Chix on the Beach

Rehearsal Dinner

Sips Before "I Do"

Tabernacle United Methodist Church

Wedding Ceremony

Rehearsal

Great Neck Park & Indoor Pavilion

Wedding Reception

Chick's Oyster Bar

After Party

Spring

Our Wedding

When God Writes the Love Story...

Zoe gets reposted on Instagram by TheosU, an online bible school both she and Jeremia were involved with. Jeremia didn't miss the opportunity to connect with the funny, cute American and famously "slid into the DMs". Despite confidently proclaiming she would meet her husband "the old-fashioned way", Zoe responded to the mysterious foreign man with flags in his bio she needed to google. She now can proudly identify the Swedish and Finnish flags.

November 2023

The first facetime... After a few days of messaging on instagram and then exchanging numbers, the first facetime was scheduled. Nerves and excitement were high, especially since Zoe didn't know what a Swedish accent sounded like (or if she would like it). She even asked her roommate to 'accidentally' interrupt the call 20 minutes in, in case it wasn't going well and she needed an out. Although it goes without saying, the call went better than either could've expected and the two talked for hours about life, theology, cats... the same things they talk about today.

December 4th, 2023

Jeremia booked his flights to America! Definitely the most effort Zoe had ever seen put into a first date :)

December 24th, 2023

The 'Big Day' ... not this big day but a reaaally big day for Zoe and Jeremia's relationship. This was the day Zoe drove to Washington, D.C. to pick up Jeremia after he travelled across the Atlantic to see her. As she waited in international pickups, instead of nerves or anxiety, she felt the overwhelming peace of God. Both were so excited to see each other in person and agree that the first hug was an unforgettable moment. Also Zoe would like to take this moment to clear the "airport kiss" allegations... c'mon people!

January 11th, 2024

Jeremia spent two weeks in America meeting friends and family. We had an amazing time together, falling in love and knowing without a doubt that this was a forever thing.

Our Story

Photos

Carley Jones

Camille Baker

Erica Backman

Lorenz Backman

Jean Hellsten

Austin Jones

Wedding Party

Q + A

Transportation

Suggested arrival airport: Norfolk International Airport Upon arrival to ORF, we recommend getting a rental car (pickup available at airport) for the duration of your stay. Priceline.com often offers deals on hotels/rental cars and is a good place to book this. If you do not get a rental car, your best option is Uber/Lyft which are very accessible. Please download these apps before arrival so you can use them during the duration of your stay. If traveling from Washington D.C (Dulles International Airport, or Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport&nbsp;) We recommend taking the train from the D.C. to Norfolk, VA. Train system is easy to navigate and affordable. Please go to https://www.amtrak.com/home.html for train tickets and schedule.

ACCOMMODATIONS/HOTELS

We recommend booking through booking.com for best rates.As well, we recommend splitting room costs if possible. 1. Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront (average rate $140USD/night) - distance from ceremony venue: 2 miles/5 minute drive- distance from Norfolk International Airport: 20/25minute drive- notes on the hotel: Set on the Chesapeake Bay and featuring a private beach, this Virginia Beach hotel offers on-site dining options and easy access to attractions.Guest accommodations at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront feature separate sleeping and living areas with a microwave, refrigerator, coffeemaker and cable TV. 2. SpringHill Suites by Marriott Norfolk/Virginia Beach(average rate $105USD/night)- distance to ceremony venue: 25 minute drive- distance to Norfolk International Airport: 10 minute drive- notes on the hotel: This hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. It provides guest laundry facilities. Norfolk International Airport is 6.6 miles away. All rooms have basic kitchenette facilities such as microwave, mini-fridge as well as cupboard space for groceries. The living area includes a sofa with a full size pullout and a desk with ergonomic work chair.SpringHill Suites offers a complimentary hot breakfast and coffee daily, located in the lobby SpringHill Suites Norfolk Virginia Beach is just 15 minutes to Downtown Norfolk and 20 minutes to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront.

There are many great hotels and AirBnBs throughout Virginia Beach and Norfolk area. Feel free to contact Zoe, Jeremia or maid of honor Carley at 757-784-7129 with any questions.

AirBnbs If anyone traveling from Finland/Sweden would like to coordinate and split an AirBnb as a group this is also highly recommended. Here are a few options that fit bigger groups: 1. The Carriage House at the Historic Church Point Manor (sleeps 6, 3bed/3bath)- Relax in the luxurious Carriage House: a 3-bedroom French-country style retreat at the historic Church Point Manor (circa 1860). Restored in 2021 with modern amenities, the Carriage House features a king bedroom and two queen bedrooms, each with its own private, full bathroom. Enjoy our private nature trail, tennis court, and lush gardens. 2. Water Oaks at Chic's Beach (sleeps 8, 3 bedrooms/2.5 baths)- Bright, airy beach home across the street from the Chesapeake Bay beach, a quarter mile east of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel . . . 1600 sf, 3 br, 2.5 ba . . . eclectic residential neighborhood . . . diverse restaurants and a convenience store within easy walking distance . . . five-minute drive from more comprehensive shopping and fifteen minutes from VB oceanfront. 3. Beach Cottage- Walk to the beach! (sleeps 6, 3bedrooms/4baths)- Totally renovated Beach Cottage in seaside neighborhood. Steps away from the Beach Access and only blocks away from Seashore State Park and all it has to offer.

Travel

Lots to do in Virginia Beach!

There is so much to do and see in Virginia Beach and its surrounding areas. Our hope and prayer is that your trip would be one you remember forever! I highly recommend clicking through <a href="https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/</a> This website offers lots of information on local events, shopping, museums, etc.

Our favorite restaurants

The best thing about traveling is eating... or at least we think so. Here are some of our favorite Virginia Beach/Norfolk restaurants:   1. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant ($$)   We love and highly recommend going early for a wine tasting before your dinner reservation!   2. Taste Unlimited ($)   There are a few Taste locations across VB and Norfolk- great for a quick bite, famous for their sandwiches.   3. Becca Restaurant at the Historic Cavalier Hotel ($$$)   You must visit one of the bars/restaurants at the Historic Cavalier Hotel during your visit. The Becca restaurant located on the lobby level of the hotel offers an upscale brunch menu.   4. The Hunt Room Restaurant at the Historic Cavalier Hotel ($$$)   Historic lounge with taxidermy serving rustic, sophisticated American cuisine plus wine & cocktails. Great spot for date night/upscale dinner.   5. Mellow Mushroom ($-$$)   Funky, art-filled chain pizzeria featuring craft beer, calzones & creative stone-baked pizzas. One of our favorite pizza places in VB. 6. Orion’s Roof ($$-$$$) Rooftop Asian cuisine overlooking the entire oceanfront. Amazing views and highly recommend coming here for a drink if not for dinner!

Zoe & Jeremia

Zoe & Jeremia

Wedding Party