Sharon and Sander infront of their wedding VW campervan

Sharon and Sander met in 2017. “I was moving our store from the old building to the new building down the street,” says Sharon. “Across the street was an old colleague with a friend of his, Sander. We chatted and that was our first meeting. Then, during 2018, things became more serious and on 12th May 2018, the sparks really flew. It really felt like a fairytale, indescribable, very special!”

Sharon on her wedding day in her WED2B wedding dress

A proposal with a view

Sander proposed in September 2020, while the couple were on holiday in Maastricht/Valkenburg. “We were on top of the ruins of Valkenburg,” says Sharon. “We had a beautiful view and there were no other people around. Sander asked if I wanted to take a picture and when I turned around he was on one knee, with a nice ring in hand! I had expected it at some point, but it still came unexpectedly at that moment and at that place. It was fantastic.”

Sander on his and Sharon's wedding day

A change of plans

Sharon initially participated in a Dutch TV program and selected a wedding dress with TV presenter Wendy van Dijk. “Because of this I was tied to a bridal shop that I was given,” she says. “I thought that was a shame, because I had already found WED2B on the internet myself. Then, due to Covid, our wedding was moved to 2022 and by then I was also expecting a baby. Because of this, I no longer fitted the dress I had picked out with Wendy.”

Sharon and Sander embracing on their wedding day

Shopping for a new wedding dress

“I thought, now I can go to WED2B, which was always my first choice,” says Sharon. “At WED2B the staff were great, very understanding and showed a lot of interest in the wedding day, but also in the pregnancy. Against my expectations I even had a choice of three dresses, despite my pregnant belly. "

“In the end, I chose the first dress I tried on, Mindy. There appeared to be minor damage to the dress, but the employee did everything he could to get the same type/size dress from another store and he succeeded! I was very happy with WED2B and would recommend it to everyone.”

Sander looking at his new wife

“I chose Mindy because I love all things glitter, so this dress really stood out for me,” says Sharon. “The skirt flares out, so it fell very nicely over my tummy. The dress was beautiful and had a lot of volume, yet it didn't feel heavy. I could move nicely in it and felt like a princess.”

(For similar styles try Celena, Sutton and Emerson)

Sharon and Sander at their fairytale wedding

A fairytale wedding venue

The couple married at ‘t Losse Hoes in Holten. “We got a tip about it from a friend,” says Sharon. “It’s a hotel set in a forest and we were immediately very enthusiastic about it. The atmosphere and appearance are a bit fairytale-like and that suited us. We got married on 25th May 2022 and celebrated the day from start to finish at this beautiful location.”

Sharon and Sander showcasing their wedding rings

The big day

“I got ready at home and Sander left for his parents early in the morning to get ready there,” says Sharon. “The hairdresser/makeup artist came to us, so luckily there was no stress. My mother and sister-in-law helped me put on my dress. The weather was perfect, the temperature was nice and it was slightly cloudy, which looked really great in the photos.”

“During the ceremony, my father gave me away. The official's speech was very beautiful and personal, with the highlight being the rings moment. The rings were brought in by our dog, a labradoodle called Noa.”

Sharon and Sander holding hands at their picturesque venue

The afterparty

“After the ceremony it was time for a toast,” says Sharon. “We didn’t have a traditional wedding cake, instead we had a sweet table with all kinds of sweet things. During the ceremony and the toast there was also live music by 2-Fine (two ladies) and we had many compliments on this. Everything was well planned and that made it feel very chilled. During the drinks we took group photos and that was also very relaxed.”

Sharon and Sander cutting their wedding cake

Whites, rosé and golds

The theme was white, rosé and gold. “Calm, stylish colours that were everywhere in the furnishings and decoration,” says Sharon. “My husband is a huge barbecue fan, so when we heard that this was one of the options for dinner, the choice was made quickly!”

"We are also both musical and, because of that, we immediately knew there had to be a live band. Sander knows many bands and saw a band once, years ago and has always said, ‘If I ever get married, they should come and play’. Luckily The Piano House were available on our date, so this made the day complete.”

Sharon and Sander's first kiss as husband and wife

The best bits…

“The ceremony, definitely,” says Sharon. “The official made it such a beautiful, personal story. Tissues were necessary! The rest of the day was great too, but she managed to hit a nerve for both of us.”

My top tips…

“We had an external master of ceremonies during our wedding,” says Sharon. “This meant that all our guests were able to enjoy the day to the fullest. There wasn’t a single moment when our guests were ‘arranging’. This was a real plus point for us.”

Sharon and Sander’s Dream Team

Photographer: Hovik Media

Fairytale wedding venue: ‘T Losse Hoes

Wedding dresses Netherlands: WED2B

Master of Ceremonies: Puur Trowen

Videographer: Luxury Wedding Film

Hair & Make-up: Ivonne Martinez Bridal Styling & Makeup

Live music during the day: 2-Fine

Band: The Piano House

If you would like us to feature your big day, like this fairytale 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 in the Netherlands