Leiden wedding photographer

Capturing Love in Leiden: Yvonne and Gert-Jan’s Beautiful Wedding

This year has been filled with destination weddings, and I am incredibly grateful that my dream of becoming an international photographer is slowly coming true. A special shout-out goes to the bride with the floral crown, who you may remember from this wedding. Her wonderful word-of-mouth promotion among friends and colleagues led Yvonne to reach out to me.

A Romantic Celebration in Leiden

Yvonne and Gert-Jan tied the knot in the charming city of Leiden, located about 40 km south of Amsterdam. Their wedding featured delightful details that I adored, and I hope to inspire future brides with these ideas.

Intimate Family Lunch

The celebrations began with an intimate family lunch in their backyard, setting a warm and personal tone for the day.

Stunning Couple Session

We then headed to the Botanical Garden of Leiden for a romantic couple session, followed by a glass of champagne at a beautiful restaurant in the oldest part of the city. This picturesque setting provided the perfect backdrop for capturing their love.

Scenic Boat Cruise

Before the ceremony, Yvonne and Gert-Jan enjoyed a delightful boat cruise with their siblings and friends, which added an extra touch of joy to the day. The cruise ended at their venue for a family and friends dinner, and then it was back to De Burcht, the ceremony site.

Evening Ceremony with Magical Light

The evening ceremony started after 8 PM, and the fading sun provided incredible lighting, creating a magical atmosphere for the occasion. One of my favorite moments was when we were wandering through Leiden, searching for a place to relax after the photoshoot. We stumbled upon a cozy restaurant with a few tables outside. Although it was closed, the owner graciously offered us a glass of champagne to celebrate the newlyweds.

After our brief respite, we hopped on a boat for a scenic canal cruise. Cruising the canals of the Netherlands is always a joy—it’s never boring! Meeting strangers who wave and say hello adds to the charm. Navigating under the tiny bridges often requires you to duck down, making the experience even more memorable.

A Historic Ceremony at De Burcht

The ceremony took place at De Burcht, a historic castle in Leiden, offering a stunning view of three cathedrals. The theme of the ceremony was simple yet elegant. Yvonne and Gert-Jan’s commissioner was a Dutch comedian, and I regret not speaking Dutch, as the guests were in fits of laughter throughout the ceremony.