I’m thrilled to share the enchanting real wedding of Laura & Dickie with you! Their special day was a masterclass in effortless elegance and laid-back charm. From the picturesque forest ceremony to the whimsical tent reception, every detail seemed tailored to their unique love story.
The couple exchanged vows in the idyllic garden of her parents’ estate in Garderen, Netherlands, surrounded by lush greenery and the soft glow of twinkling lights. The atmosphere was electric, thanks to the brilliant work of Marilyn Bartman Photography, whose candid and romantic style perfectly captured the joy and intimacy of their celebration.
As I delved into their wedding photographs, it became clear that Laura & Dickie are a beloved couple who radiate warmth and affection. Their day was a reflection of their special bond – think big smiles, flowing gin, and a relaxed, free-spirited vibe.
From the unique seating arrangement to the standing dinner, and from the heartfelt letter exchange ceremony to the whimsical G&T marquee sign, every element felt meticulously curated to create an unforgettable experience. And let’s not forget the style – Laura’s custom-made gown by Anita Gates was a stunning fusion of chic and effortless cool, while Dickie’s grey and navy suit exuded sharp sophistication.
But what truly stole my attention was Laura’s breathtaking hair – I won’t lie, I’m a little envious! As I wrap up this love-filled celebration, it’s clear that Laura & Dickie’s special day was the perfect blend of romance, authenticity, and whimsy.
Our Love Story
It all began with a blind date, arranged by mutual friends who wanted to help Dickie find a perfect match for his brother’s wedding. Little did we know that this chance encounter would lead to something special. I drove from Amsterdam to Rotterdam after work, eager to meet the mystery person. As we sat down for dinner, the conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and hilarious stories. While Dickie was smitten at first sight, I took a little longer to come around (though I was thoroughly impressed by his sense of humor!). We went on to enjoy many fun-filled dates, always having a blast together. It wasn’t until my birthday, when Dickie showed up with an impressive array of romantic gifts, that I realized just how deeply I felt about him. And as fate would have it, I ended up attending his brother’s wedding a few months later – a milestone event in our relationship.
The Location
Our dreamy and whimsical location in the forest has held a special place in our hearts for as long as we can remember. It’s where my parents’ house is situated, and it’s been a beloved family gathering spot during summer and winter months. The fireplace, cozy atmosphere, and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect retreat from Amsterdam’s hustle and bustle. So, when we decided to get married, there was no question that this would be the perfect location. My dad, in particular, was thrilled at the prospect of hosting our special day. He spent weeks preparing the garden, painting the house, and tidying up every corner. On the day of the wedding, his hard work paid off, and the entire location looked like a scene straight out of a movie.
Advice for Other Couples
As you prepare for your special day, remember that the actual wedding experience can unfold at an alarming rate. It’s essential for couples to stay present and make the most of this fleeting moment.
The Ceremony
As we prepared to exchange our vows, Dickie and I took the time to craft heartfelt letters to each other. In a tender and intimate moment, we shared these personal missives with one another, reading them aloud in front of our loved ones. This poignant ritual stood out as the most endearing aspect of the ceremony for me, filling my heart with warmth and nostalgia.
The Photography
When we first met Marilyn through social media, our initial impression was cemented by her charming personality and unique photography style. The connections we made with her were effortless, much like those we formed with other guests at the wedding – it felt as though she was part of the group, rather than an outside observer (my siblings-in-law, in particular, were smitten!). Her endorsement of Nicolaas for the wedding film was another decisive factor; trusting her referral proved to be a wise decision, resulting in a seamless and exceptional experience.
The Attire
I opted for a stylish ensemble from Cavallaro Napoli’s slim-fit collection for my partner Dickie, complemented by a bespoke wedding gown designed in collaboration with Anita Gates. The inspiration behind our outfits was a treasure trove of Pinterest images and wedding websites. Given the limited options for romantic, bohemian-inspired beach dresses with intricate lace details in the Netherlands, I decided to take matters into my own hands – or rather, work closely with Anita to create the perfect gown. In fact, a new boutique has recently opened its doors in the country, offering an impressive selection of stunning dresses that are sure to delight. For me, the process of designing and creating my dress alongside Anita was an incredibly fulfilling experience.
