Wedding proposal in Abu Dhabi

On December 18, 2022, Johan proposed to his great love Isabel while they were traveling together in Abu Dhabi. The location was magical, the moment intimate; it was a beautiful beginning to their new chapter together!

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan -* *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Starting early is half the battle

After their engagement, Isabel and Johan immediately began planning their wedding. Isabel shares their golden tip: “Start early by booking your venue. Once you have that, everything else falls into place smoothly.” They booked Hof Ten Damme a full fifteen months in advance, and they haven't regretted it for a second.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

The stylish domain of Hof Ten Damme in Kallo hit the mark: an elegant venue with professional guidance, quick and transparent communication, and delightful cuisine. Isabel says: “From start to finish, everything was arranged very professionally. The communication was clear, there were no hidden costs, and the in-house catering was fantastic and flexible with adjustments for our vegetarian guests.”

Leaving nothing to chance

Isabel left nothing to chance beforehand: she arranged for a trial hairstyle and makeup at her artist, and even a trial ‘tan’ at Glow in Berlaar. Her tip: “Definitely do a trial for these things, including your tanning_! This way, you know exactly what beautiful color your skin will get, and your_ bridal tan will be perfect.”

Isabel found her dream dress, a gown from the Rosa Clará Couture collection, at JPC Collection in Antwerp. She completed her look with stylish shoes from the same store.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan -* *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Johan opted for a dark blue tailcoat, rented at Vanwynsberghe in Kuurne. Their groomsmen also wore dark blue tailcoats from Vanwynsberghe, for a beautifully coordinated, classic, and stylish ensemble.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Getting ready with confidence

On April 27, 2024, after all the preparations, the big day finally arrived. Isabel and Johan's wedding morning began peacefully. Femke from Femme Beauty did Isabel and her bridesmaids' hair and makeup. “Femke was right on time, worked calmly, and made sure everyone felt good,” shares Isabel.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Isabel and Johan were joined by their closest family and friends while getting ready at home. They shared a first glass of bubbly together before heading to the church in Rijmenam.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Personal mass in Rijmenam

The church wedding ceremony took place in a warm atmosphere full of meaning. Isabel shares: “It was a very beautiful and personal service, expertly guided by deacon Kris Somers.”

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

The master of ceremonies, Dirk Van Bogaert, also contributed to the smooth flow of this moment and the rest of the day. Isabel: “Our ceremony master Dirk had a very professional approach. The added value he provided on our wedding day cannot be underestimated.”

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan - Foto’s: POV camera*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan -* *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Live music by Gene Thomas

The musical accompaniment of the church ceremony was provided by none other than Gene Thomas, who added an extra dimension to the ceremony with his voice and songs. The most memorable moment of Isabel and Johan’s wedding day was undoubtedly the end of the service. Isabel recalls: “Everyone sang along with Gene Thomas to ‘On and On’ . It was truly a goosebump moment that we will never forget.”

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan -* *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Champagne bar at the church

After the ceremony, guests were greeted by De Bubbelbar, a mobile champagne bar providing a festive start to the afternoon. Isabel and Johan rented the bar for an hour; for an original, stylish, and practical reception right after the church wedding.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Photoshoot with Philippe Swiggers

Photographer Philippe Swiggers captured every moment of the day with precision and feeling. Isabel explains: “We found our wedding photographer through House of Weddings and had a great connection with Philippe from the first contact. We immediately felt we were on the same page. Philippe perfectly understood what was important to us, and you can see that in the photos. It was a very pleasant collaboration.”

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan -* *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan -* *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Delicious dinner at Hof Ten Damme

In the evening, the celebration really kicked off at Hof Ten Damme. The catering was handled by the venue itself and received high scores from the guests. The tables were elegantly set, and the organization ran smoothly. Isabel shares: “Everything went as desired and the food was super tasty!”

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Worry-free honeymoon

After their wonderful and more than successful wedding day, Isabel and Johan left for a relaxing honeymoon, arranged by travel agency Tooku via their travel bureau AVD Travel Mechelen. “We didn’t choose the cheapest package, but everything was in order and perfectly arranged. We didn’t have to do anything ourselves and could fully enjoy the entire trip.”, smiles Isabel.

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Top tips from Isabel & Johan

Isabel and Johan share some top tips for engaged couples:

“Start looking for your venue in good time. Once you have that secured, one of the most important things is already arranged.”

We had no unpleasant surprises; everything went smoothly. We highly recommend hiring a master of ceremonies to everyone, as they take a lot off your hands and play a crucial role in timing. On the day itself, it really makes a difference.”

Take your time choosing your wedding dress. Let it sink in and don’t buy too early, as new beautiful collections arrive every year. Also, consider potential alteration costs.”

Plan trial sessions for your makeup, hair, and tanning - to avoid surprises.”

*Real Wedding: Isabel & Johan* - *Fotograaf: Philippe Swiggers*

Congratulations, Isabel and Johan! We wish you much love and happiness in the future!

Do you also want to be supported by reliable and quality wedding suppliers? Book them now via House of Weddings.

Venue & catering: Hof Ten Damme / Photographer: Philippe Swiggers / Wedding dress: JPC Collection (brand: Rosa Clará Couture) / Wedding suit: Vanwynsberghe / Shoes: JPC Collection / Jewelry: Maes Mechelen / Champagne bar: De Bubbelbar / Ceremony master: Dirk Van Bogaert / Live music: Gene Thomas / Makeup & hair: Femme Beauty / Tanning: Glow / Printing: Augustynen Putte / Honeymoon: Tooku via AVD Travel Mechelen

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