– It was actually better than the wedding we originally planned, says Norwegian Elisabeth Espelid Stråle (21) to TV 2.
She married Swedish Elias Espelid Stråle (23) earlier this month in a rather untraditional way.
They chose to get married on the Swedish border.
Wedding at the border
The couple had initially thought that Elias’ family would come from Sweden to Bergen. There they were to marry in Elisabeth’s congregation.
– We had actually planned a wedding in Bergen, but considering the corona, we realized at the end of May that it could not be carried out, Elisabeth says to TV 2.
– AT THE BORDER: Since Elias is from Sweden and Elisabeth is from Norway, the couple chose to get married at the border so that both guests could participate. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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They invited to a wedding on the border between Norway and Sweden, so that both family and friends could participate on their own.
– We came to the conclusion that as long as we got to have the closest of friends and family there, that was the most important thing. We ended up with 25 guests on each side of the border. We had initially planned to have close to 150 guests, but this became much more comfortable, says Elisabeth.
The wedding was livestreamed on Facebook for those who could not attend.
Determined on the date
When TV 2 spoke to the couple, Elias and Elisabeth say that they were determined on the date they had set.
– We got engaged in October 2020, so by then the corona was already well underway. We set a date, and we wanted to stick to it, says Elias.
– ESPELID STRÅLE: The couple were sure that they would get married this summer – regardless of coronary restrictions. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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They explain that they eventually realized that there would still be restrictions on the wedding date, which made them have to think alternatively.
– I feel we have planned ten different weddings, and it went very up and down because we never quite knew how it was going to be, Elisabeth says to TV 2.
– DIVIDENDS: With simple fences, the Swedish border was marked. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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Varying reactions
Both the wedding itself and the party afterwards were held on the Swedish border.
They explain that Elisabeth’s father is a carpenter, and built some simple fences that separated the Swedish guests from the Norwegians.
– It really worked very well. We were a little afraid that it would be very divided, but everyone talked across the border and became well known, says Elisabeth to TV 2.
She further explains that the reactions were not long in coming when they sent out the invitations.
– There were many who were surprised. My friends said it was typical of me to do something like that. Everyone we invited, and who could come, was very positive and thought it was fun.
Met in the Caribbean
Both Elisabeth and Elias attended Bible school on a Caribbean island. When they were both there three and a half years ago, coincidences brought them together.
– There was a hurricane in the area that led to our school traveling to Elias’ school. I liked Elias well, but did not think much about it, she says.
Eventually, they started talking on messages and calling, and when the corona pandemic occurred, it was a good excuse to spend even more time together.
– We started to travel to and from each other in the beginning, and during the corona we started to be together for longer periods as it became possible due to the online teaching, says Elias.
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DREAM DAY: According to the couple, it was an emotional wedding in wonderful surroundings. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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THE SWEDES: The company on the Swedish side. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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NORWEGIANS: The company on the Norwegian side of the border. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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SATISFIED: The guests were happy with the solution, and the bride and groom explain that it was not as divided as one might think. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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EMOTIONAL: It was an emotional day on the Swedish border, they explain. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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Important with the Christian faith
Elisabeth studies intercultural understanding in Bergen, and Elias works as a graphic designer. In the future, they will both travel abroad.
– CHRISTIANS: The couple will travel abroad in the future to teach people about God. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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– We are both Christians, and really want to reach out to those who do not know God, says Elisabeth.
Elias has worked actively within his congregation in Sweden, and it was important for both of them that they married within the Christian faith.
– We had already married on paper before we did it at the border, but it was important for us to have the ceremony in front of family, friends and God, says Elias.
Dedicated to his father
The wedding was held at the end of a cul-de-sac next to a disused chapel. Elisabeth explains that the day was emotional and beautiful.
– It was really a perfect place, and we had beautiful weather, she says.
The couple, who had already been married on paper, chose to leave a special person in charge of the wedding itself.
– WEDDING: Elisabeth’s father got the honor of marrying his daughter and Elias. Photo: Victoria Joy Photography
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– It was Elisabeth’s father who married us. We were supposed to have the pastor from Elisabeth’s congregation, but it was a bit too far to travel, says Elias and continues:
– It became very emotional and powerful. He was very good, and was quite moved himself.
– Not so much squeezing
But then to the big question: which side was the bride and groom on?
– We were on the Norwegian side. It was a bit awkward not to be able to go over to my friends and family on the Swedish side, but with the corona there will not be much squeezing anyway, says Elias.
They now believe that everything turned out as it should.
– I think it was absolutely perfect. I did not want a traditional wedding, and have always wanted to get married outside, says Elisabeth, while Elias agrees:
– I am very happy it was an intimate and not so big wedding. You feel much closer. It was good as it was.
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