The enchanting wedding celebration of Melissa and Jan unfolded in the picturesque village of Redu, Belgium, amidst a glass-fronted brick building surrounded by lush woodland. As they exchanged their heartfelt vows, the intimate gathering was filled with warmth and joy. The minimalist aesthetic of the reception tables was elevated by vibrant accents and charming DIY elements, including yarn-wrapped vases, leather leaf escort cards, and oversized banner signs.
The ceremony featured an electrifying African drumming performance, a romantic first dance with waving flags, and a magical finale with sparklers illuminating the moonlit sky. As a long-time admirer of Jonas Peterson’s artistic approach to capturing love stories, I’m thrilled to share these stunning photographs from Melissa and Jan’s special day – so much so that I may have shared a few extra shots by accident Whoops.
The Attire
As I reflect on my special day, two pieces of attire stand out in my mind: my stunning Aspen Dress from Jenny Packham and my husband’s bespoke costume from Café Costume, a Belgian boutique renowned for crafting every garment by hand. The dress exuded elegance, while the handmade suit perfectly captured the groom’s unique style. To complete my look, I opted for a custom-made hairpiece from Sibo Designs, which added a touch of whimsy to my overall aesthetic.
And as for footwear, I fell in love with the Eva shoes from Rachel Simpson Shoes – their vintage charm and classic sophistication perfectly complemented my overall vision.
The Flowers
To commemorate the occasion, I selected a bouquet that harmoniously complemented our chosen color scheme. However, what made this gesture truly meaningful was the inclusion of a cherished photograph of my mother, who had passed away five years prior. By doing so, I felt her presence with me on that special day, making it an even more unforgettable experience.
The First Dance
The memory of our first dance still brings a smile to our faces. It was an unforgettable moment, thanks in large part to the talented DJ Ben Luyten, who set the tone with his unique selection – The 1975’s ‘Chocolate’. We took things slowly at first, showing off some swing moves before letting loose and dancing in the middle of the dance floor. The energy was electric, with our friends and family members waving flags, cheering, and laughing along with us.
It was a moment that perfectly captured the joy and love of the day, despite initial nerves. Now, it’s one of our most treasured memories from the big day.
Favourite Moments
The first look in the woods, expertly captured by Tim and Jonas, was a truly unforgettable experience for us. The surreal atmosphere was palpable as we stood together, taking in the reality that our special day had finally arrived. For me, another pivotal moment came later that night when the guests retired to their rooms and the lights went out. It was then that I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, knowing that I’m a very lucky newlywed.
It was a truly magical day spent with the people we love most, and let’s not forget the time we almost started a fire while filming fireworks in the woods. While it’s amusing to look back on now, it was certainly a bit scary at the moment.