SAARA + JOHN

Ravintola Alia Häät. Helsinki Tuomiokirkko häät. Wedding at Ravintola Alia. Helsinki Cathedral Wedding. Ravintola Alia Wedding.

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The planning process was fairly straight forward. As we are from different countries, we both wanted a traditional style wedding from our own cultures. Fortunately they are quite similar, so this was not a problem. We made the decision to get married in Helsinki. It it was important to us that it would be at a time where there was a good chance of nice weather, and that it was convenient for both sets of guests from England and Finland to make it.

We wanted a cozy venue for 70 guests, with good food, drink, and a live band and DJ. Also, we wanted a really nice atmosphere among the guests, and a good party, which we feel that it was. Most of all, we wanted everybody to enjoy themselves, and to enjoy the whole experience.

The music was very important to us – both at the Church and the venue, and we were delighted with the quality of the music played at both. The band and the DJ created a lively atmosphere.

We are both very visual persons (especially Saara), so the decorations and the other visual things were very important to us. From the invitations, to the table menus and flowers we wanted everything to look pretty and have a kind of simple elegance in them. We planned the bridal party look and best man and groomsmen outfits and were very pleased with the outcome. Pinterest has been a very important tool in the planning of the wedding and looking for inspiration.

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International Wedding at Ravintola Alia

The wedding day itself was perfect and the best day of our lives. Everything seemed to run smoothly, and we couldn’t stop smiling the whole day. It is difficult to choose highlights, because the day had so many of them! If we had to choose, we think it would be of course the ceremony, with Saara walking down the aisle, as well as leaving the Church together. The speeches at the venue, the food, our first dance, and partying with all our guests well into the night!

We loved Maria’s photography style and her artistic approach. All the photographs are so beautiful, and we could not have asked for better. Our parents and friends are thrilled with them! People have commented that they look like pieces of art and they haven’t seen better photographs! Maria is so talented and has amazing ideas. Maria captured the atmosphere and feelings in the photographs, and we are just amazed when we were look through the photographs.

Ravintola Alia Häät. Helsinki Tuomiokirkko häät. Wedding at Ravintola Alia. Helsinki Cathedral Wedding. Ravintola Alia Wedding.

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About Maria Hedengren Photography

Choosing the wedding photographer was one of the most important things regarding our wedding plans. We researched thoroughly, and having seen your portfolio we were immediately impressed. But we were even more impressed with your warm personality and interest in our wedding.

We are absolutely thrilled with the photographs, and can not stop going through them!

You were so professional and well organised  You had thought of everything, no matter what the weather or situation. We are amazed to look at our photographs and wonder when were they taken!? You were so discreet and many of our guests have commented on how hard you worked and how lovely and nice you were.

We are so grateful to have so beautiful memories of our big day. We would like to thank you so much for all the hard work you have done for the most important day of our lives! Thank you!!

– Saara & John

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Church: Helsingin tuomiokirkko häät | Reception: Ravintola Alia häät

 | Makeup: Jaana Veronika Kuittinen | Hair Stylist: Karla Olkkola | Wedding dress: Enzoani Beautiful Collection | Shoes: Heels – Forever Soles; Ballet flats: Wonders | Hair accessory: www.ninka.fi | Jewelry/ rings: Desmond Young | Bridesmaids dresses: Harsuccthing Etsy | Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss | Groom’s shoes: Roland Cartier | Flowers: Runebergin Kukka | Catering: Ravintola Alia | Band: Kimmo Malin | Stationary: Darling Paper Company and Laitilan Kirjapaino Oy