Nathalie and Lars met at Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival in 2019. “I recognised him from school,” says Nathalie. “Our first date was that festival and instantly I felt at ease and that I could trust him. In the dates that followed that feeling only increased (even when I knew he was 10 years younger).”

A surprise proposal

“We had been together for almost two and a half years when he proposed, on the 14th February 2022,” says Nathalie. “It was Valentine’s Day but that was never really important to him, so it was a surprise. I went out for drinks with a friend, because she was single and didn’t want to be alone. When I returned home Lars had decorated our living room with flower petals and he got down on one knee. The friend was apparently in on this plan!”

Shopping for the dress

Nathalie visited WED2B Antwerp to find her perfect wedding dress. “I discovered WED2B through a friend. The assistants were lovely and I felt at ease. It was a ‘proper’ wedding experience and I felt like a bride. I chose Kenzie, a stunning strapless gown by Viva Bride. I loved the detailing but the best thing by far was the way the mermaid style fitted me.” (For similar styles try Kylo, Scout or Eletta)

A natural rustic venue

“We wanted to get married in just four months and found the perfect wedding venue in Bonheiden,” says Nathalie. “We loved the nature and the modern rustic style and we got married on 2nd July 2022.”

The big day

“I had four bridesmaids and we got ready at our house. Then Lars and I had our first look in a public park, where there was also a small castle. This was followed by our photoshoot and then the ceremony.”

“My father walked me down the aisle,” says Nathalie. “We created a lot of the ceremony ourselves with speeches from friends and family and a lot of personal music. One of the most special moments was my vow, where I honoured my husband’s legendary dance moves and then started dancing, while his friends joined in!”

The afterparty

Later guests enjoyed food from a selection of stylish food trucks. This was followed by a break for couple of hours before everyone headed to a dance party with a DJ in a different location. “We didn’t had a specific theme,” says Nathalie. “We had a small cake and donuts, all in white and green colours, as my husband loves donuts.”

Feeling the love

“We wanted our love to be felt by everyone there and that was definitely the case,” says Nathalie. “Everyone said afterwards that it was very personal and that they felt the love we have for each other.”

My top tips…

“Enjoy all the feelings,” says Nathalie. “Plus, don’t crowd the day (for example, get the civil wedding done the day before). Lastly, don’t clean the ceremony space yourself!”

Nathalie and Lars’s Dream Team

Photographer: Annelies Boeykens

Wedding dresses: WED2B

Food trucks: Boxel and Butlers

Makeup: Osibon

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this Antwerp wedding, 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 more details about WED2B’s bridal shops