What an honor it was for my wife, Ashley, and me to photograph the beautiful wedding of Ingebeth and Matthew. They had planned a wedding that would be warm, intimate and personal, all within the wintery backdrop of Notodden, Norway. The Landsverk Family (Ingebeth’s family) can trace their ancestors back 800 years in the town of Nottodden. This rich family tradition and connection to the town was very important for the couple. Ingebeth chose to get ready and have her pictures taken at the Landsverk Farm, which has been in their family since the 12th century and is where her grandfather was raised. Ingebeth has always had a great fondness for the farm. Her family spent much time there while she was growing up and would even get their Christmas tree each year from the surrounding forest.
Matthew, who was born and raised in the mountains of Virginia, takes great pride in the traditions of both the Landsverk Family and the Norwegian culture. He met Ingebeth in Norway in 2004 while they were working for YWAM. It was a great privilege for Matthew’s family and friends to join him for the wedding and to finally experience the place he now calls home.
Ingebeth and Matthew chose to get married in a small church close to the Landsverk Farm, even though it’s not the church they attend regularly. They LOVED the church because it was old, small and traditional. It created the romantic and personal environment they craved for their ceremony (and provided an amazing backdrop for shooting!).
Married! More photos at the church and then back to the farm!
The reception took place an hour outside of Notodden at a cozy hotel in the mountains. It didn’t snow much during the day, but once we got to the hotel, the snow really starting falling hard. The stage was set for an amazing evening with family and friends, all of which would be staying at the hotel for the night. A Norwegian reception is much like an American rehearsal dinner, full of food and toasts. Ingebeth’s friend, Anna Tone, had made all of the decorations at the reception, another important personal touch to the day.
The reception went late into the night, but with all of the guests sleeping at the hotel, everyone was perfectly content with staying and partying. I didn’t stop shooting until 2 in the morning when I finally retired to my room. Everyone else stayed until 4 AM. The following morning, all of the guests (and the bride and groom) enjoyed a great brunch. Most of us stayed at the hotel until the afternoon. It was a refreshing time of fellowship, hiking and sledding.
This experience was so refreshing for me as a photographer. I feel so blessed to have been asked to document this day for them and really hope to return to Norway again in the future.
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