Not when we are getting married - that is happening earlier this year in May in Stockholm. 

August 29th is the day we want to have a celebration with you! 

February 2020.
Gintare moves to Stockholm for work.

The very next day at the office, she meets her new colleague, Mikael.

Trying to present herself as a globally informed and culturally aware individual, Gintare confidently asks Mikael whether he is from Iceland. After all, his surname is Magnusson. Very Icelandic, right? 

Except that roughly one third of Sweden also happens to end their surnames with “son.” Minor detail. 

So no, not Icelandic. Not even close. Not the smartest opening argument to make on day one.

Months go by.

May 19, 2021. After a particularly rough day at the office, and after a few drinks more than strictly necessary, we “accidentally” kissed.

Purely professional, of course.

The rest, as they say, is history. 

The picture above is from our first visit to Vilnius together, taken at Užutrakis Manor estate. 

The Proposal

After carrying the ring around for six months - patiently, heroically, and apparently waiting for a cinematic moment - Mikael finally decides: 26 October 2024.

The setting?
A warm, golden autumn day at one of Gintare’s favourite places in Stockholm - Görväln nature reserve (see above: summer edition, much more romantic). The plan was flawless: scenic walk, crisp air, followed by a conveniently pre-booked dinner at one of our favourite spots.

What could possibly go wrong?

Before the walk, as planned, we stop by Mikael’s parents for lunch. And that’s when the universe decides to add some drama.

Breaking news at the table:
Mikael’s older brother Tobias had proposed to his girlfriend of more than ten years — the day before. Yes. Yesterday.

Timing, as we now know, runs in the family.

So no, the proposal did not happen that weekend. (Thanks, Tobias 🙂)

Instead, it happened the following week - on a day that could only be described as very Stockholm: grey, rainy, wind attacking from every direction, temperatures somewhere between “late October” and “North Pole training camp.”

Not golden.
Not cinematic.
Not IG ready.

Also no picture from the actual moment. Survival was the first priority.

But very real, and, very us.