Nordic Handfasting Ceremony

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

At GWS, we love inspiring readers with beautiful details + styling ideas, along with meaningful rituals + customs that can be incorporated into their day! Today’s editorial, dreamt up + designed by Ponderosa & Thyme, fuses those two ideas together with a beautifully styled Nordic Handfasting Ceremony – something we hadn’t heard too much about before now!

The handfasting ceremony dates back to the time of the ancient Celts. It was used to acknowledge the beginning of a trial period of a year and a day during which time a couple were literally bound together – hand fasted. It was however a temporary agreement which could be made permanent after the trial period if both parties agreed.

Below, in Alexandra Grace Photography’s gorgeous images, you’ll see firsthand what the ceremony looks like, all while discovering perfect winter wedding ideas for your big day!

blue invitation

Such a lovely paper suite by Kelsee Thaten and a dreamy By Angeline wedding ring to start things off on the right foot!

the mrs box

Elizabeth Dye Dress

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

braids

moon tatoo

We are in love with this flowy gown by Elizabeth Dye

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Elizabeth Dye Dress

mossy bouquet

Along with this woodsy wedding bouquet by Ponderosa & Thyme. Those moss-covered twigs are everything!

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Alexandra shares, In modern times the Handfasting Ceremony can be incorporated into any wedding ceremony, just as can the ring exchange. as bride and groom’s hands are joined together with a ribbon or symbolic material looped over the bride and groom’s wrists and tied by the celebrant or a friend.

The words spoken usually express that the couple are bound by their love and commitment for one another and like the cord, which has two individual ends, they are two individuals. Yet, in essence, they are one. The ceremony was meaningful to our models, since they are in love in real life!

Some of Alexandra’s description was borrowed from this post by Wendy Haynes :)

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

A Norwegian Kransekake (that cute wreath cake) was a perfect complement the organic table scene.

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

Nordic Handfasting Inspiration

What do you lovelies think? Can you see yourself incorporating a Nordic Handfasting Ceremony into your wedding? Do tell in the comments below!

Thanks so much to the talented team of vendors below for sharing their beautiful work with us today!

photography: Alexandra Grace Photography // venue name: Strand Farm // event design: Ponderosa & Thyme // planning: Ponderosa & Thyme // florals: Ponderosa & Thyme // hair stylist: Austie Eckley // makeup artist: Austie Eckley // calligraphy: Kelsee Thaten // cake: Bigwig Donuts // models: Maja Rohling and Alex // gown: Elizabeth Dye // necklace: Austie Eckley // veil: Austie Eckley // invitation: Kelsee Thaten // silk ribbon: Silk and Willow // table runner: Silk and Willow // rings: By Angeline // earrings: By Angeline // floral assistant: Foraged Floral

Explore: