Susan James Fragrances crafts bespoke scents that capture memories

Photo Courtesy of Susan James Fragrances

In 2023, Danish artist Susan Ankersen and creative director James Nissen founded Susan James Fragrances with a mission to create bespoke wedding scents that capture the memories and magic of an event. “Having worked with olfactory art for years – leveraging the power of scent memory to express deeply personal stories — it made perfect sense to develop a company around the sharing of what can only be felt, not seen, like love,” Ankersen says.

At Susan James, couples who are looking to choose a fragrance for their event begin with the Los Angeles-based studio’s “Discovery Set.” In this curated collection of eight artisan fragrances (each 2ml vial offers about 20 sprays), couples are encouraged to explore and discover each scent. Once the couple has chosen the fragrance that best resonates with their aesthetic, mood, or style, they can choose a package that suits their event.

“Our entry-level sets include two 10ml fragrances, perfect for couples looking to experience multiple scents. For those seeking a larger size, we offer 50ml bottles along with twelve 7ml to include the whole wedding party,” Ankersen says. “Additionally, we provide varying sets tailored to accommodate wedding parties of different sizes, ensuring that every celebration can indulge in the luxury of a bespoke scent experience.”

As a wedding favor, your unique scent would truly be unlike anything your guests have received before. “Imagine giving everyone at your wedding a completely new experience with these bespoke scents,” Ankersen says. “In a world saturated with standard options, a bespoke wedding scent allows a couple to stand out and express their individuality. It’s like adding a touch of artisan magic to the celebration, making it uniquely theirs.”

Each package at Susan James also includes the couple’s names and date of the event, a choice of one of four personalized labels (affixed by hand), as well as a variety of fonts. Each purchase is made to order and filled by hand, and your scent should arrive within 2 to 4 weeks.

Photo Courtesy of Susan James Fragrances

Using a combination of natural molecules and man made molecules, Nissen and Ankersen seek out rare oils and botanicals from across the world to create their one-of-a-kind scents. “Because we are a small company, we can use limited edition materials in our original formulas,” Ankersen says. “So, when a certain fragrance is gone, it is just gone.”

A scent at Susan James is a “deeply personal, symbolic, and emotionally charged element that enriches the entire wedding experience,” Ankersen says. “Picture it as an olfactory talisman, creating a distinct and cherished memory for both the couple and their guests. This unique scent becomes a symbolic representation of the couple’s union, adding a layer of meaning to their journey together.”

Ankersen adds that a fragrance is beyond a personal connection and that it “contributes to the overall sensory experience of the wedding. It’s a subtle yet powerful element that weaves into the ambiance, creating a truly immersive atmosphere for the event. It’s not just about smelling good — it’s about feeling the love and emotion in the air.”

For more information, visit susanjamesfragrances.com

Photo Courtesy of Susan James Fragrances