Two years ago I photographed the wedding of my friends Justin and Kendall. It was a truly special celebration where friends and family came from all across the world to be there. One of these friends was Pieter who made the trip all the way from Holland. At that time he was making his own wedding plans and asked me to be the photographer for their special day whenever it would happen. I thought he was thinking of having it in South Africa, where he was originally from, so I said yes. But much to my surprise and delight, 2 years later I was on a plane heading for Holland to capture his wedding there! It was such a blessing and a really special time!
We arrived in Amsterdam Airport on the Wednesday where Pieter and his cousin Jan Hendrik picked us up. After stopping for a legendary MacDonalds burger we headed off to Hoevelaken near Amersfoort to meet Pieters folks. What lovely people! Both Pieter and Samira’s families are warm, friendly people who made us feel at home straight away! It felt as if we were at home away from home the whole time we were there. Thursday we did some location scouting before heading off to Amsterdam again to see the Rijks museum with our friend Lara and to do some other sight seeing around the city.
Friday was the big day and we got off to an early start at the Fort near Bunnik. Yes, thats right- they got married at a fort! How cool? 
What I really enjoyed about this wedding was that Pieter and Samira set a very relaxed tone for the day, and at no point were we in any rush. We weren’t chasing the light either like I normally do here in South Africa because the sun only sets there at 10:00 pm in summer! (This blew my mind for quite a while when we first landed in Europe!)
For lunch they had a picnic, where those who were invited could laze about before the formalities commenced. When we were away for the couple shoot, guests had time to set up their tents or to relax at the camping sight. By the time we came back to the reception the guests weren’t waiting for us, but we where waiting on them- which is honestly the first time I’ve ever experienced that in my job! A very relaxed evening of speeches, eating, and dancing followed with everyone having a great time.
It was so special to see how Pieter and Samira are towards others and each other. Samira is a sweet, gentle soul who has the most beautiful smile, and cares deeply for those around her. Pieter is a peoples person who is really easy to get along with and who has a positive disposition. Together they compliment each other so well, making it an absolute pleasure to be around them!
Nogmaals bedankt Pieter en Samira voor een ongelooflijke tijd samen met u! Wij waarderen oprecht jullie gastvrijheid en vriendlikheid. Jullie zijn gezegend met geweldige famlie en we waren bevooreg om uw deel van de wereld te kunnen beleven en genieten! Moge uw huwelijk een prachtige een gevuld met veel liefde, vreugde en Gods rijke zegen mee. (Hoop ek het dit als reg gese in Hollands!) Blessings xxx
