Ben and Iina’s story began in 2016 when they met in Tampere. Ben had just moved to Finland a month before and was intending to go back to Australia after a few months. And Iina was not looking for anything serious since she had ended a long relationship merely a few weeks earlier.

Ben's Tinder profile said he was only visiting and would like to learn some Finnish. Iina thought that could be a good opportunity to learn a bit of English and have some fun without the risk of ending up in a serious relationship: she swiped right!

Wedding photographer: Valdur Rosenvald | Rosenvald Photography

Venue: Sagadi manor

Bridal bouquet: Piret Voogre

Wedding dress: Selfmade

Wedding rings: Atelier Eklöf

Wedding cake: Päts Sahver

Wedding catering Sagadi

Band: Richard Malmsten and friends

Musicians at the ceremony: Minna and Petri Sinervo

They fell in love fast and hard. Ben tried to renew his visa to Australia, but got denied over and over again. On the third attempt he admitted he actually didn't care if it didn't go through, he had realized how life had gotten better since he was forced to move to Finland and he was in fact happier than ever. So, he decided to stay. One year later they moved to Helsinki to study: Ben nursing and Iina cultural management.

Ben finally proposed to Iina after four years of dating. It happened spontaneously in the family summer cottage, on an early June morning. It was a beautiful sunrise when they were brushing their teeth on the pier and watching the picturesque view over the sea. The idea of proposing just popped into his head, and for a second he had a profound conflict with his thoughts. The moment almost slipped away when Iina started to walk back to the cottage. Ben called her to stop and surprised himself too, when he asked her to marry him.

Six months later, on December 22nd, 2020 they said “I do”.

One and a half years later they celebrated their love with family and friends in the beautiful Sagadi manor.

“We have two dogs, Runo and Haiku, with whom we go bird hunting every year. Our family members are bringing so much joy to our lives and making sure we get to go for our daily walks.

We have had fun for over seven years now. Our beautiful family has grown through the years, and we welcomed the newest member just two months ago: our perfect little baby boy.

We are looking forward to our future and excited to see what it will bring to us, yet still embracing the moments of now.

We couldn't wish for better partners in life, we are a team.”

Iina's wedding vow:

"They say, a person experiences three meaningful loves in their life. The first love at a young age. The hurting one, when we search our boundaries. And the biggest, true love. This love feels like the first, sometimes it hurts, and yet it's the biggest.

It hasn't always been easy, but we have gone through the hardest times together. Your endless support has saved me so many times, starting from the very beginning. Your unconditional love has helped me to grow whole, and become the better version of myself. Your sincere caring has made me feel like home and safe in places, that I otherwise never would have. You have shown me what love is, how to love others, and still not forget myself. You have taught me that showing emotions, being openly in love, and being vulnerable in that way, doesn't make you weak. You have taught me a whole new level of being brave.

Thank you for believing in me. Thank you, for encouraging me to reach higher goals. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being my friend.

December 22nd, 2020 was my lucky day: I married my best friend.

Falling in love with someone is not a choice. It just happens, and we fall hard. But who we love, who we keep in our life and treat well, is a choice.

So, today, and for the rest of my days, I choose you. To love you, cherish our love, and care for each other. To do everything I possibly can, to support you on your journey. I will hold your hand on the darkest nights because I know you are there to hold mine. It makes me unspeakably happy that I get to live this life with you.

Ben, I feel honored to be your wife."

With love,

Iina, Ben & little Alvar

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