From Bachelorette Party Abroad to Happily Ever After: Their Unforgettable Love Story

Madeline Robson never anticipated that she would cross paths with her future spouse at her friend's bachelorette party.

"I came here solely for the bride," Madeline recollects. "I never thought I would embark on my own romantic journey. It feels incredibly surreal."

During Madeline's trip from Ontario, Canada to New Orleans to attend her friend's upcoming wedding, she unexpectedly became entangled in her own romantic tale, somewhat unaware of the unfolding events.

At the age of 26, Madeline reached New Orleans in June 2017, accompanied by a lively group of twelve women. Their primary intention? To indulge in festivities and revelry.

Madeline and her friends initially paid little attention to the city's stunning architecture and opted for late-night clubs instead of exploring its renowned music scene.

"We didn't bother doing any research beforehand. We simply wanted to have a great time - and we definitely did," Madeline shares with CNN Travel today.

The group spent their initial nights on lively Bourbon Street, indulging in bar-hopping, shots, and dancing until dawn.

As the final night approached, the majority of the women started to experience the consequences of the late nights. It wasn't just a hangover; many of them appeared to have caught an illness. Consequently, they collectively agreed to have a relaxed evening in.

But Madeline, unlike her friends who were affected by an unknown illness, believed that staying indoors was a pointless activity. After all, they were in New Orleans for just a few days, so she thought it would be a shame not to fully enjoy the experience. There were two other friends who shared her sentiment, and together they decided to venture out into the night, leaving behind the rest of the group who were preparing for a movie marathon.

Madeline and her friends finally decided to venture to Frenchmen Street, a place they had been avoiding, in order to experience the vibrant live music scene. As luck would have it, they came across a bustling jazz bar where they coincidentally recognized the performer on stage - someone they had met the night before. After his set, they engaged in conversation with him and discovered that he was a local. He expressed his desire to introduce Madeline and her friends to his favorite hidden gem of a bar located just a few doors away. It was already quite late, around two in the morning, when they managed to squeeze themselves into the cramped venue.

The entire crowd gathered around the stage to watch the musicians, while Madeline's group, including the guy, eagerly pushed to the front. However, Madeline chose to hang back slightly, not in the mood to navigate her way through the crowd.

Lost in her thoughts, she absentmindedly observed the tall guy standing beside her. Towering over the bustling crowd, he undoubtedly enjoyed an excellent view of the stage, Madeline presumed.

Madeline noticed that the guy's eyes were on her, prompting him to give her a small smile. Recollecting the encounter, Madeline says, "I'm not sure who initiated the greeting, but somehow we began conversing with each other." She adds, "Before we knew it, we found ourselves engrossed in conversation throughout the night at this bar."

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In the bar stood a tall stranger named Sebastian Mamet, a recent college graduate from Sweden in his twenties. He openly admitted to not having much of a life beyond his work. Sebastian, compelled by his company, embarked on a solo trip to the US, despite his initial hesitation. With an abundance of stacked up vacation days, the idea of exploring New Orleans had become alluring to him. His love for music fueled his dream of immersing himself in the city's vibrant blues bars.

Now, Sebastian found himself ignoring what was happening on stage and focusing on Madeline.

"It just felt like wed known each other for a while," Sebastian tells CNN Travel.

Madeline reminisces about the pleasant vibes emitted by Sebastian as she and her friends joined him at a different bar during the early hours of the morning. Despite the time, the pleasant weather compelled the group to gather on the terrace, engaging in friendly conversations while enjoying their drinks.

When 5 a.m. rolled around, Sebastian walked Madeline and her friends back to her hotel.

"Do you want to get breakfast with me tomorrow?" he asked Madeline.

Madeline hesitated.

"I was feeling guilty," she says today. "I was there with a bunch of girls."

"I shouldnt ditch my friends," Madeline told Sebastian, declining his invite.

"Well, heres my number," Sebastian said, keying the details into her phone. "Just in case you change your mind."

