Friesland, Netherlands, City Hall Elopement Photo Story Award

Joure, NL wedding image of the couple sitting between an iPad and their phone for Zoom

Joure, Netherlands Elopement Photographer | the couple sits between an iPad and their phone so that their guests could watch and listen via Zoom

Marije and Albert knew for over a year that they would get married on the 30th of April, 2020.  They had everything covered in the few months before the wedding, but then COVID-19 hit. First, they had to cancel their honeymoon for only a voucher in exchange. After that, the government decided that contact professions could not operate anymore, so the hairdresser and make-up artist canceled. But that didn’t stop this determined couple; instead, the resourceful groom did the bride’s hair—a cool way to get ready for sure! 

Hit with more bad news, they then got the information that the wedding could only take place with a distance of 1.5m maintained between people in a government building, meaning that only their witnesses and some children (who, under 12 years old, were excluded from the distance rule). At this point, they thought about moving the ceremony. We, of course, talked about postponing, but then they learned that the bride was pregnant and quickly decided to just go for it!  With all the rules and limitations, the couple officially asked me again if I, even with COVID-19 around, would still be their photographer. Well, you can guess my answer! Even though it was in the middle of our semi-lockdown, it did feel just as perfect as any other wedding, to me, and to them, so they told me.

Not wanting to exclude anyone from sharing their happy day with them, the couple sits between an iPad and their phone so that their guests could watch and listen via Zoom.

COVID-19 Wedding photography showing the bride taking care to help the groom with his cufflinks

Friesland, NL Elopement Photography | Before the wedding, deciding to get ready togethe

Before the wedding, deciding to get ready together, the bride took care to help the groom with his cufflinks.

COVID-19 NL Wedding photography showing the groom carrying bride's train

Friesland, NL Park Elopement Image | Once they were ready, the two went for a stroll in the park

Once they were ready, the two went for a stroll in the park together, surrounded by flowers. The groom did his part to help the bride by carrying her train for her.

Oranjewoud, NL wedding image - the privacy made for intimate and romantic atmosphere

Oranjewoud, NL Elopement Picture | the privacy certainly made for a more intimate and romantic atmosphere

While this wedding may have ended up smaller than originally planned, the privacy certainly made for a more intimate and romantic atmosphere, and the couple took every chance to be close to one another.

COVID 19 Netherlands Wedding image from below - a peek under the chairs at city hall

Joure, NL Elopement Photography | Kids will be kids, and I love that they get the chance to just be silly

Kids will be kids, and I love that they get the chance to just be silly and have fun no matter where they are. Taking a peek under the chairs where the bride and groom sit, we can see a young boy having fun as he plays on the carpet.

Netherlands wedding photo before the surprise for their teacher on her wedding day

Netherlands Elopement Photos | The entirety of her class, Group 3, all around six years old, decided to surprise their teacher on her wedding day

Not all surprises are bad, as was proven by Marije’s kindergarten students. The entirety of her class, Group 3, all around six years old, decided to surprise their teacher on her wedding day by making a movie together for her and the groom to watch.

Netherlands wedding Ceremony photo of two young ring bearers at city hall

Netherlands Elopement Ceremony Images | The two young ring bearers, having fulfilled their duties

The two young ring bearers, having fulfilled their duties, take a good look up close as the bride and groom put the wedding rings on each other’s fingers.

NL wedding Marriage photo of the groom signing the official license at city hall

NL Elopement Marriage Images | the groom signs the marriage license

One young boy, with his head in his hand and elbow on the table, seems to be thinking, “Yep, those autographs are really boring,” as the groom signs the marriage license.

NL City Hall wedding image taken after leaving the city hall - all of her students were waiting

NL Elopement City Hall Photographer | upon leaving the city hall after the ceremony, all of her students were waiting for the newlyweds

Not only was Marije surprised by the movie her students made for her, but upon leaving the city hall after the ceremony, all of her students were waiting for the newlyweds to celebrate their arrival with music and balloons.