22 Jul Woerden Castle Wedding | Woerden, The Netherlands | Vera + Jaap

Vera and Jaap invited me to capture their unique international wedding, which took place across two countries. Both are professional curlers living in the Netherlands. Vera is originally from Hungary, while Jaap, a full-time athlete, is part of the Dutch Winter Olympics curling team.
Their first celebration was held at the historic Woerden Castle (Kasteel van Woerden) in the Netherlands, a stunning venue dating back to 1410. Vera wore an elegant Daalarna wedding gown designed by Anita Benes for their special day. After getting ready, the couple exchanged vows in the atmospheric Knights’ Hall, with Jaap’s sister serving as the officiant. Following a brief opening dance, everyone moved to the terrace for the cake-cutting, where guests mingled and enjoyed the lovely ambiance. I then captured portraits of the newlyweds and group photos with their family and friends. Dinner was a lively affair, punctuated by games that made for a cheerful and memorable evening. But the celebrations didn’t end there.
The festivities continued in Hungary, where Vera, Jaap, their closest family, and friends gathered at the Rókusfalvy Estate in Etyek. This charming village near Budapest is known for its rolling vineyards and fields of lavender, creating a picturesque setting for their second ceremony. Held outdoors and officiated by one of Vera’s bridesmaids, the ceremony was blessed with perfect weather. After group photos and heartfelt congratulations from the guests, we explored the scenic venue for creative portraits of the couple.
As dusk fell, dinner was served, and this time, the celebration featured a dance floor where guests partied well into the night. It was a magical conclusion to an unforgettable two-part wedding!