Pernille & Albert's wedding
Where did you meet each other?
A mix of mutual friends combined with city life many years ago.
How did he propose to you?
Albert had given me a weekend trip to Paris with two friends. We were going out to eat at a restaurant where I had been before, the first time Albert and I were in Paris. I remember it as very nice (Michelin), and thought it was a bit strange that we were going to eat there since we were on a girls' trip and just wanted to enjoy cocktails. We arrive at the restaurant, and my friends slip away to the restroom. I had no idea what was going on and was a bit annoyed that we had to sit in a quiet nice restaurant. The waiter shows me to our table, where Albert is sitting. I was so surprised and completely confused. So surprised that I can hardly remember what he says, other than he suddenly is on his knees in the middle of the nice restaurant, and a waiter comes with champagne. I have always sworn that my potential proposal should NOT be in the middle of a restaurant among unknown guests, which I had pointed out many times before. It was so unexpected that I found myself in the middle of Paris with my friends, and suddenly everything takes a turn. However, I was incredibly touched that it was all a planned setup by Albert.
Which Karim Design dress did you choose and how did you know it was the right wedding dress?
I had some ideas in mind for the design and had made an inspiration board from Pinterest. At Karim Design, I tried on several different models to find out if I wanted a dress that fit closely all the way or if it should be a big dress. The choice fell on a “big” Couture Made dress. After that, they were very attentive to my ideas. They also had the finest French lace for the top and the most beautiful old rose silk for the bottom. Therefore, they were the ones who fulfilled my wedding dress dreams.
Describe your wedding day look
In terms of the dress, it was not a traditional white dress, but fitting for our wedding theme. We had chosen a Christmas wedding with the theme of burgundy, old rose, and gold. So the classic white was not prominent. The winter wedding dress featured a high neck and ¾ sleeves, which was fulfilled by the tight lace top. It was balanced by the large underskirt in rose silk. I had a simple hairstyle with small flowers in it and no veil. In hindsight, I would have liked to have a veil, as I actually think it is a beautiful feature, and the only time one can wear this. I wore dark blue stilettos from Chr. Louboutin. Albert's tuxedo was dark blue with a rose lining engraved with our wedding date. He had dark blue sneakers from Chr. Louboutin. The look for the day was meant to be appropriate for the theme choice; Christmas time, wedding, but with a twist of the informal, personality, and details.
How did you feel in your dress on your wedding day?
I felt really comfortable. Incredibly grateful that the design turned out as desired, and that I had been involved in the process from start to finish, which resulted in a beautiful, unconventional wedding dress.
Where did you get married? Tell us about where it took place - and about the style and atmosphere on your wedding day.
On Friday, we were together with our families and bridesmaids, best man + toastmaster. There were homemade apple slices and mulled wine as well as sweets upon arrival (afternoon coziness). Later, there was dinner in the castle's country kitchen, followed by drinks and a quiz in one of the castle's living rooms by the fireplace.
The ceremony was a late afternoon ceremony, so darkness had fallen, and the small castle church was lit almost entirely by candlelight. The castle church was small and intimate, just enough space for the nearly 100 guests.
Reception after the ceremony with champagne, homemade gingerbread and vanilla wreath hearts, as well as a wedding cake which was a tower of cream puffs from Summerbird with gold shimmer. The wedding cake was meant to “signal” a Christmas tree, and there was a star on top instead of a bride and groom.
The gift table was a large real Christmas tree with candles and decorated with red roses, where guests were to place their gifts underneath. The tree was also used for guests to write congratulations on hearts and hang them on the tree.
Dinner was in the large knight's hall with a fireplace at both ends. We had set up several Christmas trees with Christmas lights, and besides them, there were only candles. In addition to rustic flower decorations from 4 seasons on the tables, mistletoe hung down from the ceiling. Mistletoe was our recurring “signature” for our wedding; everything from invitations to song booklets and place cards. We had a special cliché made at a printing house, where gold mistletoe was embossed into the various printed materials. Tablestory was hired to give the right expression according to the theme.
The menu was also composed together with the professional chef. It was to fit the theme, as well as what we as a couple liked.
The bridal waltz started a bit late; I think it was closer to 01:00 than 24:00. Oops. We had a choreographer to create a bridal waltz with a twist. We had a DJ who played while one on trumpet supplemented the atmosphere by walking around among the guests/dance floor and playing live to the DJ music. The dance lights were large/small snowflakes.
The late-night food was a traditional hot dog stand. As guests went home, they received a “Christmas gift” (survival kit) with root vegetable chips, gold licorice balls from Bulow, chocolate from Social Foodies, headache pills, and water.
What was the most challenging part of the planning?
That the location was in Funen, so one had to be in Funen beforehand, and that guests had to stay overnight, and all props (Christmas trees, flower decorations, tableware from Tablestory, DJ equipment) had to be transported there. We had to drive a larger truck over there. Not so romantic to drive home as newlyweds.
Additionally, I was very critical about the overall light pink and burgundy color not becoming too pink or too red.
What made your day extra special?
There were many moments that made a big impression. But the choice to have a whole weekend, where each day was special and with time to enjoy every second. The setting of Holckenhavn was both homely and professional, which made the day so successful and cozy. The atmosphere was lively, and we had the sweetest priest. Saying yes to someone you love felt so unreal and magical at the same time.
The funniest moment of the day was?
There were several funny moments. Everything from funny contributions to me getting stuck in my wedding dress in an ice bucket (the foam box you keep ice cubes in), which I thought I could sit on, but the lid was loose, so I fell into it and couldn't get up.
Where did the honeymoon go?
The Monday after, we went to Vienna and stayed at an old Viennese hotel. It was the best choice to travel away right after the wedding, just for 3 days to digest all the impressions. Enjoy the togetherness, relax after long days where you are the center of attention, and visit Christmas markets.
Any last advice or wise words you can share with Karim Design's future brides?
Enjoy the process of wedding planning, make it a creative journey, make your wedding personal and different so that guests also have an unforgettable party. Ensure that there are not too many and too long contributions, enough food/snacks so that guests do not get too drunk before the party really starts, from my own experience take care as a bride not to drink too “much” as you also do not get too much food on the big day, pause and enjoy it all even in the eye of the storm, take it lightly/laugh if there is something on the day that does not go as expected, as one sets high expectations for the big day.
Suppliers embraced by
The bride wore a wedding dress from: Karim design - the dress was Couture Made.
The groom wore clothes from: Custom house (customhousehellerup.dk)
Shoes groom/bride: chr. Louboutin
My rings: engagement ring Josefine Bergsøe (bergsoe.dk) // wedding ring Sofie Bille Brahe
Graphic setup of invitation, menu, song booklet: Helle Daugbjerg Lassen (daugbjerglassen.dk)
Photographer: private friend
Wedding location: Holckenhavn Castle (holckenhavn.dk)
Food from: Holckenhavn Castle
Flower supplier: The four seasons in Ordrup (defireaartider.com)
Hair & Makeup: friend
Wedding planner: mainly me/us, on the actual day helped Sofie Brink
