A Surprise Same Sex Wedding in Amsterdam Featured in The Knot

Weddings are full of surprises. Some are pre-planned and intended as a gift of sorts. And others are unexpected and just happen.

This past spring, we gathered to create a colorful styled wedding shoot in Amsterdam. We found a real couple, Robin and Chantal to be our muses and our models.

And then suddenly, a week before the shoot was to take place, they decided to actually get married.

And our shoot turned into a real wedding!

It was a massive surprise. Totally unexpected and such a gift!

With a week to tweak and adjust our plan, there were a lot of quick decisions and conversations. And a lot of unknowns.

And while the day itself was challenging (weather and traffic were not our friends), everything turned out beautifully.

For all of us, this Amsterdam same sex wedding was such a surprise. And such a happy one.

We got to put together something beautiful for two beautiful women.

There was so much love that day, I can still feel it. Both from the team who poured their hearts into everything and between these women and their families.

Take a look at the magic that unfolded…

Robin and Chantal’s first look was just priceless.

The surprise at seeing each other for the first time and then seeing their parents for the first time, is just full of pure joy.

It was beautiful to witness.

And then came the ceremony in the tulip fields. Which I have to say was my favorite part.

Not just because I love ceremonies, but because I LOVE tulips. It was like a dream come true.

The couple was serenaded by a wonderful guitarist and singer. And enjoyed a fun and touching ceremony complete with personal vows read from custom vow books.

Then they sealed the deal by signing their custom marriage certificate and of course with a kiss in front of their loved ones.

And then came the celebration!

The reception was full of color and fun. It kicked off with colorful fruit smoothies as a signature drink which was perfect for the healthy couple.

Guests found their seats with painted blue and green escort cards and acrylic table numbers. Vellum menus told guests of the wonderful Dutch meal to come.

The reception tables had a flower runner made of individual petals and flowers and some fruit, beautiful blue china and gold rimmed glassware.

A fun temporary tattoo station allowed guests to add some ink in celebration of all the lovely tattoos both brides have.

A Van Gogh inspired painted wedding cake was a bright addition alongside the perfect neon sign, Love Rules. Because well, it does!

At the end of the day, Robin and Chantal took a stroll through Amsterdam and then climbed aboard a canal boat for a romantic ride.

The boat was decked out with it own private garden which just added to the romance and the end of a beautiful day.

There was so much to love about this Amsterdam wedding. The spontaneity, the beautiful setting, the design, the team who brought it together and of course, the couple.

Their love made everything special.

And being a part of it was oh so special.

And then we got another surprise… the wedding would be published in The Knot.

Which is so exciting! Being able to share all the love, joy and beauty (in print!) was the surprise that put the cherry on top.

Much love to the entire team that made this same sex wedding in Amsterdam possible. To check out the video by Jahra, click here. And don’t forget you can grab your copy on newsstands across the US!

• Wedding planner and designer: Yours Truly!
• Photography: Danielle Coons Photography
• Stationery, styling and art direction: Momental Designs
• Onsite wedding coordinator: Classy Affairs
• Venue: Orangerie Elswout
• Hair and Makeup: Mifa’s Studio, Ika Kartika, Thirza King
• Lead floral designer: The House of Artz
• Floral designer: Nicolette Camille Floral Design
• Rentals: My Greatest Rentals
• Ceremony chairs: The Bridal Blush
• Caterer and food stylist: Tiffany Food Stylist
• Cake: Sugarlips
• Boat: Amsterdam Boat Center
• Videography: Jahra Videography, Wit Photography
• Suits: Diya Tailors
• Calligraphy: Flourish Grace Calligraphy
• Neon sign: Oh Happy Day Styling
• Temporary tattoos: Tattly
• Couple: Robin Settels + Chantal De Olde (Settels)
• Models: David Olupot + Suzanne Loh + Marvin Limon
• Ceremony musician: Steven Aswin
• Officiant: Trouwambtenaar Mildred Nijhove
• Inclusivity Consult: Equally Wed