Upon awakening from a few hours of slumber, Madeline experienced renewed sensations. Her friends remained in a state of slumber, devoid of any predetermined itinerary for their last day. The awake women, however, enthusiastically impelled Madeline to embark on an exciting New Orleans escapade.

"They all urged me, saying, 'Indulge in breakfast and savor the day!'" Madeline recollects.

Madeline and Sebastian found themselves at a classic New Orleans café, brimming with French flair, enjoying their seats on the patio.

"Suddenly, an enormous deluge drenched the area and the entire café was submerged," Sebastian remembers.

Sebastian reflects, "The whole experience felt effortless and genuine."

"Undoubtedly, Madeline and I had an exceptional bond," Madeline confirms. "However, the geographical distance between us was a significant obstacle."

As they bid each other farewell with a hug, Sebastian pondered, "She is truly an amazing individual. It is unfortunate that she resides in Canada."

Similar thoughts ran through Madelines mind: "Were never going to see each other again," she thought. "This was just a crazy vacation story."

"But we did," she says today.

Flying across the world for a second date

Madeline and Sebastian hit it off in New Orleans and stayed in contact.

Madeline Robson

Waiting at the airport for her flight, Madelines phone pinged with a message from Sebastian.

"Have a good flight," it read. "Let me know when you get home."

The texting exchange between Madeline and Sebastian started and continued incessantly, as Madeline describes it.

A few days later, when Madeline returned to Canada and Sebastian to Sweden, Sebastian proposed the idea of having a phone conversation.

"We ended up FaceTiming," Madeline recollects. "And subsequently, we began engaging in frequent FaceTime sessions, perhaps not every day but on numerous occasions."

Less than a month elapsed before Sebastian suggested meeting once more. With some remaining vacation time, he contemplated the possibility of visiting Madeline in Ontario in August.

Madeline agreed, reflecting on the situation and acknowledging that it was quite irrational.

Laughing, she admits, "Allowing him to visit me just a day after meeting him must have indicated that I either felt exceptionally at ease or was extremely reckless."

Im here for the bride. I shouldnt be having my own love story. This is so strange.

Madeline Robson

However, she readily agreed without any second thoughts. Similarly, Sebastian wasted no time in crossing continents for their second encounter.

Sebastian's expedition to Canada lasted for an entire week. During this time, he and Madeline explored her hometown in Ontario, ventured into the enchanting wine regions, and even made a trip to Toronto and Niagara Falls.

Sebastian had imagined Niagara Falls to be a tranquil nature reserve, but Madeline had cautioned him about its popularity among tourists. Despite his initial disbelief, Sebastian and Madeline thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Falls, even though he found the touristy aspects to be slightly cliché.

"It was really amazing to see, as it is such an iconic Canadian landmark," Madeline expresses.

Although Sebastian had already gotten acquainted with a few of Madeline's friends in New Orleans, she also introduced him to a couple more buddies during their trip. However, she decided not to inform her family about him as it seemed too overwhelming, especially considering the uncertainty of their relationship.

Madeline's friends were supportive of Sebastian and liked him. However, Madeline remembers that some doubted the possibility of their relationship progressing further.

As Sebastian's time in Canada came to an end, he and Madeline began discussing the future of their relationship. They contemplated the feasibility of seeing each other again in the near future.

Madeline and Sebastian made plans for her to visit him in Helsingborg, Sweden, for Christmas, three months down the line.

After experiencing love and separation in South America, a serendipitous note found on a door reunited them once again.

A Scandinavian Christmas

Here's Madeline and Sebastian visiting Copenhagen at Christmas 2017.

Madeline Robson

During the flight from Canada to Sweden, Madeline experienced a mix of excitement and anxiety. Reflecting on the past, she admits, "We believed we were acquaintances, but in reality, our knowledge of each other was quite limited. I had planned to stay there for three weeks, which seemed like a considerably lengthy period of time."

Madeline admits that the prospect of meeting Sebastian's entire family is both exciting and undeniably nerve-wracking. She finds it peculiar to think that she will be spending three weeks over the holidays with someone she has only spent a short amount of time with, alongside his family whom she has never met before.

