A Folkloric Countryside Wedding with Every Detail Handcrafted By Family & Friends

A poetic celebration of tradition and design, where rustic villages, misty landscapes, and folkloric rituals meet modern artistry

In a secluded village surrounded by ancient forests and rolling mist, Ivan and Katerina’s wedding unfolded like a modern folk tale – a seamless blend of heritage, artistry, and intentional design. More than a celebration, it became a story told through atmosphere, ritual, and detail, where every element carried the essence of their life together. Rooted in their deep connection to tradition and banya culture, the couple envisioned not just a wedding, but a complete sensory experience. From centuries-old wooden houses and open fields to linen-draped décor, wildflower florals, and candlelit banquet tables, the design radiated authenticity while feeling elevated and fresh. Nothing felt staged, everything was lived – creating a celebration both timeless and deeply personal. Every moment, from the fieldside ceremony to the feast beneath a birch tree, reflected the couple’s belief that beauty lies in imperfection, sincerity, and traditions carried forward into the present.

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

Our first meeting was one of those times people call “love at first sight.” We were so young, passionate, and wildly in love. Out of our shared inexperience and search for ourselves, a project was born — Bannost. We steam people in banyas, host both group and individual steaming sessions — sometimes with a special occasion, sometimes just because. In summer, we head out to a dacha 300 km from St. Petersburg, where we steam, can cucumbers, and grow herbs for the banya. So when it came to our wedding theme, there was no question: countryside, log houses, songs, rituals — it’s simply our life.

^{The Proposal}

The proposal happened in Pskov, in the Kremlin’s lookout tower. Expectation: a sweeping view of the city. Reality: a 10-by-10-foot log room with tiny windows — which, honestly, also felt like a little banya.

^{The Engagement Ring}

“How many more journeys we’ll share once you become my wife!” — with these words, a family heirloom ring appeared in his hand. Ivan’s grandmother had given it to us a year earlier, blessing our path together.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

We’re ambassadors of traditional banya culture, lovers of tradition, and firm opponents of cookie-cutter solutions. From our worldview and daily life, we created a wedding — folkloric with a modern twist. Russian style, banya culture, youth, and the preservation of folk traditions. The wedding blended folklore and modern customs, and, true to Russian tradition, it became a collective effort — everything was created by friends and kindred spirits. During planning, the wedding even gained a motto: “With your prayers” — the foundation of our concept. Songs, dances, and the traditional program came courtesy of the Folk Campproject, which introduces people to folklore in Russia’s North.

^{The Location}

We chose a truly unique spot — remote villages in the Veps forest, more than 800 years old, with log houses, locals, untouched nature, hills, and mists. Guests stayed in six different log houses, where they went to the banya, drew water from the well, and woke to roosters crowing — a full immersion experience. The wedding itself unfolded across three locations: log houses in different villages and a field.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

Guests gathered by a yellow log house, where, after a few songs on the accordion and some sparkling wine, the traditional “bride ransom” began. Katerina was hidden inside, and the groom’s friends — loud and mischievous — had to win her back, while her bridesmaids thwarted them, re-hid her, and even stole shoes — all with songs and jokes. Afterward, guests headed to the field for the ceremony, while the bride was prepared for the ritual.

^{The Ceremony}

The ceremony took place on a platform in an open field overlooking the forest. The décor reflected “banya-ness” and imperfection: damp linens drying, wooden clips and sheets, hay, and crocheted table toppers. When the ceremony began, everything grew still, the sun broke through, villagers gathered — it felt like the whole world stopped. Standing in the open field, looking into each other’s eyes, we exchanged vows — formally, with deep respect.

^{The Reception}

After the ceremony, we led a traditional festive procession — singing folk ditties to the accordion all the way to the next village for the feast. The banquet was set beside an old log house and a birch tree, with a currant bush in the center of the table. On the table: fresh vegetables from the garden — heads of cabbage, potatoes, onions — along with natural fabrics and church candles. The flowers were wildfield blooms in jars, each dressed with delicate crocheted covers made by grandma.

The program was lively and full. Guests sang together from songbooks, improvised ditties, and gave toasts standing on benches. Traditional elements included a wheel dance with all the guests to accordion music, round dances, and a fistfight game where unmarried girls awarded birds to the bravest men. Modern touches included the first dance with a shower of rice, and the bouquet toss to unmarried girlfriends.

^{The Special Touches}

Our cake was served in enamel basins, and we thanked all our friends. Singing and dancing went on until dawn!

^{Our Favorite Moment}

Ivan doesn’t sing or play instruments, but he surprised me by playing guitar and singing a song — everyone was in tears.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

I had two looks. The first — a multilayered outfit with a belt and traditional tailoring details, symbolizing connection between generations — for the morning and bride ransom. The second — modern: a skirt with a lace petticoat and a delicate lace top, completed with a vintage lace veil Ivan had found in an antique shop.

^{The Groom’s Look}

Ivan’s outfit was custom-made with traditional tailoring preserved.

^{Our Guests' Looks}

We set a dress code for everyone — light tones, natural fabrics, rustic chic style. For the women — feminine and airy: dresses, kerchiefs, lace details, petticoats. For the men — relaxed, informal looks: shirts, hats, caps, suspenders, and light jackets.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

Don’t postpone the wedding for a year after the proposal. Work ONLY with a planner. Forget trends — create your own, inspired by your own life.

^{For On The Day}

Let go of control. Slip off your heels when you’re seated at the table. For every glass of alcohol, drink a glass of water.

^{For Post-Wedding}

Rest first, and only then open gifts — make it a ritual of savoring the moment. Share food with guests (have containers ready). Unwind in a hotel or countryside spot, and take time together to talk through all your feelings and impressions. But if we had only one piece of advice, it would be this: marry for love.