Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Setting: Industrial
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 140
How long did the couple plan the event: 8 months
Wedding theme/style: Industrial, natural, chic, modern, artistic.
Mika and Dinant’s love story is a captivating journey that spans continents and defies distance. Having met in Göttingen, Germany, in 2011, during their university years, the couple’s connection endured as they returned to their respective home countries, the US and the Netherlands, completing their education and embarking on careers while navigating a two-year-long distance relationship. Mika’s move to Amsterdam in 2014 marked the beginning of a new chapter. Still, their global adventures continued with more years of separation due to career moves, culminating in a heartwarming reunion during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The couple’s engagement on August 20th, 2022, set the stage for a series of celebrations reflecting their love’s diversity. A small legal ceremony in Groningen, the Netherlands, on September 1st, was followed by a journey to Japan in October, where they embraced tradition with a ceremony at a serene shrine in Kobe on November 4th, surrounded by friends and family. Returning to their beloved Amsterdam, Mika and Dinant decided on one more celebration, a testament to their vibrant love story. Opting for an unconventional and informal affair, the couple invited everyone dear to them, creating a joyous and personal celebration in the heart of Amsterdam, where their love has flourished since 2014.
The bride envisioned a timeless gown with a contemporary flair, evident in the elegant high neck and alluring exposed back. She opted for dramatic sleeves and a captivating veil to add a touch of uniqueness. For the bridal dress and accessories, the couple turned to esteemed brands such as Wild At Heart Bridal, Made with Love Bridal, Les Meres, and Rue De Seine, ensuring a blend of sophistication and modernity.
Mika desired a makeup style that showcased a natural, radiant glow, complemented by a simple updo for her hair. Mika maintained her signature bangs as usual. Bringing the bride’s vision to life, the makeup and hair styling were entrusted to the skilled hands of Fuji Hair, promising a look that perfectly completed her classic yet modern bridal ensemble.
The groom chose a timeless classic: a tailored, deep blue suit paired with sleek black shoes. De Oost Bespoke Tailoring expertly crafted the bespoke creation and design, ensuring a distinguished and impeccably tailored look for the groom on his special day.
Inspired by Amsterdam’s rugged beauty, the couple fused historic charm with modern chic for their wedding. Sante Weddings planner flawlessly brought this vision to life, creating an elegant ambiance at an industrial venue Lab-44 from the early 1900s in the tranquil north of the city.
The setting, surrounded by greenery and a canal, captured classic Amsterdam style while offering a chic atmosphere for the international guests. White tablecloths, candles, pearl-like details on the cutlery, and natural flowers beautifully melded the city’s raw industrial feel with a sophisticated wedding touch.
The House of Artz added local floral arrangements, enhancing the industrial venue’s beauty. The result was a stylish celebration, a perfect marriage of the couple’s vision, and the skillful coordination by Sante Weddings, creating an unforgettable blend of love and Amsterdam’s unique architectural charm.
In a moment that seemed suspended in time, Mika and Dinant exchanged vows that echoed with the sincerity of a thousand whispered promises. Like delicate petals, their words unfurled in the air, weaving a tapestry of love that enveloped everyone present. Each vow was a testament to the depth of their commitment and their journey together.
As the couple declared their promises, there was a palpable magic in the air – a fusion of shared dreams, laughter, and the tender moments that defined their unique connection. The vows weren’t just words; they were promises etched into the very fabric of their souls, creating a bond that would withstand the tests of time.
In the embrace of their loved ones, the couple found a reservoir of support and warmth. The wedding was not just a celebration of two individuals coming together, but a collective sharing of love, laughter, and the beauty found in the connections that make life extraordinary.
The enchanting Nizuc Hotel in Cancun, Mexico, set the stage for Steph and David’s wedding extravaganza. Against the stunning backdrop of the ocean, their celebration unfolded with a Welcome Party and Ceremony on the Beach, followed by a Reception at a Beautiful Ocean Terrace and a lively Ballroom Party. With a winter wedding in mind, the couple, with the help of wedding planner Diana and her team, magically brought their vision to life in under six months.
Advice from the couple:
• Don’t be afraid to create magic; the people + the venue, the great food + the abundance of tequila + and the music = an unforgettable weekend. Destination weddings allow everyone to let loose and enjoy a weekend together where everyone gets to know each other and create memories to last a lifetime. Finding the right wedding planner and trusting in them is essential. Figure out the MOMENTS that matter to you, lean in, and get creative. If it is meaningful to you, your guests will never forget it. We knew our crew would bring their A-Game, so spending quality time with DJ Dulce to explain our vibe led to the most fabulous dance party ever.
Sante Weddings was the mastermind behind the seamless orchestration of Mika and Dinant’s celebration. With unparalleled expertise in transforming every detail into a masterpiece, she showcased her impeccable eye for design by organizing every facet of the venue and elevating the industrial setting, highlighting its unique charm.
Her meticulous planning and artistic touch made the venue even more breathtaking, accentuating the industrial allure while infusing a distinctive vibrancy. Sante Weddings‘s ability to enhance the space’s inherent beauty and create a uniquely captivating environment was a testament to her skill in curating an unforgettable wedding experience.
The reception dinner for Mika and Dinant unfolded as a heartwarming tapestry of shared joy and camaraderie. Encircled by the warmth of family and friends, the couple’s love was not only celebrated in the delicious dishes but also in the laughter that echoed through the air.
The wedding cake by Life of Pie was a masterpiece, adorned with dried flowers and a simple yet elegant white design. Each detail of the cake reflected a harmony of beauty and simplicity, capturing the essence of Mika and Dinant’s love. Life of Pie’s artistry transformed the cake into a sweet symbol of the couple’s union, making it not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight for all to admire.
The wedding’s enchantment extended to the rhythm of the night, with guests raving about the incredible DJ who seamlessly blended the couple’s musical preferences. Having taken requests during the RSVP process and receiving detailed briefs in advance, the DJ went above and beyond, delving into the couple’s background to tailor the music perfectly to the diverse crowd.
The speeches, delivered by the father of the bride, the father of the groom, and the sister of the bride, became a highlight, offering a delightful glimpse into the personalities and cultures that intertwined in this celebration. As guests expressed their admiration, it became clear that these heartfelt words resonated with the couple and beautifully connected the diverse threads that made Mika and Dinant’s love story genuinely extraordinary.
Advice from the couple:
• Make time to check in and have fun with each other throughout the night. It’s easy to get swept up in so many conversations, but it’s also essential to make sure you have time to dance, have fun with your partner during the night, and enjoy the party together!
PLANNER & STYLING Sante Weddings | PHOTOGRAPHER OYDIN + MEI | BRIDAL DRESS & ACCESSORIES Wild At Heart Bridal, Made with Love Bridal, Les Meres, Rue De Seine | VENUE Lab-44 | FLORALS The House of Artz | CAKE Life of Pie | MUAH Fuji Hair | NAILS Mirai Nails | SUIT De Oost Bespoke Tailoring
