Karen and Georg met in 2014 in Groningen. “We met in a nice pub at an afternoon drink,” says Karen. “I was immediately impressed but it took almost 10 months before we got into a relationship. Our first date was when we went for a special beer and then Georg joined us for squash.”

bride wearing sheath wedding dress walking through forest with groom

A holiday proposal

Georg proposed in 2021, after six and a half years together. “We were on holiday in Mykonos and Santorini,” says Karen. “We went to the beach every day and ate out at the most beautiful places with the best views at night.”

"On 24th June we went to a restaurant that Georg had booked. When we got there, we were escorted to the sun deck to watch the sunset. With a cocktail in hand, we sat there comfortably, until Georg became restless. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a waiter filming us. Then I knew something was about to happen! After the proposal, we had dinner at a decorated table, with champagne and everything. Later we went back to the hotel to freshen up before going out and dancing all night, screaming at people that we were just engaged. This suited us and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way."

bride wearing sheath wedding dress and veil looking out window

Shopping for the dress

“I went to WED2B’s Arnhem store with my mum,” says Karen. “Just to see what was there and how far in advance you had to order a dress. Una was the second dress I tried and I couldn’t get it out of my head after that. My sister, mother and best friend went with me that weekend to look at dresses in Eindhoven, where there was also a WED2B. I tried on a lot of dresses but I didn’t like anything as much as this dress!”

bride and groom embracing

“I really liked the square neckline and the buttons in the back,” says Karen. “My boyfriend loves my bottom and it looked good in this style. As you can see from the pictures, I also like his bottom in a good suit!”

An evening wedding ceremony

The couple married at Parkhotel Hugo de Vries in Lunteren. “We wanted a wedding venue where you could stay overnight and where 110 guests could attend the ceremony,” says Karen. “In fact, we had an evening wedding ceremony, so that all the guests could attend, as we felt that was most important. We got married on 3rd September 2022 and then went to Bali on honeymoon. I just can’t believe it’s already over!”

Bride and groom kissing in a forest

The big day

“I got ready with my girlfriends, sister and mother at the venue with three hairdressers,” says Karen. “Then we had the first look with 30 guests before we were off in two covered wagons to the forest. There, at a perfectly decorated picnic spot, we cut the wedding cake and drank champagne.”

“It was so atmospheric in the shade of a big tree with candles and small tables,” says Karen. “Then we went to take photos while the guests could check in. Upon returning, 25 more friends joined us for an early dinner. After dinner and a quick freshen-up we had the ceremony during the ‘golden hour’. In terms of weather, it was really perfect!”

Partying into the night

“We both dance salsa and bachata, so we dressed quickly for the spectacular first dance. We did a mix of bachata and salsa dancing to a song by Ed Sheeran and Camila Cabello. We’re not really a sentimental couple, so it was a good party song!”

“Then the party went wild,” says Karen. “There was a band and we even crowd surfed. The band had also rehearsed my favourite song, which really was awesome!”

Bride and groom popping a bottle of champagne smiling

Dress to impress

“Our favourite colour is blue and we love dressing up, there’s no such thing as being overdressed,” says Karen. “So, the dress code was 'glitter, glam and tight suits'. We said, 'just go wild' and they did! Most of the day guests had two outfits. It was so cool to see our parents in full costume too. The dance floor was like a big disco ball."

Bride and groom with arms around each other smiling walking into the woods

“During the party, we served lots of snacks because we had eaten early,” says Karen. “There was also a date night ideas box (because we have a date night every week) instead of a guest book and a photo corner with a photographer instead of a photo booth. Such cool outfits needed to be captured properly, of course! We also had a band, Coverband Flavour, and they made it such an amazing party. They were really great.”

Groom holding bouquet of cream roses kissing bride

The best bits…

“My parents took salsa lessons especially for our wedding,” says Karen. “So, one of the best moments was while we were waiting to go into the ceremony and I stood with my father in the hallway practising our dance moves. We also found the vows very exciting and beautiful. The opening dance was really cool, with all kinds of dips and a backflip. I think we left an impression!”

My top tips…

“Choose a venue that you like both inside and out,” says Karen. “Don’t do formal congratulations, but go around the venue yourself. Finally, bear in mind that your dress will get dirty, don’t worry about it!”

Karen and Georg’s Dream Team

Photographer: Jisca Photography

Venue: Hugo de Vries Hotel

Weding dresses Arnhem: WED2B

Cake: Cake Confetti

Florist: Happy Chic florals

Groom’s Suit: Micheal Giso

Entertainment: Coverband Flavour

Videographer: Cinecrush

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this evening wedding ceremony, then please click here to share your story and photos with us and we’ll be in touch. Your nearest WED2B is closer than you think, click here for your nearest store and here for what to expect when you visit.