Jessie and Adam’s fall wedding in the Mendocino Woodlands State Park in California had lots of traditions and symbolism in the Nordic ceremony. The pair and their wedding party carried logs with rune symbols which were burned ceremonially. Burning incense and herbs were sprinkled around the perimeter ceremony site. Adam even hand-built the GORGEOUS ceremony arch structure which had carved Nordic dragons.
The night ended with celebrating, games, ax-throwing, and camping, and we can’t get enough. Just wait until you see the bride’s surprise colored dress underlay, the pumpkin details, and the sheet music and burlap non-floral bouquet.
Here are some details about the ceremony from the couple, since it’s super intricate:
The ceremony started with a blessing by our friend Elayne and the bridesmaids which included encircling our guests and ceremony area with herbs and incense. Runes burned into logs were carried to the fire pit by each member of the grooms party to symbolize elements we wished to manifest in our marriage. An oath ring (used in old Norse traditions) was made specially for the occasion. Adam’s brother Matt and Jessie’s sister Cindy wrapped it in ribbons to symbolize the union of our families which we held during the reading of our vows.
Let’s peek at this lovely event…
Vendors
Day-of Coordinator: Amanda Pharis • Venue: Mendocino Woodlands Camp • Caterer: Karina’s Catering • Officiant: Lorena Castillo • Photography: Diane + Mike Photography • Florist: Paper flowers by Maid of Honor, Cindy
8 responses to “FALL for this autumn wedding with a Nordic ceremony, axe-throwing, and camping”
Wow! So gorgeous!! I love everything about this! And will be stealing ideas if I ever get married. That bouquet! So cool!
Wow! Just wow! This is indeed a unique but beautiful wedding. A camping theme is really brilliant. And since I love to go on camping, I might consider the same theme also for my own wedding. And I hope I can pull it off! Thanks a lot for inspiring us how wonderful a wedding can be especially you will be sharing it with someone you chose to spend the rest of your life with.
I love this wedding so much! All the Norse elements look incredible, I especially love the arch with the beautiful details at the top. And you’ve got to love axe throwing! It looks like there was such a wonderful atmosphere.
*swoon* So many beautiful details here! And your hair color and dress underlay. SqueeeeEEEEeeee!!
By the Gods! This makes my inner Viking want to go back in time and redo my own ceremony! The Norse details are so beautiful!
Like marrying Ragnar Lothbrok himself!
What a beautiful wedding with a great mix of historic and modern elements. I love all the little details. As a swede I approve 😉
Oh wow, the orange peeking out from under the dress!
And the bride’s hair!!!