We are continuing our destination exploration today with a stopover in, Nijmegen, the oldest city in the Netherlands, where we meet up with a team of creative local wedding experts who create some serious autumn magic in a historical medieval castle. You will not want to miss these stunning images captured by Marscha van Druuten of Odiza Photography
Speaking with event planner and co-stylist, Nailia Yermakova of Best Day Ever Events, she explains: "Typically the best time of year for a wedding in the Netherlands, is Summer and Spring where the temperatures are warmer, but we wanted to show how beautiful our country can be in the early stages of Autumn." Nailia and the team set about designing this styled shoot around key ingredients such as; rich colours, the warmth of the fire, luxurious blooms and decadent feasting platters, that when put together created that rich, comforting and luxurious feel that cooler weather and the kiss of Autumn brings.
The team chose to meld the historical ambience of the estate with the modern rustic natural timber pieces from the hire collection of Happy Vintage, to heighten the feeling of raw warmth and comfort that emanated from the venue. The addition of crisp linens in neutral shades lightened the tone while the selections of blooms from Bloemen Bruiloften & Events picked out the rich warm tones that danced in the medieval fireplace and brought them tumbling across the tablescape.
The venue 'Slot Doddendael' is a medieval castle, located near Nijmegen (Gelderland) in the beautiful Land of Maas and Waal. This idyllic estate come complete with its own moat, bulrushes and a history dating back to the thirteen hundreds. Having been through the Eight Years War, countless fires and numerous restorations, Castle Doddendael has been loving restored to its former glory and the owners Fabiënne Braam and her husband Jan Willem 't Hooft manage the estate that and are able to cater for weddings and events with up to six hundred and fifty guests. This property is truly unique offering guest a mix of rich history, breathtaking vistas and a menu with modern and classic choices that makes our mouth water!
Thari, the teams stunning bride was simply glowing as she had her hair and makeup done by Urmila Singh of The Bridal Artist. The completed bridal look featured a classic makeup palette with smokey eyes and a bold red lip and softly swept back updo that framed her face with just a touch of sparkle with the addition of a delicate headpiece. The modern simplicity of Thari's gown from La Donna was accentuated with the a stunning lace bodice reminiscent of medieval stained glass and a flowing skirt we can not help but liken to the storybook like waters of the castles moat. Thari was truly the perfect epitome of an elegant modern princess.
Not to be outdone, Rob the teams dapper groom was styled in suit from Rietbergh, in a gunmetal grey shade with a wide fine lined light grey check, paired with a playful grey floral motif bow tie and a twist on the tradition buttonhole, with a floral pocket square created from florals that also featured in the brides bouquet and we must say we are quite taken with the look!
Stationery for the day was created by Ik Blijf je Trouw and featured a modern yet slightly rustic design with a stylised hand drawn botanical element and natural paper and cardstocks that complimented the earthy and warm aesthetic of the shoot.
Our favourite details of this stunning styled session was the spectacular dessert table by The Little Cupcake Shop and the gorgeously detailed tablescape collectively styled by Best Day Ever Events and Happy Vintage with styling assistance from Lola Land. Our eyes are constantly drawn back to the details, from the linens to the blush toned candles that danced in time to the crackling fire in the background and the trailing floral elements that added that final whimsical and romantic note that set our imaginations soaring.
We invite you to sit back and relax as you enjoy the images from this incredible shoot and let us know what your favourite moment is, and don't forget to check out the list of vendors below and follow the links to discover some serious talent and inspiration for your big day!
meet the team:
Photography: Odiza Photography
Venue: Slot Doddendael
Floral Design: Bloemen Bruiloften & Events
Event Planner & Co Stylist: Best Day Ever Events
Hire Items & Co Stylist: Happy Vintage
Assistant Stylist: Lola Land
Stationery: Ik Blijf je Trouw
Cake Artist: The Little Cupcake Shop
Bride: Thari Hammer van den Heuvel
Hair & Makeup Artist: The Bridal Artist
Bridal Couture: La Donna
Groom: Rob Hammer
Grooms Attire: Rietbergh
