Vibeke and Simon: A Norwegian Love Story

Vibeke and Simon: A Norwegian Love Story

A self-confessed hippie with what she claims are far too many hair extensions, she met her soul-mate, a hipster Swedish guy with piercing blue eyes

Here’s a Real Bride Story to prove that D&L’s been helping boho wedding dreams come true in just about every far-flung corner of the globe.

Vibeke is what you’d call a striking Norwegian beauty, a self-confessed hippie with what she claims are far too many hair extensions (although, to us, those just look like lustrous blonde locks). She met Simon, a hipster Swedish guy, with skinny jeans and piercing Swedish blue eyes, whilst studying economics in Norway in 2008. He was studying fire engineering at the same University when fate decided to introduce them to each other one night at the student pub. They danced a little, flirted a lot and within no time, they were very much an item. They were head over heels in love and Vibeke says she can still feel the butterflies whenever she recalls those heady times.

Life isn’t always peaches and cream though and after their studies came some trying times as the loving couple were forced to live in separate countries. Yet life would have a hard time keeping this pair apart and they finally moved in together in Sweden and soon had a beautiful son named Alfred. The decision was made to move to Vibeke’s homeland of Norway so they bought a quaint little cottage and that’s where they brought their second, adorable son (Teodor) into the world…but not before the night of the long-awaited proposal.

Then he went down on one knee and proposed. Vibeke, who’d been hinting (or nagging, as she puts it) Simon for some time, spent all of 15 minutes saying things like: “you know you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to…”

It all went down the night they moved into their new place, their first purchase together. Both of them were staying over at Vibeke’s parents’ house, exhausted from moving all day amongst a sea of boxes and bags. Sticky, smelly and dusty from the day’s work, they sat down on the couch at last. Simon was leaning forward, looking agitated, so Vibeke told him: “come on, relax…we’ve got no more to do tonight.” Simon replied: “well, there is one thing I have to do, now we have a new house and everything.” Then he went down on one knee and proposed. Vibeke, who’d been hinting (or nagging, as she puts it) Simon for some time, spent all of 15 minutes saying things like: “you know you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to…” etc. but she finally came to her senses and gave him a “yes, of course!” Phew!

So, since Vibeke was heavily pregnant during her dress hunt, there was always the question of whether or not she was going to be back in shape by the time the special day came along. It turns out the stars were smiling on her in more ways than one! Being a hippie girl through and through, she sat back and simply googled ‘lace wedding dresses’…which is how she came across the Dreamers and Lovers website. She ordered the perfect dress for the laid back, totally DIY wedding that they had in mind. That was a month before the birth of their second beautiful son but if you’ve seen the wedding pics you know, she looked an absolute vision and no baby weight in sight.

The wedding was to be held on an old farm on the borders of Stavanger, a picturesque coastal city in Norway with a rich history dating as far back as 1125, it hardly gets more romantic than that and what’s more, the couple are proud to call Stavanger home.

85 Guests were invited and the couple had determined to do as much as possible themselves, knowing that that would make the experience a far more personal one. They wrote simple, candid vows both about the things they love about one another and the little things which annoy them, a detail which really had the guests laughing. Vibeke commented on Simon’s ability to make such a racket climbing the stairs that she’s certain he’ll one day make a hole through them.

The ceremony was overseen by one close friend whilst another friend, Lisa, sang Håkan Hellström – Valborg, a Swedish song with poignant, beautiful lyrics. Vibeke’s best friend crafted her bouquet, wild, summery and gorgeous and V wore a truly bohemian wildflower crown which couldn’t have looked more perfect with her laid-back gown. The room was decorated with a score of lights and wildflowers by the couple personally, which turned out to be truly rewarding.

Simon made desert himself (hello!), a delicious panacotta with raspberry topping and, as is tradition in Norway, friends and family brought the cakes. I rather like this tradition as it worked out that the couple had, instead of one wedding cake, 12 unique cakes with different fillings and frostings.

For Vibeke, the biggest challenge was most certainly trying to plan a wedding with two small boys in tow so her advice to boho brides to be is…try to get married before you have kids!

Oh, about Simon…V had this to say: “he’s honest, sincere, outgoing, smart, he’s not materialistic, he’s kind and good with people and he’s a wonderful father. After a long day’s work, he still has energy for me and the kids and I feel completely safe when I’m with him and he is, indeed, my rock.” Now, if you ask me, a girl can need little more and I’m pretty sure that this happy family will continue to grow in love and happiness, if not in size as well.

The couple are focused on family now, in their little cottage on the coast of Norway. They are taking good care of each other and chasing after the little ones can be exhausting, Vibeke loves them all so much that for her it’s worth it a billion and one times over.

An Intimate and Romantic Boho Wedding Elopement

An Intimate and Romantic Boho Wedding Elopement

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Our brides are almost always more relaxed, and are usually quite vocal about not wanting all the extra fluff that goes in to a wedding. For this reason, naturally we are seeing that many of our brides-to-be are skipping traditional weddings altogether, and instead choosing to elope. This however does not mean they are looking less beautiful, or sacrificing those styling and details, that makes for the most killer wedding photographs. On a side note…if you are a bride to be, who has become so overwhelmed with the stress and expense of the ‘traditional’ wedding, we ask that you consider not skipping out on the details…super important, because the photos are a part of the memories you will have forever.

