Location: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Setting: City
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1,5 years
The number of guests: 76
Wedding theme/style: City vibes, effortless chic, old Amsterdam.
Anina, with her half Swiss and half Dutch roots, and Håvar, Norwegian from Oslo, crossed paths during an exchange program in the enchanting city of Amsterdam in 2013. Little did they know that their meeting would mark the beginning of a beautiful journey filled with love, adventure, and a shared dream of a life together.
After their exchange program ended and degrees were earned, Anina took a leap of faith and moved to Oslo to be with Håvar. Eight years followed before the couple embarked on a new chapter of their lives in Copenhagen, Denmark, two years ago. But despite their distance, their hearts remained intertwined, and their bond grew stronger with each passing day.
As they envisioned their wedding day, Anina and Håvar knew they wanted it to be a celebration of love that transcended borders and brought together their beloved family and friends from across the globe. Their dream was to create a wedding weekend that captured the essence of their love story and the spirit of Amsterdam—a weekend filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
The talented team at Sante Weddings, led by the visionary Emilva Tervoort, crafted an unforgettable fairy tale for the beautiful couple. With meticulous attention to detail, they curated every aspect of the wedding to reflect the couple’s individuality and the venue’s beauty. They not only orchestrated the wedding itself but also carefully planned essential moments for the bride and groom, aiming to showcase the splendor of Amsterdam to their guests. They created a truly magical experience that captured the essence of love and celebration through exquisite visual styling and an enchanting atmosphere.
Anina’s morning was filled with pleasant preparations for her wedding day. Bride chose a gown from Luna Bea Dress for her stunning bridal look, which perfectly accentuated her grace and elegance. Flowing and crafted from silk, the dress delicately hugged her figure, adding a touch of romance and refinement to her ensemble. The silk bows on her Jimmy Choo shoes complemented the dress seamlessly, creating a unique bridal aesthetic.
Anina opted for a natural look in her makeup, enhancing her delicate beauty. The makeup was executed with exquisite lightness, reflecting her natural radiance and ease. Every aspect of her look was carefully curated and executed with impeccable taste, making her look irresistible on her special day.
As the moment for the first look arrived, anticipation filled the air, tinged with the nervous excitement of seeing each other before the ceremony. Radiant Anina awaited eagerly while Håvar, her beloved groom, stood nervously, his heart pounding with anticipation. As Anina approached, a wave of emotions swept over Håvar. The moment he looked at her took his breath away. His admiration for Anina was palpable, evident in every ecstatic glance he cast her way.
Anina and Håvar ventured out onto the picturesque streets of Amsterdam, hand in hand. Their photographer Célie, with a keen eye for capturing raw emotion and genuine connection, skillfully immortalized their love story in each frame. Against the backdrop of Amsterdam’s iconic architecture and charming canals, Anina and Håvar’s love radiated brightly, illuminating the cityscape around them.
In every frame, the photographer expertly showcased the depth of their emotions, revealing the unspoken words and silent whispers that passed between them. From playful moments of spontaneity to quiet moments of tenderness, each photograph encapsulated a chapter of their love story, painting a portrait of two souls intertwined in an everlasting embrace.
The venue where the ceremony took place was adorned with abundant flowers, creating a breathtaking scene like a blooming summer garden. Vibrant purple, yellow, and blue hues painted the space, immersing guests in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Before the ceremony, the couple decided to spend some time alone, understanding the importance of this moment for both of them. By spending this time together, they could share their emotions, express their love, and support each other. This moment of intimacy and tranquility allowed them to immerse themselves in their feelings, strengthen their bond, and prepare for what lay ahead.
Anina and Håvar exchanged vows in a breathtaking ceremony at the Zuilenzaal at Felix Meritis—a venue steeped in history and charm. Surrounded by their loved ones, they declared their love for each other, promising to journey through life hand in hand.
After the ceremony, guests were invited to gather and share their emotions, as well as take photos with the newlyweds.
Following the ceremony, the celebration continued aboard a picturesque saloon boat, gliding through Amsterdam’s iconic canals. Against the backdrop of the city’s twinkling lights, guests reveled in the magic of the moment, savoring every joyous second of the journey.
The venue was adorned with an array of vibrant flowers in every hue imaginable, creating a scene of enchanting beauty that perfectly complemented the couple’s love-filled atmosphere. And instead of a traditional wedding cake, guests indulged in the sweet delight of Stroopwafel—a nod to Dutch tradition that added a touch of local flavor to the festivities.
The reception was filled with heartfelt speeches from family and friends, congratulating the couple with genuine warmth and sincerity. As the toasts flowed, love and joy were abundant, creating an atmosphere of celebration and happiness.
However, the most touching moment for the Anina came during the Håvar’s speech. His words were filled with love and tenderness. As he spoke, expressing his deepest feelings, the Anina couldn’t help overcoming with emotion. Tears of happiness welled in her eyes as she listened to her beloved pour out his heart, moved by the depth of his love and the sincerity of his words.
The post-reception party was filled with fun and touching moments as the newlyweds and their guests celebrated late into the night. The couple received a heartfelt gift of a painting, adding to the sentimentality of the evening. Additionally, lively interactive activities added a playful touch to the festivities, ensuring everyone had a great time.
After the formalities, the dance floor came alive with energy and excitement. Anina and her spouse shared the first dance, their movements filled with love and joy as they swayed to the music. Then came the poignant moment when Anina danced with her father, a touching tribute to their bond and unique relationship.
As the evening progressed, the guests joined in, dancing and reveling in the music and camaraderie. Laughter and conversation filled the air as everyone let loose and enjoyed the celebration of love and happiness. It was a night filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories that would last a lifetime.
Advice from couple:
• As cliché as it sounds, it is all about being present in the moment and taking in every second. We were so happy to have had the help of Emilva, our wedding planner, to have the most stress-free experience. Especially on the wedding day, we could focus solely on the experience without worrying about anything.
PLANNER & STYLING Sante Weddings | PHOTOGRAPHY & CONTENT CREATION Oydin Mei | VENUE Felix Meritis | SALON BOAT Amsterdam Boat Experience | DRESS Wild at Heart Bridal, Luna Bea Bride | SHOES Jimmy Choo | FLORALS The House of Artz | MUAH Lauren Duk Hair and Makeup | OFFICIANT Judith Viert | MUSICIANS Aslaug Music | SWEETS Polaberry
