Anna + Gustav

How did you meet?

Gustav and I met in the same friend group during college. We always said hi, but nothing more as the gals usually ran off and did their thing and the boys ran off and did their thing. After I graduated, I moved away while Gus stayed for one more year of school. I was working for a school that ultimately shut down, sending my life up in the air. On a whim, I decided to apply to teach English in Europe and was accepted. I threw several goodbye get togethers, my last one being in our college town with our friends. My friend invited Gus and that night, we finally said more than hi to each other. We hit it off. I was moving to Europe in three weeks and in that time span, he took me out on several dates, ultimately telling me he didn’t want to see anyone else while I was gone. After our three weeks were up, I took that one way ticket, boarded a plane to the Czech Republic, and hoped that if it was meant to be, it would work out.

After coming home to the USA three months later, we had built a solid foundation for our relationship and completely fell for each other.

When did you know they were the one?

I don’t believe there is a MOMENT that we both knew each other was the one. Our answers are very similar. One day, we were doing something so mundane together like going for a walk, or sipping coffee and I realized that I never wanted these days to end. I felt like I could not picture my life without us together. He felt the same way. Everything felt so easy. Relationships our hard but being together felt effortless.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

I love everything about his heart. He is kind to everyone around him. He works hard. He is also the most supportive person I’ve ever met. I’ve built my own business and he has always told me to go for whatever crazy idea I had.

She is fun and always makes me laugh. We have so much fun together. I love seeing how hard she works for her business. She is my best friend.

Who proposed and how?

Gustav proposed to Anna on a morning walk to get coffee. The plot twist is Anna truly had no idea it was happening in that moment and right before the walk was pulled by their dog and twisted her ankle. She was limping to try and “walk it off” and decided she couldn’t walk on it. Gus was freaking out and got her to a bench where after a bit more panic went for it and proposed.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

I saw Ryder online a year before I got engaged and remember gasping and thinking “that is the most me dress I have ever seen”. I have never seen another dress like it to this day. I made an appointment at the only boutique in Wisconsin that carries made with love and when I got in the store, I touched it on the rack and got full chills. I didn’t want it to be the first dress I tried on because I felt like I already knew it was going tot be the one. As soon as I put it on, I fell in love. For me, I wanted to feel sophisticated, sexy yet youthful. We got married in the woods and on the lake and the lace reminded me of vines. It felt like it fit us perfectly.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding? 

Both of us agree that our favorite moment was sharing private vows with no one to witness them except our video/photo team. We got really emotional, and we didn’t want to share those words with anyone but each other (in the moment, now they’re recorded of course). It felt like the most intimate moment we’ve shared in our relationship so far. Our second favorite moment was walking back down the aisle after being pronounced husband and wife. It felt like a dream.

What were your favourite details? 

We thrifted all of our glassware, the decorations were mostly furniture we brought from our own apartment, Gustav and his dad built the arches, Anna dyed the table linens, and everything was held on Gustav’s parents residence. It was SO PERSONAL. It truly was a vision that only we could have brought to life. Every single part was our favorite detail because so much love was put into it.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Not only am I a bride but a wedding photographer and I’ve learned a LOT.

Our day was so uniquely us. It was not traditional at all and we did exactly what WE wanted to. No matter what you do, someone will have a problem with it so you might as well do exactly what YOU want. At the end of the day, it’s not about the invites, the decor or even your dress, it’s about YOU and your partner. If you keep the focus centered on your relationship, it will be a beautiful day.

That. and BREATHE.

Any standout vendors?

Our photographer and videographer were absolutely next level and SO was our brunch.

Shannon Yen Photography
Sherman Creaative
Rockamns Catering

MWL DESIGN:

Ryder

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Shannon Yen Photography

RETAILER:

Bucci’s Bridal