Favourite Details
What struck me was the meticulous attention to detail and genuine effort to ensure a warm welcome for our guests. The innovative approach to dining, with its informal setting and absence of formal seating, created an atmosphere where guests felt at ease and could truly let their hair down. Lounge areas were thoughtfully scattered throughout, providing cozy nooks for relaxation and socializing. Moreover, the quality of the food was a major hit with our guests, who appreciated the freedom to indulge and savor each bite without constraint.
The Decor & Details
The concept of our decor inspiration was rooted in Garden Chic and Scandinavian Cozy aesthetics. We sought to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that exuded classic elegance. Our preferred palette consisted of copper, eucalyptus, and white hues, which we felt would perfectly capture the essence of our desired setting.
Next, we set out to source a supplier that could provide us with an array of elements necessary to bring this vision to life. We needed wooden lounge couches, cushions, blankets, candles, copper accents, and wooden furniture – all of which had to fit seamlessly into our overall design.
After conducting a thorough search, we discovered Te Leuk Trouwen (which translates to ‘Too Cute Wedding’ in Dutch) offered an impressive selection of supplies from which we could curate the perfect combination for our event. The fact that they allowed us to rent rather than buy was a significant advantage, as it gave us the flexibility to hand-select each item and add personal touches.
As we opted to handle much of the styling ourselves, having access to Te Leuk Trouwen’s extensive catalogue proved invaluable. We were able to cherry-pick individual items to create a cohesive look that perfectly reflected our vision. Even more impressive was our Gin & Tonic table, which featured hand-painted copper gin bottles and rented marquee letters from Te Leuk Trouwen – an undeniable showstopper!
The Music
The ceremony featured a talented singer accompanied by a skilled keyboardist, while the evening festivities were brought to life by a DJ spinning tracks with the added flair of saxophone solos. To maintain the laid-back ambiance throughout the event, we curated a beachy lounge playlist to play in the background during dinner and other downtime, perfectly capturing the relaxed vibe of our celebration.
The Refreshments
Food and drinks were at the top of our wedding wish list. We wanted our guests to savor every bite and sip, with a focus on flavorful, vibrant, and high-quality cuisine. To create a relaxed atmosphere, we opted for a walking dinner setup, featuring comfortable wooden seating areas and tables. This allowed our guests to mingle and sit where they pleased. Our caterer excelled in providing an impressive spread of dishes, including grilled tuna, pulled pork sandwiches, and a delectable salad bar. The absence of a traditional sweet table was made up for with the delightful combination of meringues served with champagne. But the real showstopper was our Gin & Tonic table, featuring eight unique varieties of gins, tonics, and mixers. This interactive station quickly became the focal point of the evening, with guests enthusiastically sipping their way through each selection until not a drop remained.
The Honeymoon
Many airlines offer a world ticket option, allowing travelers to visit multiple destinations at a fixed price. Our journey took us from Amsterdam to Los Angeles, Samoa in the Pacific, New Zealand, Japan and back to Amsterdam within five weeks. As travel enthusiasts, this experience was our ultimate bucket list adventure! The diverse range of activities we enjoyed, including skydiving, surfing, heli-hiking, and Tokyo’s vibrant food scene, was absolutely fantastic. I highly recommend this type of journey to anyone with more time on their hands.
I must admit, Laura’s wedding day look and the overall atmosphere of their celebration had me hooked. Backyard weddings are always a favorite of mine – they exude a sense of fun, genuineness and relaxation. Thanks to Marilyn Bartman Photography for capturing this unique tipi wedding, and of course, Laura & Dickie for sharing their special day with us.