimpse of this year’s adventures.

This year, Alexandra and I kicked off the season with a whirlwind 36-hour stretch at a chilly archipelago island for our first wedding. The following week, Johan and I grappled with perhaps the grouchiest church caretaker ever. Just to clarify – NOT A SINGLE church in Stockholm permits the tossing of rose petals, according to her.

Later in July, we faced some unwanted visitors – Sofia embarked on a mission to procure insect poison. Followed by a couple of weeks of relentless rain, and I’m not exaggerating when I say we had a billion new unwanted visitors.

Sofia had to once again expand her entomological expertise. She hesitated to inform me that it could have been fleas that might had infested our table setting for 140 guests. Rarely have I found myself wielding both a leaf blower and a hairdryer to salvage a table setting from minuscule intruders. The woodlice had taken over.

August arrived as a relentless tunnel of weddings, the stress crescendoed. We encountered a few bridezillas, groomzillas, and even a dadzilla who threatened that NO ONE would get paid. Five weddings in eight days meant a whirlwind of activity. Within 48 hours, we set up two tents with all the accompanying challenges, conducted one rehearsal dinner and one wedding, repaired a leaking tap under a portable toilet, and were rudely awakened by the fire alarm at 5:00 AM on the wedding day.

Stung by a wasp

Amidst all this, I was stung by a wasp in a rather delicate area while conversing with the bride’s father, inadvertently lifting my skirt to reveal my undergarments – Yes you may laugh! We also had to contend with a stomachache-ridden ice cream supplier and more.

Perhaps the pièce de résistance was the drunk chef during the appetizer preparation of one of our weddings. He clanged pots and poured sauce over plates like a champagne fountain. Needless to say, he had to be sent home. But we were left with a main course to serve to 85 guests and only one kitchen assistant. Miraculously, we pulled it off.

A heartfelt Thank You

None of these extraordinary weddings would have been possible without the collaborative spirit of our dedicated vendors. We are profoundly grateful for their unwavering professionalism and the high-caliber services they provide.

A heartfelt thank you to my incredible team; Sofia, Alexandra, Maja, Alicia and Antonia. And of course the new addition this summer! For the first time in our history a group of outstanding young men. They labored tirelessly, helping us transport a staggering 2780 chairs, nearly 500 tables, and some 20,000 glasses. Their dedication and enthusiasm were nothing short of remarkable.

A loving and understanding family

Finally, as you know, success is not achievable without an incredibly understanding family. I admit, I haven’t been the most attentive or present since April. I’ve become a wedding plannerzilla. So, to my wonderful daughters Natascha and Kira and my darling Magnus. You’ve been my unwavering support throughout the summer. Thank you!

On October 2nd, we celebrated in style. At the beautiful steamship m/s Motala Express docked on the pier of Strandvägen in the heart of Stockholm over 100 guests celebrated with us. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the love and support we received from each and every one who came.

As I wrap up this blog post and move forward into the future, I am excited about the new chapters that await. I know that there will be more challenges to face, more unexpected moments to navigate, and more weddings to plan. But I also know that with the unwavering support of my amazing team, and the collaboration of our dedicated vendors – there is no limit to what we can achieve.

So, let’s continue to create magic together. Let’s keep celebrating love in all its beautiful forms. And let’s remember that it’s not just about the weddings themselves but the journey we take to get there, the stories we create along the way, and the joy we bring to the lives of the couples we serve.

//Mariella. 


Photo: @kategaborphotography