An Autumn Soiree with Dual Citizenship

Real Weddings

The couple: Amanda Hurlbutt + Jesper Helin

Wedding date: November 1, 2019

Number of guests: 75

His & her cocktails: Elderflower gin and tonic & apple cider bourbon punch 

DIY detail: Wooden peg doll cake toppers

// Take a Chance on Me

During her junior year of college, Amanda studied abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. One evening, as the spring semester was drawing to a close, she went with some friends to an outdoor nightclub. On the dance floor, she noticed a handsome, bespectacled Swede, who was a good foot taller than her. Would the height difference be awkward for dancing, she wondered? Not a chance! A few songs later, Jesper grabbed her hand and the pair spent the rest of the evening strolling around the city.

// Going the Distance

With Amanda due to return to the U.S. a mere two weeks after their first meeting, the couple couldn’t afford to waste any time getting to know one another. The dating culture in Sweden is pretty unstructured, so for their first date, they met up for pizza and a romcom, the theme of which was, ironically, long-distance dating.

// The Secret Garden

On finding their venue, Amanda says: “As soon as we stepped off the back porch and into the gardens, Jesper and I looked at each other and said, ‘Yep, this is it!’” The couple was instantly captivated by the William Paca House, its historic Annapolis charm, and its intimate, almost hidden, magical setting.

// Dress Hunting

Amanda’s hunt for the perfect dress began at a bridal boutique in Stockholm. Although she didn’t purchase her gown at the time, she did leave with a valuable piece of advice from her saleslady: “Searching for a wedding dress is like searching for a man. Once you find the right one, stop looking!” A month later, Amanda found her gown at Bridals by Elena, sold on the elegant bodice, cinched waist, and voluminous tulle skirt: “I loved that it was timeless, but still had a little pizzazz,” she says. 

// Pumpkin Spice Season

To find inspiration for her November wedding, all Amanda had to do was look outside. Her navy blue and orange color palette was inspired by fall hues, and she added a rustic feel to her decor with touches of white birch and pumpkin. Of course, Bill Doepkens’ flowers stole the show. “I still can’t get over how stunning the white pumpkin table arrangements were and the flower ‘disco’ ball over our dance floor (rigged with LED lighting!) gave that extra bit of wow-factor to the space,” Amanda says.

// A Rooted Romance

Amanda and Jesper’s wedding was filled with references to their Swedish and American roots, from a white birch cake stand to corn hole boards featuring both countries’ flags. The men in the wedding party wore bow ties by Swedish designer John Henric and Amanda carried rosehips, a Swedish plant, in her bouquet. During the ceremony, Jesper’s brother also recited the iconic “love is patient, love is kind” passage in Swedish.

Nods to Amanda’s Maryland upbringing included oyster ornament favors from Quark-n-Bach pottery and ceremony music performed by her high school flute teacher’s trio. Even the flowers had memories associated with them: As a child, Amanda visited Bill Doepken’s farm each fall to pick out mums and pumpkins, so it was fitting that he designed her table arrangements in keeping with tradition.

// The Details

Bride’s hair & makeup: Vintage Veils / Bride's gown: Stella York (designer), Bridals by Elena (shop) / Bride’s jewelry: Kate Spade (earrings), Little Silver Shop (bracelet) / Bride’s jacket: BCBGMAXAZRIA / Bride’s shoes: Sam Edelman / Maid of honor’s dress: Alfred Sung (designer), Lord & Taylor (shop) / Caterer: Creative Cuisines / Desserts: Sweethearts Patisserie / Favors: Quirk-n-Bach Pottery / Florals: Under the Willow at Doepken’s Farm / Invitations: Paperless Post / Music: Crosswinds Trio (ceremony + cocktail hour) / Trailer Grass Orchestra (reception) / Men’s attire: Boggi Milano (suits), John Henric (bow ties) / Officiant: Rev. Patti Sachs, St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church Annapolis / Photographer: Carly Fuller Photography / Planner: Bride’s mother, Tricia Sanborn / Rings: Rivoir and Engelbert / Rentals: Honeywood Rentals