I still remember when Berry and Sylvia came by to talk about their wedding, their planes and of course the wedding reportage. Two young people, happy and engaged to make a memorable day.
Indeed it was! The day started early and Sylvia looked ready to rock. Sylvia’s mother Huib offered me something to drink and as she saw me taking photos of details, she pointed out some other ones, those sorts of details only perceived by mothers. They know EVERYTHING and all the little particular things, reading your mind! They always offer you that other perspective, a certain look filled with love. So do children!
Sylvia’s little niece Lisa was a sweetheart. I can imagine what comes to a child’s mind at that moment, their shining eyes perplexed by the white dress. This wonder, this excitement of the first time!! Magical, priceless. Sylvia asked Lisa to show me the dress – I would even dare to say that Sylvia “created” this photo, just like she knew what it was about to happen.
I’ve seen similar photos. The charm here lays in the fact of being there – to experience wonder in its pure form!! How amazing! Life is made by little moments where we are blessed to be merely spectators.
Inside the dress…
It was time to photograph Berry. When I arrived to his parent’s house and introduced myself to his mother Lia, she told me “Berry does not want to wear the tie”!! Have I said mother’s know EVERYTHING? Yes, they do!
At that point, I haven’t even thought of what to say something or when. Funny enough and very appropriated, when shooting the suit, he mentioned to remove the tie from the composition.
Probably I said “Berryyyyyy” very loud and emphatic, dramatic Helen on her solo act – which seemed to work… I am Brazilian after all, just realize my over-the-top reactions after some days 😉 but please believe me that they are all full of love and appreciation!
I love this one too…
There he comes! The first look of the bride and groom … then time to go!
Wasn’t she stunning?
The wedding ceremony would take place at the Lighthouse in Marken; together with family and close friends we departure from Volendam on board the Vriendschap.
Happiness…
Surrounded by stunning views of the water, we were blessed by an amazing blue sky above us!
Magical…
Liliane Spijker conducted the ceremony, in a very spontaneous and lovely way. An intimate wedding ceremony. It was also very emotional as Sylvia’s father was no longer with us…
I don’t understand why things happen the way they happen… Maybe all I can say is that he was very proud to see his daughter happy and beautiful and to see them both, Berry and Sylvia, engaging in a life together.
There was something unexplainable in the air, as we move from one place to another, the rain seamed to run away from us wherever we were. After all, I feel that her father Kleine Jan was with us all along, blessing us through the day and giving us the perfect conditions for beautiful photographs!
After the ceremony, we had plenty of time for photos. Sylvia was glamorous and shining top to bottom!
Berry looked extraordinarily dapper, both on a gorgeous spring day in the Purmerbos…
Both in love, so light, so free…
At night, they celebrated with friends and family at the Hotel Volendam. Juliana and I engaged to do a slide show presentation as requested by the bride and groom long ago.
Difficult was to choose fast enough between so many beautiful photos, not to mention our tears meanwhile we edited and synchronised the video with the song If You Love Someone by Jason Mraz, chosen by the couple. Seriously, we sob (many times). This is their reaction:
Sylvia and Berry, my heart overflows with love for you both. Your love makes the world a better place. I’m honored to have documented your first day as husband and wife. I am thankful to have been invited into your lives. I wish you a prosper long life filled with love and health.
*Special thanks to the amazing Juliana Celotti for the assistance and photographs, for our tears together, for our laughs, for driving us crazily and fast enough! Love you median! Many thanks to Liliane and the team at the Hotel Volendam.
These photos were made so you can be transported to their beautiful day, so you can feel the emotion once again, if you were there. I hope they reached their purpose, and please leave a comment if they did so.
Helen Navajas
Helen Navajas 