Exclusive: Inside Jon Olsson and Annette Haga's epic château wedding weekend

When Swedish investor, entrepreneur and former X Games gold medalist skiier Jon Olsson met Norwegian-born content creator and influencer Annette Haga, sparks flew instantly, despite the not-so-simple logistics of two homes, four kids, and a budding cross-border romance. “It truly was love at first sight,” says Annette. “We were holding hands within minutes, as if we’d known each other our whole lives.” That serendipitous connection sparked a love story coloured by laughter, long-distance visits, and – after an idyllic beach proposal in the Maldives – one extraordinary wedding.

Fast forward to the French countryside, where the couple brought their modern-day fairytale to life across a dazzling three-day celebration at Château Challain, a colossal 19th-century neo-Gothic venue that could be plucked from the pages of a storybook. “I think I literally Googled ‘fairytale wedding,’” Annette laughs. “When I showed it to Jon, we just looked at each other and said, ‘Who even gets married here?’” As it turned out, they did.

Annette’s bridal wardrobe was nothing short of show-stopping. For the ceremony, she wore a Galia Lahav gown with an elegant overskirt that revealed a sleek mermaid silhouette beneath. “When I tried it on, I just knew instantly that it was the one,” she recalls. A custom choker and arm pieces completed the look, while a later meeting with Galia herself in London sealed the emotional connection to the design.

But that was only the beginning. For the rehearsal dinner, Annette stunned in a glamorous Berta gown, gifted to her by Jon as a Christmas surprise. “Since I’d already chosen my ceremony dress, which he wasn't allowed to see of course, I showed him the Berta look and he loved it so much, he surprised me with it for Chrsitmas.” For the party, she transformed a full-length Anna Johnson gown into a custom mini made for dancing.

Accessories? Dior heels, a white Chanel bag, and diamond earrings by Heidi Nesbakken.

For Jon, what started as a one-tux plan quickly became a five-look wardrobe, thanks to stylist David S. Nedal. Jon arrived in a sharp all-black cashmere wool suit, then switched to full white tie for the rehearsal dinner, an ensemble designed with old-world grandeur in mind. “If you’re getting married in a French château,” Nedal told him, “you have to try white tie.”

On the wedding day, Jon made a grand entrance (on horseback, no less) in the dapper white tie look topped with an ivory jacket. “I hadn’t ridden a horse in 25 years,” he admits. But with a few lessons under his belt and Queen’s 'Don’t Stop Me Now' blaring in the background, he galloped in with a triumphant (and unrehearsed) one-handed wave that set the tone for the ceremony.

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Held in front of the château’s ornate façade, the ceremony was as deeply emotional as it was majestic. Annette arrived by horse-drawn carriage and emerged behind custom-built doors to the sound of a live violinist playing 'Ocean'. Jon waited, misty-eyed, in front of the castle. “When I saw him, I couldn’t hold back the tears,” Annette recalls. “It was like stepping into a dream.”

Their children – Jon’s daughter Leia as flower girl and sons Leon, Sander, and Matheo as ring bearers – played central roles. “It was incredibly important for both of us to include our children in the ceremony, and they did such a wonderful job,” Annette says. Their friend Sebastian Solberg officiated, and powerhouse talent RED performed two love ballads, reducing more than a few guests to tears.

There were daytime fireworks, a selfie mirror, horseback rides, a bouncy castle for the kids, and a wedding cake so tall – 2.45 meters – they had to stand on chairs to cut it.

If the ceremony was a dream, the reception was a full-blown cinematic fantasy. A formal dress code of black, beige, and metallics set the tone, while a sea of white florals and candlelight cast the garden in a soft glow. Guests dined under the stars at tables lined with silk ribboned place cards, monogrammed wax seals, and bespoke napkins. American florist David Kimmel flew in to bring the floral vision to life.

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Dinner was an elevated celebration of the couple’s favourite flavours: langoustine over black risotto with truffle, beef Wellington with sweet potato purée, and a decadent chocolate fondant finale. Their first dance, set to 'Die With a Smile', didn’t go quite as rehearsed (the form-fitting dress made moves tricky), but that only added to its charm. “I kicked off my shoes and just went with it,” says Annette. The party that followed – powered by live band SHINE and a finale of fireworks to 'A Sky Full of Stars' – was euphoric.

Among the most emotional moments of the weekend? A surprise video speech from Jon’s mother, who couldn’t attend in person. “It was the first time Jon had heard her speak so openly and emotionally,” Annette says. “There wasn’t a dry eye.”

Then there was Jon’s wedding gift to Annette: a diamond-encrusted Cartier watch, delivered by their children. “I was completely speechless,” she says, “it was so unexpected and so meaningful.”

Despite a few travel hiccups (five suitcases went missing), everything essential was in place, and even the unpredictable weather cleared just in time. Their wedding planners, Silje and Gry from GLENNE Luxury Weddings & Events, pulled off a full reception setup in just 90 minutes.

More than just a lavish celebration, Annette and Jon’s wedding reflected their real lives: a beautifully blended family, a few bold choices, and a weekend that embraced it all. “It was perfectly us,” Annette says, with Jon adding: “It was one of those rare moments where time stands still, and nothing else matters but the person in front of you.”