A Multicultural Copenhagen Destination Wedding Weekend

A Multicultural Copenhagen Destination Wedding Weekend

CATEGORIES

September 6, 2024
Words by Lauren Ertl
Photos courtesy of Sandra of Atelier Åberg

Hoping to strike a balance in celebrating their Indian, German, and Nordic traditions for their destination wedding, Michelle and Ankit knew they needed to find a setting that could accommodate the sourcing of materials and services to meet their diverse needs. With guests flying from all over the world, they’d also have to select a highly sought-after vacation destination centrally located. Thus, the idea of a Copenhagen destination wedding grew wings!

Collage of an event with people in traditional attire, a person in a uniform, the ornate entrance of Glassalen, and a building with Middle Eastern architecture.

“We were drawn to the idea of exploring a new destination together, and since we both have an appreciation for Danish culture, architecture, and design,” Michelle says. “Choosing Denmark was quite natural for us.”

A collage featuring a modern indoor garden, a floral arrangement, a smiling woman in green attire, a traditional musical performance on stage, and people socializing at an event.

After stumbling upon Christel Winther Wedding & Events, Michelle and Ankit felt they’d found the ideal planner to help execute a wedding with so many moving parts.

“We relied heavily on our wonderful wedding planner’s expertise,” Ankit says. “Through discussions and recommendations, we found venues that suited our style and accommodated our guest count and various events. Our advice for couples is to trust your planner—they know the local scene best.”

A collage of a traditional wedding featuring a couple in ornate attire, dancing guests, architectural backgrounds, and ceremonial activities.

Still with the professionals on their side, the couple found a stumbling block in ensuring loved ones could procure travel visas. Unfortunately, slow processing times for guests traveling from India meant that 45 of the couple’s beloveds weren’t able to be in attendance.

A celebratory gathering outside a decorative building, a stage adorned with vibrant flowers, and a close-up of a colorful floral arrangement.

“If we could do it over, we would start the visa process for our Indian guests much earlier,” the bride says. “It was a stressful last-minute challenge.”

Aside from this major stressor, the rest of the planning process for Ankit and Michelle’s Copenhagen destination wedding went smoothly. Desiring to create an atmosphere of inclusivity, the couple carefully selected elements from both of their cultures for the wedding—from the colors to the music. Additionally, Christel and team organized pre-wedding events for the couple’s guests to mingle and get to know each other before the main celebrations.

A couple in traditional attire walk hand in hand across a manicured garden in front of a grand, ornate building with a large central dome and arches. A variety of desserts and fresh fruits are displayed on white plates under hanging plants. Close-up images show pastries and themed drinks garnished with berries.

Mainly utilizing local vendors (save the Indian catering chef and one of the photo & video teams) worked in Michelle and Ankit’s favor. Local talent meant more room in the budget for decor and traditions which honored the bride and grooms’ respective backgrounds. For example, they had a Nordic-inspired mead toast for Michelle amongst a myriad of bright colors, honoring the feel of a traditional Indian wedding for Ankit. The couple attributes their ability to lean into the details and not sweat the logistics to a stellar planner!

Collage with images of a commemorative display featuring flowers and candles, stone statues on a building's exterior, and a tall historical building with towers and a flagpole.

“Our wedding planner was a lifesaver in managing guest accommodations and travel logistics,” the bride says. “They recommended all guests stay at the same hotel for, and they arranged seamless transportation between the hotel and our venues.”

A collage includes a bride preparing, guards on horseback, a floral arrangement, and a lavishly decorated wedding aisle with chairs, floral decorations, and a chandelier under a detailed tapestry.

Surrounded by the charm of Danish architecture and design, Ankit and Michelle’s Copenhagen destination wedding not only honored their Indian, German, and Nordic traditions but also created lasting memories for all included.

A wedding ceremony in an ornate, high-ceilinged room with large windows, golden chairs, floral decor, and a richly patterned carpet aisle. The couple stands before an officiant, surrounded by attendees. A large, elegant dining room set up for a formal event. Long tables are adorned with white tablecloths, gold chairs, and floral centerpieces. The room features high ceilings and large windows. A bride and groom stand outside a stone building, a table is set with elegant tableware, and a large dining room is adorned with floral arrangements and paintings. A decorated banquet table with white linens and floral arrangements, a string quartet performing, and a long dining room with elegant place settings and gold chairs. Top: A castle at sunset. Bottom left: A bride in a gown descends stairs. Bottom right: A small dog in a tuxedo on a leash.