Lotta's Wedding Day

On our last day in Sweden, we had an easy morning. We visited a playground, then went to the neighborhood yard sale to see what was for sale. I was heartbroken to have to leave this gem (only $4) behind.



I spent a lot of time thinking up schemes for shipping it home, but no matter what I came up with, better sense won out and it stayed behind for someone in Töreboda to love.

There was just enough time left for a game of Kubb before getting ready for the wedding.



Anastasia was very happy to show off her pretty dress.



Then we went outside to mingle with guests as we waited for the ceremony to begin. Farmor and Farfar (Christer's parents) were very excited to be there and made a very photogenic couple.



The wedding ceremony took place on a boat cruising on lake Vännern. Before we boarded, Kalle took a photo of each guest in a frame for the wedding album.



Lotta and Janne arrived together, but all eyes were on her. She wore a simple dress that accentuated her natural beauty, and she was stunning.



The wedding began with a love song performed by Lotta's youngest brother Viktor (who was 6 when I lived with them) and his music partner, Ulrika. It was exactly the kind of gentle beginning that I love.



After the short, civil ceremony, champagne corks were popped and the celebration began. The siblings posed for a few photos, and then came around to visit with all of the guests.



Back on land, it was time for the dinner (and the toasts) to begin. Christer spoke first, talking about how fortunate he was to have Lotta as a daughter. Throughout the dinner, guests gave wonderful, touching, and funny speeches about Lotta and Janne.



During the dinner, when Janne left the table for a minute, every man in the room jumped up and formed a queue to kiss the bride. When Lotta left the table, the ladies all kissed Janne. I loved this.



Anastasia fell asleep before the end of dinner so we left the wedding just before the dancing began. It was the right timing, since we had only about 6 hours to sleep before it was time for us to drive to the airport. There were lots of tears as we said goodbye to all of the family, and I decided that we'll be back for a visit within 2 years. Thank you once again to my wonderful second family for welcoming us into your homes and loving us as you would a daughter.