Sebastian cannot remember feeling visibly nervous, but his worries were expressed in a different manner - he devoted numerous hours to meticulously planning the ideal itinerary for Madeline's visit.

"Back then, I was attempting to cram far too many activities into the trip," he reflects presently. Throughout the span of three weeks, he escorted Madeline to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, and Prague.

"We did so many things," exclaims Madeline, laughing joyfully. "But it was an incredibly amusing experience."

Madeline found herself especially captivated by her initial encounter with the Scandinavian culture. Prior to this, she had never set foot in a Nordic country, yet she immediately felt a sense of belonging.

"It was really cool to see the culture here and life," she recalls.

Over the next year, Madeline and Sebastian alternated visiting one another in Sweden and Canada.

"We were incredibly fortunate as we had ample opportunities to meet frequently throughout the year and embarked on numerous exciting journeys," reminisces Madeline. "We explored a variety of destinations together."

Additionally, she embarked on a solo trip to Italy, where she promptly encountered the love of her life.

A move to Sweden

Here's Madeline and Sebastian on vacation in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Madeline Robson

In that year, amidst her travels, Madeline worked towards completing her MBA. Her graduation was scheduled for December 2018, and she understood that major life choices had to wait until then. However, with the approaching date, Madeline began contemplating her future options, including the possibility of relocating to Sweden.

"For quite a while, I had been thinking that once I completed my MBA, I would be prepared for a transformation. I was inclined to move to a different place, engage in different endeavors, or perhaps take a gap year..."

Madeline made the bold choice to temporarily leave her communications job in Ontario in February 2018 and relocate to Sweden. Utilizing a visa program designed for individuals under 30, she took advantage of the opportunity to live and work in a different country for a year.

Although it wasn't a permanent decision, it held significant weight. Initially, Madeline had envisioned spending her time traveling and working sporadically. However, she quickly secured a corporate marketing position, providing her with some stability. Nevertheless, adjusting to life in Sweden meant embracing a multitude of changes simultaneously.

According to Madeline, the transition seemed like a significant leap. She sensed that she was departing from a place of safety and venturing into the unknown, with no inkling of what the outcome would be. Initially, residing in Sweden felt oddly surreal.

"It was exhilarating," Madeline remarks. Sebastian and Madeline made a joint decision to reside together in Malmö, a city in Sweden. Unlike Sebastian's prior residence in Helsingborg, Malmö offered a greater international ambiance. Furthermore, Sebastian's relocation signified a fresh beginning for both of them, to some degree.

Madeline brought her cherished cat along when she relocated. Although she had concerns about her cat adapting, it quickly appeared that the cat was comfortable in the new surroundings.

Gradually, the situation became less surreal, yet during that initial year, Madeline's life in Sweden felt like a blend of a dream and an extended holiday. She and Sebastian embraced living together and enjoyed sharing everyday experiences.

Madeline explains, "Being together with Sebastian felt fresh and thrilling because, for a year and a half, we never had the chance to do ordinary activities like cooking dinner or going grocery shopping. These seemingly mundane things that many couples take for granted were incredibly stimulating for us because we had never experienced them together before - everything was always an adventure."

Although Madeline and Sebastian cherished their time in their Malmö apartment, they were seldom there. They would seize every opportunity to explore various European cities together. While Madeline enjoyed traveling, this way of life had its drawbacks.

"I think a product of that is that I never really felt super settled in Malmö in the first year," she says.

Her flight was canceled. Then she ended up on the doorstep of her future wife

Settling into Swedish life

Madeline and Sebastian enjoyed life together in Sweden.

Madeline Robson

In 2020, when international travel was not possible, Madeline and Sebastian were fortunate to have the opportunity to explore Sweden due to the country's less strict Covid restrictions. It was during this period that Madeline developed a deep affection for Sweden.

Madeline mentioned that they began spending their weekends outdoors, either in the forest or by taking hikes along the coastline. In Malmö, the couple would explore the city by walking around and would also indulge in sampling coffee and pastries on outdoor terraces.

