Wedding Date: July 4, 2021
Free spirits Emy Gelb and Dave Merritt brought the Swedish midsummer fete to the Metolius River, paying tribute to the bride’s heritage with a colorful and immersive celebration that recalled Scandinavian traditions. Dave proposed while he and Emy were kayaking on the McKenzie River, so it made sense that the two would tie the knot along the banks of another one of Oregon’s stunning tributaries. Emy and Dave asked only that the celebration be teeming with color and happiness. The florals were where Emy’s Swedish roots shone the brightest. Blomstra Floral Co. used wildflowers exclusively to reflect the couple’s easygoing natures. The arbor featured a simple wood frame with an arrangement of sunflowers, irises and red wildflowers. Emy’s bouquet contained a similar vibrant palette and was complemented by Wildly Collected’s silk ribbons. Guests were invited to create their own midsommarkrans, or midsummer wreaths, at a station filled with bright blooms. Each flower or plant was accompanied by a label describing its meaning, and guests were encouraged to treat their headpieces like well wishes for the couple, sending them strength, friendship and more. After the ceremony, the bride and groom plunged into the river fully clothed, then dried off and headed over to the reception, where Emy’s mother stole the show with her rendition of Swedish snaps songs.
