- Secret wedding: They just eloped….. - september 16, 2025
- All the way from Japan….. - augustus 29, 2025
- Welkom op deze wereld - januari 21, 2025
A delicate, beautiful Japanese bride and her typically Dutch, towering groom. They exchanged vows at Cannenburch Castle, beautifully situated in the Veluwe forests around the village of Vaassen.
A romantic place to get married, in the peaceful, historic setting of that castle, situated in a rural area.
The bride, barely five feet tall, and her sweet, tall groom.
It was a lovely, intimate ceremony with a small group of guests. His family, as Dutch as they could be. Hers flew straight from Japan. It was their first time in the Netherlands. But with a sweet and beautiful reason: To attend their daughter’s wedding.They didn’t speak a word of English, let alone Dutch. Only Japanese. At the bridal couple’s request, the entire ceremony, including the solemn part, would be in English, with a few Dutch segments here and there.
Using modern digital technologies, I was able to translate the entire ceremony into Japanese. This way, her family could follow it all in their OWN language! Japanese!
How laughter was shared at just the right moments, whenever the occasion arose. My interpretation of that special love between their daughter and their Dutch son-in-law, who had actually come to Japan to get to know the country better. But, during one of the first days of his stay, he fell head over heels in love with their beautiful Japanese daughter.
It was a fairy tale, their daughter’s fairy tale, the ins and outs of which even they hadn’t yet learned. They visibly (and audibly) enjoyed it; For me, that was such a rewarding experience! Simply beautiful to see. Throughout the ceremony, the Dutch guests learned more and more about the bride’s country of origin. It made it all the more intimate. And with the sun shining even brighter during their vows, everything came together: A Dutch fairy tale with a refined Japanese touch.
This is different,’ she had told her parents after she had first met that tall Dutch boy, this is different,
And so was the ceremony. different in a sweet way, unforgettable, intimate but above all very much about Love
After the ceremony, photos were taken on the castle steps. The love between the bride and groom was palpable. Mom and Dad from Japan thanked me profusely in that very Japanese way, bowing and giving me lots of hugs. They cherished the fact that I married their daughter to her Dutch groom with so much love.
I’ve had the privilege of officiating many special weddings for bridal couples from very different countries and religions This one will remain in my mind and heart for a long time.
What a wonderful profession I have…
Are you also planning to express your love to each other during an unforgettable ceremony? In whatever way, and in whatever language!? Check out my profile, read my many blogs, and sign up. Together we’ll create unforgettable memories!
Ria de Groot
‘For unforgettable memories’
Wedding officiant Ria de Groot
