Laura and Andis Arnicani got married this summer, experiencing and living their fairy tales in the forest. Both are young, creative and adventurous by nature. And the two, being together for nine years, have grown hand in hand with their relationship. Their story is special and breaks the stereotypes that weddings should only take place under white tents or in magnificent palaces. Weddings can also take place in Langstiņu forest, why not?
Laura and Andis have been together for almost nine years, so they have grown together with their relationship. Having lived in different countries for a long time, both have returned to Latvia for the last two years and admit that they are looking for their own way. Andis is a photographer, project manager and an excellent cook, while Laura works in marketing. "Our path has been quite glorious, because we have lived in different countries for part of the time. We have lived and studied in Amsterdam for four years, during which we both went on an exchange study program. Andis went to Hong Kong, and I went to Australia. Before and after our trip, we traveled through Asia, which allowed us to test our relationships in extreme conditions," Laura says with a smile.

The wedding is planned in two months

Although the two have been together for almost a decade, they got engaged only half a year before the wedding, but both planned the wedding within two months, allowing themselves to risk fulfilling their dream of a wedding in the forest. "Our plan was a small, sweet, family wedding, without a big ball, and that's how everything happened.

We thought and dreamed up our wedding ourselves, but we had a talented team of friends who made it all really happen.

Pine forest - the right place!

However – a wedding in the forest! Didn't that seem too risky? "We had talked about a wedding in the forest a long time ago, but it seemed extremely difficult - if it rains, if the weather is cold, if... But when it came to the big planning, we realized that everything could be done. We just had to ensure that our guests were calm about the event and we knew that everything would work out. We had put up a tent, prepared blankets in case someone gets cold. It also created a sense of peace, that everyone is safe

The forest is very close to us, especially the pine forest, so the wedding took place among the pines.

Anda's parents showed us one special place in the Garkalne forest, and we immediately felt that it was the right one. It was a small fold with hills around it which gave it an intimate feel.

Now we laugh that no one can take away our wedding place because it is a forest.

It is not a cafe where many others get married afterwards, but our little corner of the forest to which we regularly return. At the moment, the pine forests seem even more lovely than before. It was a real dream wedding with a good dose of romance! A pine forest, all in lights, beautifully decorated, delicious food and drinks and fun activities. The official event was until 11 in the evening, but we ourselves partied until four in the morning. There were 30 people among the guests - close family members and friends," says Laura.

A real Pinterest wedding!

There were many special moments at the wedding of Laura and Anda.

1. “First of all, it was definitely the moment when I came down the aisle with my dad. Then I saw for the first time how the forest had turned into a wedding venue and immediately laughed out loud that we were having a real Pinterest wedding.
2. Second, definitely the ceremony itself. We officially became husband and wife two weeks ago because we wanted someone close to us to say the real words. We were married by a very close family friend and the ceremony was beautiful and relaxed.
3. Thirdly, it was the playing of instruments. We had organized percussion instruments for the wedding and planned to give them to people so we could play together a bit. We all sat in a circle playing instruments, and I jumped into the middle dancing with my tambourine. It was such a moment!
4. And finally – definitely cakes. We had prepared a small show with cakes - we served them on a beautifully decorated table and the fragrant smoke of dry ice wafted over the table and moss. It was such a profound WOW effect for everyone and we are happy that such things remain in the memory of all of us.
5. And certainly also our dance, which was already in the dark with the magic candles that everyone was holding around.

We started the morning as two so we could enjoy each other, but the ceremony took place at four in the afternoon. After that, we didn't leave our guests either, but we all lived together in our own corner of the forest," Laura remembers the most unforgettable moments from the wedding.

See the full photo story of Laura & Anda's engagement and wedding here: