Wedding at Kernu Manor
February 2022
The winter wedding held at Kernu Manor was like a true fairytale. A year and a half of planning and the couple’s complete trust in us allowed us to create the wedding day they had always dreamed of—heartfelt, memorable, and perfect in every way.
Bride and groom: “Celebrate Group played the biggest role in bringing our ideas to life. Thanks to their help, our wedding day turned out exactly as we had always dreamed.”
We asked Evelin and Allan a few questions about their wedding planning and the wedding day.
Why and how did you decide to get married?
We had always known that one day we wanted to get married. We share the same values and life goals, so marriage felt like a natural next step in our relationship. A wedding is a unique and deeply emotional event, and we wanted to celebrate it with our loved ones.
How long did the wedding planning process take?
The planning process lasted about 1.5 years.
What was your wedding vision/theme? How did you bring your ideas to life?
We knew we wanted to have our wedding and reception in Estonia. Since we both love winter, we chose February—the coldest month of the year. We wanted a classic, romantic manor-style wedding. Another important criteria was that all guests could stay overnight at the venue so we could spend the next morning together, reminiscing about the celebration.
Celebrate Group (Taago, Merily, Kadri) played the biggest role in making our ideas a reality. Thanks to their help, our wedding day turned out exactly as we had always dreamed.
Did you have to make any major compromises in your plans?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Allan’s bachelor party unfortunately did not take place. Otherwise, we didn’t have to make significant compromises, as we started planning early and were prepared for the possibility of slightly exceeding our initial budget.
What were your preferences regarding gifts and flowers from guests?
For gifts, we suggested they fit inside an envelope. As for flowers, we left the choice up to the guests, and received many beautiful bouquets, which made us very happy.
Tell us about your choice of wedding venue. What was the key criteria?
From the beginning, we knew we wanted a manor wedding. Since we are both from Haapsalu, we preferred a location in the Läänemaa/Tallinn area. Another crucial factor was ensuring that all guests could stay overnight, especially since we had some international guests as well.
Looking back, what would you do differently in your wedding planning?
Nothing! We enjoyed our wedding celebrations from start to finish and have only the best memories.
What was the most emotional moment of your wedding?
The ceremony was undoubtedly the most touching moment for both of us. It was conducted by wedding officiant Andres Torm and was incredibly emotional. Additionally, our first dance as a married couple and the heartfelt speeches from our guests during the wedding dinner were truly unforgettable.
Which moments were the most memorable for you and your guests?
The fun activities and games led by our fantastic host Andres, the wedding band, the lively moments on the dance floor, cutting the wedding cake, and the cozy gathering the next morning at Kellerspa. Our guests gave us a lot of positive feedback about the venue, catering, and overall organization of the wedding day.
What were you willing to spend the most on, and where did you choose to save?
We didn’t compromise on the venue or catering. We also prioritized hiring a professional wedding photographer and videographer. Additionally, it was important for us to have an excellent wedding officiant who suited our style. For the wedding band, we focused on finding one with great live dance music rather than opting for the most expensive artist.
Did any unexpected surprises occur on your wedding day, or did everything go as planned?
We managed to avoid any unexpected surprises, and everything went exactly as planned.
What advice would you give to future couples planning their wedding?
Start planning as early as possible! This ensures a smoother process with fewer complications. Set a budget, but always allow some flexibility, as plans may change, and having some extra room in your budget provides more options. Identify your top priorities and where you are unwilling to compromise—this will help guide your decision-making.
Why hire a wedding planner?
For us, hiring a wedding planner was an obvious choice since we don’t live in Estonia. We wanted to enjoy our wedding day 100% without worrying about logistics or problem-solving. A wedding planner has the right contacts, experience, and skills to handle every aspect of the event. Looking back, the day passed by so quickly, and having a professional planner was invaluable in allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
For more wedding inspiration, check out Hanna and Mart’s manor wedding at Sangaste Castle!