"Amid the distressing and challenging period, Madeline affectionately remarks, 'Despite the trying circumstances, these small details began to evoke a sense of uniqueness and romance.'"

"As the Covid era unfolded, I gradually discovered numerous aspects of the city that ignited a profound love within me. It was during this time that the idea of committing to stay here permanently started to take shape in our conversations."

Madeline extended her visa, and she and Sebastian bought an apartment.

"Okay, this is real," Madeline recalls thinking. "Were staying."

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Madeline didn't return to her home country until mid-2022 due to border restrictions in Canada. By that time, she had fully adapted to life in Sweden, and Canada had become her vacation spot.

Reflecting on her experience, she shares, "I went without seeing my family or friends back home for two and a half years. It compelled me to seek out a community here, and I'm not sure if I would have done so if it weren't for the pandemic. So, in a way, something positive emerged from a challenging and demanding situation."

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During the pandemic, Madeline began sharing glimpses of her life in Sweden on her TikTok and Instagram accounts. She soon discovered that people were interested in her short videos highlighting the cultural disparities she had observed since her relocation to Sweden. Additionally, her videos offered a form of escapism for those who felt stagnant in their own lives. Consequently, Madeline received an influx of views and comments. Even after three years, Madeline remains a prominent figure in the realm of social media.

"I continue sharing various aspects of culture, but my account has evolved into focusing more on travel, tourism, and life in Scandinavia," she explains. "It has been an incredibly enjoyable experience."

"She happened to secure the final seat on a flight next to a stranger, and now they have been married for 40 years."

A Swedish wedding

Here's Madeline and Sebastian on their wedding day in the Swedish countryside.

Fotograf Johanna Ellen/@fotografjohannaellen/www.fotografjohannaellen.com

Madeline and Sebastian became engaged a few years ago, with the intention to marry in 2021. However, due to the complexities arising from pandemic-related travel restrictions, the couple made the decision to cancel their originally planned grand international wedding.

"After going through the process of replanning it, we realized that we wanted something more intimate and true to ourselves," Madeline reveals.

The couple tied the knot during the summer of 2023 in an intimate ceremony, joined solely by their parents and siblings.

Madeline shares, "We embarked on a journey to the countryside and exchanged our vows in a quaint little church, cherishing a small-scale ceremony."

Afterwards, Madeline and Sebastian visited a nearby chocolate factory and indulged in a delightful Swedish fika, savoring a coffee and pastry break.

Subsequently, the wedding party journeyed to another picturesque countryside destination, a charming bed and breakfast that had captured Madeline and Sebastian's hearts on a previous visit.

"We decided, Oh, its a place thats really special to us. Lets just book some rooms there," Madeline recalls.

It was a day both "beautiful" and "low key."

"It felt very authentic to us," says Madeline.

Its really interesting to think that we were there celebrating somebody elses love, and then this is what was born of it. Its really, really cool.

Madeline Robson, who occasionally features Sebastian on her social media, recently delighted her Instagram followers by sharing a selection of her wedding photographs. However, whenever Madeline offers glimpses into their life together, she receives an overwhelming amount of messages from individuals in international relationships.

"Is it worth it? Moving abroad for love?" they ask.

Madeline always says yes.

"I always advise people not to have any expectations. If you decide to pursue something, I highly recommend seizing the opportunity, as you cannot predict the outcome," she suggests.

"Put your utmost effort into it and observe the outcome. I have no regrets about the way things have unfolded for me. Moreover, I always encourage others to take that leap of faith."

When reflecting on their encounter in New Orleans, Madeline and Sebastian acknowledge the unique nature of their meeting, but find solace in the current normalcy of their lives. Regarding Madeline, she has overcome the guilt associated with meeting her future spouse at her friend's bachelorette party, now perceiving it as a fateful occurrence.

"Its really interesting to think that we were there celebrating somebody elses love, and then this is what was born of it," she says. "Its really, really cool."