In Liisa’s words:
Our story began a little over three years ago. It was Walpurgis Night 2013 when a festive Andreas met my best friend Hedi, with whom I was supposed to meet the next day at Põhjaka Manor. When Andreas heard about me, he promised to attend the meeting — and to marry me one day. Without ever having seen me. We didn’t meet the next day. Not yet.
Some time later, Andreas wrote and asked me on a blind date. I eagerly agreed — I’d heard he was a smart and sweet man. On the morning of our date I was excited, got myself ready as well as I could, and waited for the evening. Mildly put, what followed was a disaster.
Everything that could go wrong, did. We had no chemistry whatsoever, we couldn’t find anything to talk about, and Andreas seemed to have left at home all the manners I’d heard so much about. The date lasted forty minutes. Then I asked him to take me home, promising myself to avoid all blind dates and friends’ suggestions about the partner of my dreams.
Of course, Andreas wrote me apologetic and romantic letters, promising to take me on a date to Rome or Riga — just so we could try once more. I kept saying I don’t believe in second chances. We had no contact for a year.
In the spring of 2014, we happened to have a small conversation online. After three weeks of chatting, we decided to try one more date. Andreas came to Estonia and we spent a wonderful, very simple evening together. I was different, he was different. Our second date took place on Hiiumaa, at my family home, and lasted for several days. And then we already knew to stop looking.
Our story certainly isn’t love at first sight. Far from it. Our love began as friendship and grew into love over time. We’ve lived in separate countries and have probably never felt that deep, idyllic passion. Our love has been a decision — to be devoted and love each other. Believing from the bottom of our souls that it may be even more lasting than blind puppy love.
We are real and our relationship is real. We have better days and worse days. We have harmonious days and days that seem grey. We have quarrels and reconciliations. We have understanding and forgiveness. Sometimes I think of us as waves and rock. He’s a rock and I am a wave, coming and going in endless emotion. And always knowing my rock is waiting for me. Forever.
Liisa’s speech to Andreas
Andreas came into my life quite unexpectedly, after promising to marry me without even meeting me. Back then I didn’t understand how much my soul had needed and missed him. Today, after two years together, I can say this:
When I met Andreas, my soul was sick. I had never felt I could be loved and accepted unconditionally. I didn’t know that your flaws aren’t meant to be hidden — that they make you special and unique. Or that being who you are is perfect for him. Having a partner who believes in you. Today I have found that person — Andreas.
His parents raised him to be a dignified and loving person. He’s his father’s son — just, kind, and ready to protect his family by any means. And unlike me, he’s endlessly patient. It doesn’t matter if I sing badly to the radio for hours — he only smiles. Or if we’re searching for a missing cat in a spruce hedge.
He’s a great doctor who does his work with passion and love. He’s a wonderful owner to Como and Deisibell. And he always amazes me with his deep knowledge about the most different fields of life — a challenging and interesting person to talk to.
Andreas tells me every day that I’m his princess and the most beautiful woman. And it doesn’t matter if I’m planting flowers with dirt on my face or wearing my most beautiful dress.
God knows it’s not easy with me. But for Andreas it’s not a problem. He even says he likes a bit complicated, because it keeps life interesting.
The man I love has given me wings and colours back to my life. He is and has been my rock.
I’m his person and he is mine. I am home.
With love, Liisa
Andreas’s speech to Liisa
Liisa, today is the happiest day of my life, because I can stand in front of our friends and family and celebrate the beginning of our marriage. A little more than three years ago, I heard from Hedi that she had a beautiful friend. Partly because it was late and Walpurgis Night, I gave a promise to marry you. We hadn’t even met yet. And our journey to this day has brought us joy and happiness, but also difficulties. And it was the worst first date of both our lives. My bad.
We have enjoyed happy times and overcome difficult ones. You have made some difficult and selfless decisions to support my goals. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for all the trust you have put in me. Today is both a confirmation that we made the right decisions and a gift for following our hearts.
You’re the most fantastic person one could wish for. I admire your dedication to your friends and family. In you I have found the most supportive partner. You make me want to grow and become a better person. At the same time, I am completely free to be the person I was created and raised to be. I adore your femininity — you’re incredibly beautiful from both inside and outside. You shine, making everything around you shine as well. Thanks to you I have a second family where I always feel welcome. I have come to know beautiful, peaceful Hiiumaa.
I want to fulfil your dreams and make you shine, to travel with you to the end of the world and back. I wish you always have a reason to smile and we find moments to laugh every day. Hopefully our small family will grow, and I promise to give you a safe and happy home. I promise to cherish and love you and be your rock to hold on to. I wish we’ll always have new dreams and goals to reach for. I hope we’ll never surrender to difficulties. I hope our love grows every day.
Let’s enjoy today and remember it for the years to come.
With love, your husband, Andreas
About Padise Manor and Kaarli Church
Liisa and Andreas held their ceremony at Kaarli Church (Kaarli kirik), one of Tallinn’s most beautiful Lutheran churches, located on Toompea Hill in the heart of the capital. Built in the 1860s and 1870s, Kaarli Church is known for its striking twin towers and elegant interior — a popular choice for church ceremonies in Tallinn.
The reception took place at Padise Manor (Padise mõis), a historic estate about 50 kilometres west of Tallinn in Harju County. Padise is best known for the ruins of Padise Abbey, a 14th-century Cistercian monastery that stands adjacent to the manor — one of the most impressive medieval ruins in Estonia. The manor itself has been restored into an atmospheric event venue surrounded by parkland and ancient trees, making it a striking setting for a wedding reception with a sense of history and scale.
Vendor credits:
Ceremony: Kaarli kirik, Tallinn Reception: Padise mõis / Padise Manor Videography: Toomas Vardja Wedding MC: Tõnis Milling Band: Ska Faktor Catering: Carmen Catering Cake: Heidi Park Kondiiter Hair & makeup: Mari Ojasaar Dress: Pärl Decor: Peopärl
