Forest wedding in The Netherlands

Getting married in the woods at Domain Oud Groevenbeek

I receive a lot of mail from lovely bridal couples who are looking for a photographer for their big day. A while ago I received a very special email from two lovely people named Marleen and Lennard. The message stood out because of the short but powerful title “we’re looking for a wedding photographer because we want to get married in the forest in The Netherlands”. I love the forest and nature, so I was triggered.

“Sleepover with all the guests in a Jugendstil Villa”

Marleen and Lennard chose Domain Oud Groevenbeek as their wedding location. This would become the place where both the bridal couple and their guests would stay for an entire weekend. In a fully renovated Jugendstil villa on the domain. Because this accommodation was fully rented by Marleen and Lennard, all day guests were able to stay overnight. The villa that belongs to Domain Oud Groevenbeek is surrounded by nature. You think you’re in the middle of nowhere and that is exactly what makes this location so suitable for a wedding. Therefore, Marleen and Lennard have made an excellent choice.

“Weddings and ties…”

For the “getting ready”, Marleen and Lennard retired to separate suites on the first floor of the impressive Jugendstil villa. The maid’s room was on the right side of the stairs while the suite on the left side of the stairs was temporarily transformed into a man cave. Both Lennard and Marleen stayed here in front of their friends. Lennard’s Michael & Giso wedding suit was breathtakingly beautiful. His father helped him get dressed. He later got this help back when they helped each other with their ties. Weddings and ties belong together. I like this as a wedding photographer, because the “tie moment” produces great pictures.

“The most beautiful gift was actually a fact 2 weeks before the wedding”

Marleen wore an incredibly beautiful Alexander Grecco dress. A purchase she made at one of the most beautiful bridal shops in the Netherlands, Wild At Heart Bridal. The supple fabric with beautiful details on the back matched her look and feminine curves perfectly. Speaking of that, 2 weeks before the wedding, Marleen discovered she was pregnant. So the most beautiful wedding gift was already a fact. Because nobody was aware of the pregnancy yet, Marleen was given alcohol-free drinks from the master of ceremonies during the day. This was incidentally done very unobtrusive and subtle.

Before the big day starts, I always discuss with the bridal couple whether they want to experience “the first look” alone or in front of the guests. The first look is the moment when the bride and groom see each other for the first time. Marleen and Lennard chose a moment with guests. Everyone was allowed to know how much they love each other.

“I always make sure that you’re busy with each other instead of with me as a photographer”

Both the driveway and the forest around Domain Oud Groevenbeek are impressive and large. A perfect backdrop for a fantastic photoshoot. The moment of the shoot is always special. Especially for the bridal couple. You have the time to speak nice words to each other, to admire your brand new husband or to have a relaxed laugh. I always try to make it a party, because, in the end, that’s what it is.

During the shoot, I give some handy directions but I always make sure that you’re busy with each other instead of with me. You should see a photoshoot as a lovely walk with a hug and a few nice moments. Over-posed pictures or directed poses are not my kind of thing. Taking photos with flow and movement does. Marleen and Lennard also had no experience with photoshoots. Yet they look relaxed and beautiful. I love it and I hope you do too!

“I am touched by pure words that come straight from the heart”

Meanwhile, the wedding ceremony in the forest was about to begin. This was led by Annemarie Brunning. She had prepared a very personal story in which interaction with guests was central. Often a ceremony is one-sided and guests are hardly or never really involved. The added interactive element kept all guests captivated and once again lots of laughter.

During the vows, it seemed as if Marleen and Lennard were on another planet for a while. Personal and loving words have been spoken, in which I also sometimes secretly shed a tear from behind my camera. That’s because I’m touched by pure words that seem to come straight from the heart.

“Weddings in the woods with perfect catering and styling”

When the reception started, all the guests walked towards a black wooden shed. The cakes of “De Bakbar” were waiting here. The cakes were breathtakingly beautiful and tasted heavenly. Marleen and Lennard’s wedding was arranged by “Trouwen in het Bos”. They create forest weddings complete with catering, good stretch tents, atmospheric lighting, the most beautiful flowers and the most romantic styling.

Do you want to get married in the forest and also have dinner? You can! Marleen and Lennard also chose this option. There was a long beautiful styled dining table and a stationary with the most delicious and fresh food. A good base for the party that was planned in the tent later that evening.

I also want to a shout-out to Micha, videographer and the face behind Bluebeard Media. I have been able to work with him a number of times and it’s always a party. In addition to being fun, Micha is also professional and very good at what he does. Click here to see a sneak preview of his work.