We have seen so many well-documented elopements, that we have fallen in love with eloping. Eloping in the sense of just the couple running off to some exotic destination, or eloping with closest friends and family in tow. It never fail that we hear the complaints very often in our fittings, usually the dear mother, who is disappointed that important people will be left out. So, if the situation allows then by all means, we love the idea of eloping with your tightest group of your gang with you. And remember you’re most likely considering an elopement because you are looking to peel away traditions and expectations, so ultimately you have to do what feels right for you and your other half.

One of the major reasons why elopements tug at our heartstrings is the location. In business, location is everything…everything, and we’d say it is the same with elopements…it is everythang!! Emphasis placed on the thang:-) This is the time when you get to choose anywhere you love, that place that is ultra special to you as a couple. We hear from couples frequently who tells us that this place was monumental and a connecting piece of their love story.

This effortlessly stunning couple – Malia and Derrik – chose the most captivating location ever, and it goes perfect with their relaxed bohemian style. We are in awe of the beauty of the White Sands National Monument in New Mexico. Isn’t nature the perfect canvas?

As we look at the photos we can’t help but notice the moments of peace, and intimacy and can only imagine this day was so special to them, and one they’ll remember forever.

This couple decided to elope after they went through their spreadsheet (yes, you read that right, a spreadsheet) and saw the dizzying number of guests they had to invite if they planned a traditional wedding. They knew that a large midwestern wedding was not their vibe, and instead decided to choose a place they have never been. We love that they went with one of our favorite wedding mantras…”if it doesn’t feel right, then throw it out”.

Malia & Derrik’s elopement was captured by the incredibly talented husband & wife photographer team – The Colagrossis. Here are sentiments from the photographers themselves: “These two wanted a place unique, surreal, quiet and elusive. The guidelines for White Sands weddings severely limits decoration – fresh flowers and greens are not allowed and candles are useless against the high winds and blowing gypsum minerals. The best part about White Sands is the sunset. When the sky turns pink and the white dunes turn blue – it is almost impossible to know which way is up!” Excerpted from Green Wedding Shoes Blog, where it was recently featured.

Malia is wearing the very dreamy boho wedding 2-piece dress, the Alana and Fiona skirt. This is sold together, but is also offered as separates.

To see a complete listing of our simple yet refined bohemian wedding dresses, visit this link.

Malia you were a beautiful boho bride, and thank you for sharing your day with us.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the subject of eloping. Drop us a comment below.

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VENDOR DETAILS

Photography: The Colagrossis

Venue: White Sands National Monument

Florals: Be Married

Styling: Fixx Salon

The Eternal Romance Collection for the Relaxed Bohemian Bride

The Eternal Romance Collection for the Relaxed Bohemian Bride

Come ti vidi m’innamorai, e tu sorridi perché lo sai.

When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew.

– Arrigo Boito, 1893

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Dreamers & Lovers have now been around three years, and with three collections now under our belt. They say the third time is the charm, and isn’t that the truth. The Eternal Romance collection is one entirely inspired by the women we design for, those that we meet in the studio daily, or chat with over the phone and emails. Someone asked me recently what is our secret sauce, and while I have many versions of what I think this sauce is, the truth is, it is the unique women who pour their hearts, desires, and dreams to us. They allow us to begin their fairytale. It is such a honor designing a wedding dress, to think that this dress will be worn on the most important day of their lives. The Eternal Romance collection is for you, inspired by you. Keep sharing those stories. We love hearing about that spark of passion, that ever-slight blush that rushes to your cheeks when you hear him speak, those butterflies when you kiss; the driving force behind holding hands, stolen glances, and giggling over a shared secret. It’s the reason you want to look beautiful on your wedding day.

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Here’s to keeping romance eternal. There’s no better place to start than with a gorgeous wedding dress to proclaim your everlasting love.

 

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Eternal Romance 6

Just in time for spring’s nuptials, the Eternal Romance bridal collection will have star-crossed lovers swooning. The collection features full silk skirts balanced with delicate features. Edwardian romantic chic comes to mind when one examines the thoughtfully cut designs and gracefully draped fabrics.

A mix of muted exquisite silks, soft tulle net, silk georgette and cotton embroidered lace structures the collection. We’ve incorporated exquisite floral patterned embroidered lace, as well as uniquely beautiful geometric-style embroidered patterns. The collection’s silhouettes range from form fitting to looser dreamy flowy fits, all promising to flatter the bride and designed for comfortable wear. We want brides wearing the Eternal Romance collection to feel like they’re walking on clouds- because that’s how true love should feel.

 

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Eternal Romance offers a dress for every bride; that is, for the hopeless romantic, unique , and laid-back bohemian bride: plunging necklines rimmed with intricately embroidered lace, to chic simply cut sheaths, graceful winged sleeves, as well as fitted silhouettes, drawing a vintage nostalgia. Low cut backs and generous trains make exits breathtaking- after all, isn’t fixed glances, skipped heartbeats, and held breaths what romantic love is all about?

 

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Collection breathtakingly captured by Fine Art Photographer Alex Stoddard