The concept was developed by Sterre of L’Étoile Weddings, who envisioned a setting that would merge the venue’s natural light and architectural structure with elements of fashion. The idea was not to overpower the space, but to let the textures, lines, and atmosphere speak for themselves. Photographer Paola Salviano was drawn to that balance, the dialogue between clean architectural forms and fluid drapery, and focused on translating it into photos that felt elegant, contemporary, and intentionally composed within the stone ruins.
The inspiration came from the textures of lace veils, architectural forms, and flowing fabrics. That interplay guided the compositions, using light and perspective to connect material and space. The result was something graceful and contemporary, with a subtle playfulness that contrasted the vanilla-toned setup.
Fashion
Styled with a gown from I Do! I Do! Amsterdam, and completed with gloves and a veil from C’est Jeanne, the bridal look introduced structure and detail that played beautifully with the venue’s architectural elements. Hair and makeup by Mooi By Yessica stayed soft and natural, letting light and close-up textures shape the narrative. The images gained their edge from the contrast between refined fabrics and assertive posture.
The bouquet and arrangements by Bloom By Beau in collaboration with L’Étoile Weddings introduced sculptural freshness to the setting, balancing timeless elegance with contemporary design.
A Ceremony of Stone and Silk
The setting was an empty cathedral ruin with a glass ceiling, a striking blend of medieval structure and contemporary design. Originally built in the 13th century, its interiors were destroyed by fire in the 1980s, and its recent restoration introduced the dramatic glass roof that now crowns the space. The tall stone arches and open volume made the atmosphere both monumental and minimal.
“Photographing inside such a tall, open area was intriguing. Luckily, it was a sunny day in the Netherlands, and the harsh sunlight added the edge I needed for my vision.”
Hydrangeas, lilies, and amaranthus shaped the floral palette, introducing a sense of softness and femininity while keeping the overall aesthetic modern and refined.
Ruins, Romance, and Modern Couture
Besides working with the extreme height and finding the right positioning for the models, the most fascinating part for the team was how the shifting light kept reshaping the entire shoot. Because the space is fully exposed to sunlight, the venue transformed throughout the day, changing tone, contrast, and atmosphere. Every shift offered a new way to shoot, a new opportunity to fold the architecture and light into the story.
The cake by And Cake Stories added its own layer of charm — minimalist, sculptural, and perfectly in tune with the overall aesthetic.
The couple brought a strong, sculptural presence that contrasted with the softness of lace, Chantilly, and pearls. Photographer Paola Salviano leaned into that duality through posing, gestures, and close-up textures, framing each moment against the stone and silence of the ancient ruins. The quietness of the space, the shifting light, and the tension between fashion and emotion gave the session the feeling of a living artwork.
PHOTOGRAPHY Paola Salviano | CONCEPT & PLANNING L’Étoile Weddings | CONTENT By Mel Bridal Content | MUAH Mooi by Yessica | FLORALS Bloom by Beau & L’Étoile Weddings | STYLING L’Étoile Weddings | DRESS I Do! I Do! Amsterdam | GLOVES C’est Jeanne | CAKE And Cake Stories | STATIONERY Lou Design | MODELS Mae Rutten
