Who knew that The Netherlands is such a stunning holiday destination? (Okay, maybe you all did, and okay, yes, I can see the map…)
But really, while we know it’s on the coast when we dream of weddings in Holland, it’s reminiscent of vibrant tulip fields, iconic windmills and colorful houses. While we LIKE things like this, this dreamy, dew-colored beach wedding filled with dried grass in The Netherlands is something unique.
And like all weddings, this great celebration has many stories and personal details that make it very special. The longtime couple baptized one of their sons the same day (how cute?! and the whole wedding was planned on the basis of the advice of a dear expired family member: make your wedding day absolutely what you want – which we fully endorse.
Exactly nine years after our meeting, on our birthday, the proposal followed. It was New Year’s Eve again and after we had come home with our children after the fireworks and the celebration, I of course put on my sweatpants first. I do.
I took Markus in my arms and thanked him for the last 9 years, our two wonderful children and that he stands by my side, me and my family, in this difficult time of my father-in-law’s cancer. He said, “Wait a minute And close your eyes, I have something for you.”When I opened my eyes, he knelt down in front of me and asked me if I wanted to become his wife. I forgot to answer. But since I’ve been waiting for this moment for ages, the answer was actually clear!
Ceremony
Since we had already married in Germany a year earlier (my father-in-law was able to come to us on this wonderful day!), it was not a problem to get married in a opposite church abroad. The old church is beautiful and our pastor preached a sensitive and humorous sermon that fascinated the guests.
For church music, we have decided not to use organ music in an unconventional way. Our musician Thilo played our family song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, accompanied by his ukulele and other pieces with guitar accompaniment. It’s awesome! You have to listen to him.
Photography and Videography
Choosing Kathrin Krok as a photographer was a heartfelt decision. I met her at the vintage wedding salon and was immediately in love with her and her photos. One photo moved me to tears and I knew: I must have it! I was able to convince Markus immediately when he met her in person.
This decision was just the right one! She not only captured the most beautiful moments of our wedding and baptism and made them unforgettable, no – she was also by my side every moment of the day, supported me and made me laugh. She was like my bridesmaid. Since then I have called her “the best non-bridesmaid in the world”. Even today I still have a lot of contact with Kathrin and she has become a good friend. I am very glad that I can now also support you at your own wedding with small flower arrangements and can also be part of your wedding.
Our videographer Kat Erdelyi is also a photographer and now she wants to add videography to her services. That’s why she offered to support our marriage for free. It was a great happiness for us and we are incredibly grateful for it! She has done her job so well, is an absolutely adorable person and we wish her continued success!
The destination and the place
When I received my husband’s marriage proposal, my stepfather was in the hospital at the age of 52, as he had a severe stroke and had terminal cancer. He was so happy to hear that we were finally getting married. He and my mother had married only six years earlier, and their wish was a beach wedding. Because the families were against this idea, they decided to get married only in a beach club near Cologne (not by the sea). In his hospital bed, he gave us the advice: marry exactly as you wish! It doesn’t matter what others say. It’s your day!
That’s why we chose the sea in The Netherlands. We have so many memories together with Holland, including holidays together with our two children, my father-in-law and my mother. We have already fallen in love with the Witsand in pictures. When we were finally able to visit him live in Noordwijk, it was clear to us: here we will get married and our youngest son Toni will be baptized at the same time! Unfortunately, by that time my father-in-law had already lost the action against cancer. He would have loved it there!
Dress
I found my wedding dress in the beautiful bridal shop “Brautbluete”. It was indeed ” love at first sight. Although I tried on other, more expensive dresses, no dress came close to “my dress from Anna Kara”. Moreover, it had been reduced by 50% that day. I’m sure it was a gift from my father-in-law’s heaven. The customer service was incredibly great. I can only recommend it to all German brides: look for your wedding dress at “Brautbluete”!
Decor & Flowers
My heart beats for the cool and bohemian style. Unconventional and natural. The location fits perfectly with my style. The color palette arose almost automatically from my love for dried flowers, the beach and the sea: white, beige and a bright gray-sapphire.
Since I like to work with natural materials and have always been creative, I wanted to do as much as possible myself. So I created the following: macrame, flower wreaths, a branch painted with mandalas, two large kelp baskets with pampas grass, dried palm leaves and proteas, gauze-dyed table runners, gauze-dyed flags you see, when it comes to decoration, I’m in my element. That’s why I wanted to decorate our wedding myself. On the morning of the wedding, with the help of my dear husband and two wonderful friends, I decorated the place in two hours before we were preparing.
For the rest of the flower decoration, like the wonderful table arrangements, we were supported by Dear Janet from “More confetti, please”. Janet is the soul of a person and I took her into my heart. We have been in contact for a long time and when we found out that she was decorating the wedding at the nearby beach club on the day of our wedding, she offered to support me too. The awesome bridal bouquet was a wedding gift from Janet for me. Isn’t she a treasure?
Advice For other couples
Choose your suppliers not only by their capabilities, but also by their sympathy. They will also fill your day and your memories with the extra portion of love.
Let it flow in your day. It is not important that everything is perfect. If someone spoils your dress with coffee, Do not cry and do not be angry, laugh and enjoy it. This is a special moment that you will never forget. (This also happened to me).
Tip your sellers in advance – they will love you for this and will do their best to support you.
Favorite moments
Eva Maria’s favorite moment: the moment when my father took me to church (I had two dads: my father-in-law and my dad).
Markus’ favorite moment: the moment when he gave the bride into my hands.
Also Toni’s baptism was filled with so much joy and love; the moment when my grandparents congratulated us (I cried, Eva) and our first dance.
And, of course, every second to have wonderful people around us on this unique holiday.