Jara and Aleksei met in London in 2013, when a mutual friend invited them both to a gig where he was playing drums. The twist? They’re both originally from Tallinn, and their parents had been friends for years — yet it took moving to another country for them to finally cross paths.
They wanted their wedding to feel like the highlight of summer — a celebration with family and close friends on the last Friday of August. Põhjaka Manor (Põhjaka mõis), a beautifully restored farmstead in the heart of the Estonian countryside, was the perfect setting for the rustic outdoor wedding they had in mind.
The morning started with rain, and they were already thinking about a plan B. But by the time they arrived at Põhjaka, the skies had cleared and the rest of the day was sunny and warm. As evening came, a low mist rolled across the surrounding fields, turning the landscape into something romantic and cinematic — the kind of light that photographers dream about.
The personal touches made the day feel completely their own. Aleksei chose an ascot tie after his mother showed it to him — and it turned out to be the best decision. Jara’s mother helped organise the wedding and handmade a belt for the dress, which she was still altering the night before. The couple were so happy with how everything came together that they wouldn’t change a single thing.
About Põhjaka Manor
Põhjaka Manor (Põhjaka mõis) is one of Estonia’s most beloved rustic wedding venues, located near Türi in Järva County — roughly an hour’s drive south of Tallinn. Unlike the grand Baltic German manor houses that dot the Estonian landscape, Põhjaka is a working farmstead with beautifully restored stone buildings, wide open fields, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere. It’s become especially popular with couples looking for an outdoor celebration in a natural Estonian countryside setting, with farm-to-table catering prepared on site. The estate’s stork nest on the barn roof — visible in the photographs — is a charming detail, and in Estonian folklore, storks are considered a sign of good luck.
Ceremony Location & Catering – Pōhjaka mōis
Decorator and Florist – Terje Salupuu
Wedding MC: Weddings in Estonia
Hair: Salon Hop
Make up: Sona Nagieva
Dress: White by Vera Wang
Cravat: Cravat Club
