Michelle and Wesley:
My very first wedding! And what a wedding it was!
Michelle and Wesley are a beautiful, sweet, and fun young couple. When I met them during lunch, I immediately noticed that these two wonderful people were made for each other!
During the preparation process, I was incredibly grateful to them for allowing me to “practice” on them, and I thought it was really amazing that they were giving me the chance to coordinate their wedding and help plan this day.
Full of adrenaline, I stood out of bed at 5:00 AM to head towards Lopikerkapel; M&W had chosen the Klein Scheveningen venue. Upon arrival, I immediately told the staff that this was my first wedding, that I was nervous, and asked if they would give me immediate feedback if needed.
I started with the styling; we were unsure about the weather… It was a bit grey, and even though it was summer, the sun wasn’t showing itself, so I had to make a choice. The ceremony on the beach or indoors.
I went to get a coffee on the beach and decided that we would go inside—what a letdown!
Together with the venue, we ensure that we create a somewhat dark atmosphere that feels romantic thanks to the lighting and candles.
Once the ceremony setup is ready, I start styling the dinner tables. After the ceremony, the guests and the bridal couple move to another spot on the venue, allowing me to set up three areas before the guests arrive.
The bridal couple makes their appearance! He in a stunning wedding car, she under the wings of her mother. I swallow hard when I see Michelle walking towards me. She is beautiful! The realization that I get to do this almost makes me wipe away a tear, but it also gives me even more adrenaline.
This is the moment for me to be there for the bridal couple, the moment this day is about to begin! We are going to do this! I don’t know how; I have prepared everything, and I realize that now I have to rely on my hostess skills, my years of experience in the hospitality industry, the preparations we went through together, and the wishes of the bridal couple. THIS IS IT! It is going to happen!
The guests arrive; I escort them to their seats. I hear oohs and ahs. Phew, they think the setting is beautiful! I hand out bubble blowers and quickly check with the photographer to see if the setting is okay for the photos too. After changing a few settings, she is completely ready as well.
Music starts… I walk quickly over to Wesley and his mother, trying not to pass on the nerves I have to him… I tell him: Breathe in… Breathe out… And join in yourself, this is your moment! You can walk NOW!
And off he goes! I run to Michelle and her father, help her with her dress, have her stand still, and quickly check if Wesley has arrived at his spot—change music now! I run back to Michelle, lift her dress, and tell her she can start walking NOW.
I forget to walk out of the photographer’s sight after letting go of the dress… I am still standing behind Michelle. I am moved by this moment and suddenly realize I have to get out of here!
I take three steps to the side so I am out of the shot, and then the tears come. Holy shit! We have been looking forward to this for almost a year!
I don’t have much time to dwell on this; I have to style the toast moment, and suddenly I see the sun coming out. Could they have gotten married outside after all? But no, the wind is cold; that wouldn’t have been pleasant for anyone by the water. Don’t think about it too long; everyone is warm inside.
After the ceremony is over, I show Michelle and Wesley to their seats in the restaurant to catch my breath, hand them a strong drink, and realize that I wouldn’t mind one myself. But the guests still need to be informed. I finish my speech, tell the guests what to expect from the day, and escort them to the toast.
Slowly, I can relax a bit more myself; everything is ready, the most nerve-wracking moment has passed. I raise a glass along with everyone!
After dinner, I welcome the evening guests; a small number have joined, making the atmosphere intimate, relaxed, and very cozy!
The party is a success, just like the day; beautiful photos are even taken in the evening!
Satisfied, the day draws to a close. I am over the moon and totally overwhelmed that this went so well!
Many guests told me they didn’t realize this was my first wedding.
Satisfied and with a dose of confidence, I crawl into bed!