From our first communication months ago I always felt the warmth and relaxed attitude this couple had. They wanted to enjoy their wedding, to take it all in. Without pressure, just doing it their own way. And that is exactly how their day looked.

We started the day in Töölö with bridal prep. The bride had bought her wedding dress secondhand and arrived with the most amazing wedding sneakers. Relaxed, what did I tell you. While the girls had lunch and did their makeup I photographed the dress and details, both on digital and film. The bouquet was full of peonies. Gorgeous.

The bride got into her dress with the help of her friends and her sister. Once they were ready we travelled through the busy Helsinki city centre to Johanneksenkirkko. The previous wedding party was still on the stairs as we arrived, the place buzzing with celebration. We snuck in a few portraits on the staircase leading up from the basement before the ceremony began.

The ceremony was mostly in Swedish. The couple looked completely at ease. There were candles. There was extraordinary architecture. I shot on film for mood and softness, and digital for clarity. Digital is so responsive, they layer each other beautifully.

After the ceremony we moved outside for portraits before continuing to Tähtitorninmäki. It was a brilliantly sunny Helsinki day so we hunted for shade and soft flattering light. The kind of light that makes film sing.

The reception was at Ravintola Sipuli, right on the waterfront. There were dances, speeches, happy tears, live music, and as the evening stretched on we slipped outside for sunset portraits in front of Uspenski Cathedral. Helsinki in summer does not get dark. The light just keeps giving.

This was my first Helsinki wedding. It will not be my last.