WEDDING BLOG

Katie and Brian didn’t plan to meet in Amsterdam, and they definitely didn’t expect that a few shared days there would turn into a relationship spanning years, cities, and countless flights. Looking back, though, it makes sense that their story would lead them back to the same place for their wedding.

They met in June 2015 after a mix of timing and coincidence placed them in the same apartment. Katie was studying abroad and needed a place to stay, while Brian was traveling and staying with a mutual friend who would later officiate their wedding. They kept in touch after returning to the US, and a year later, Brian tracked down Katie after realizing he had saved the wrong number. Their first date in Santa Monica picked up where they left off. Years of long-distance and major life shifts followed, until an unexpected opportunity brought them back to Amsterdam to start their next chapter together.

What We Love About This Amsterdam Wedding:

• A canal boat cocktail hour that gave guests a completely different view of the city
• A color palette inspired by Amsterdam’s brick, water reflections, and greenery
• A wedding weekend built around places that mattered to their relationship
• A spiced cake that honored Brian’s childhood traditions
• A first dance that turned into a full singalong with their closest friends

Making the Most of a Destination Wedding Through Multiple Events

With guests traveling from different parts of the world, Katie and Brian wanted their wedding to feel like more than just one day.

They started with a rehearsal dinner at De Durgerdam, a quiet waterfront hotel outside the city, where guests spent time swimming, relaxing, and listening to speeches. The following day, they hosted a welcome gathering at Brouwerij ‘t IJ, a place tied to their earliest memories together, complete with burgers, beer, and local snacks.

They also organized optional activities throughout the week, including museum visits and neighborhood strolls, giving guests a chance to experience Amsterdam the way they do. “If I were to do it all over again, this would be my north star—to root every decision in your guests getting to know your story better.”

Featured Vendor:
Liefste Dag

Blending Meaningful Traditions With Personal Choices

Throughout the day, Katie and Brian balanced emotional moments with light, personal touches.

Their ceremony included a private ring-warming with Katie’s grandparents, who shared wisdom from their 60-year marriage. Their officiant, who had introduced them years earlier, told their story from a deeply personal perspective.

Later that evening, the tone shifted. Their first dance was set to “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes, their go-to karaoke song. “We were singing, jumping up and down, surrounded by friends. It was an organic moment of shared joy.”

Breaking Away From a Traditional Wedding Timeline

After the ceremony, Katie and Brian shifted the flow of the day in a way that felt completely true to the setting. Instead of a standard cocktail hour, they brought their guests onto canal boats waiting just outside their venue. “There is no better way to take in the city than by stepping onto a boat,” they said.

Guests cruised through the canals while enjoying drinks and even cutting the wedding cake along the way. With two boats in motion, Katie and Brian switched halfway through to spend time with everyone, creating a moment that was equal parts memorable and chaotic in the best way.

Created a Cohesive Look Using the Location as Inspiration

From the beginning, Katie and Brian wanted their Amsterdam wedding to reflect the city itself rather than follow a traditional theme. “Our design elements were focused entirely on toasting the city—the shimmer of light that hits the canals, the cozy atmosphere, and the city’s unique architecture.”

Their color palette drew from deep brick tones, warm neutrals, metallic accents, and greenery. Bridesmaids chose their own dresses within that range, resulting in a look that felt layered and natural, much like the city around them.

Letting the location guide your design can make everything feel more cohesive, especially for destination weddings where the setting already offers so much inspiration.

Why Hiring a Local Planner Matters for Destination Weddings

Planning a wedding while coordinating an international move wasn’t exactly ideal, but Katie and Brian knew they needed support on the ground.

“We hadn’t yet moved to Amsterdam, so our first step was to identify a planner who knew the city well and could help us navigate while still living in the US,” they said.

That decision made all the difference. With their local planner guiding the process, they were able to translate their story into a weekend that felt intentional and rooted in place.

For couples planning from afar, their experience is a clear takeaway: having someone local who understands the logistics and the culture can take a huge amount of pressure off your shoulders.

Prioritizing Comfort and Trust When Choosing a Vendor Team

When building their vendor team, Katie and Brian focused less on style alone and more on how each vendor would make them feel during the day.

“The key for us was finding partners who made us feel comfortable, ourselves, and could capture the feeling of the moments without feeling like they were participating.” 

That mindset led them to a team that allowed them to fully experience each part of the celebration. Their photographer and videographer captured everything naturally, while their band delivered the kind of energy Brian had envisioned from the start.

What Couples Should Focus on Most During Their Wedding

Katie and Brian’s Amsterdam wedding was a chance to return to where everything started and share that story with the people who matter most. From canal-side moments to carefully chosen locations across the city, every part of the weekend gave their guests a deeper understanding of their journey.

Their advice is simple: “Remember, at your wedding, you are the guests of honor, not the hosts. Maintain focus on your partner and don’t leave each other’s sides.”

And if there’s one takeaway from their experience, it’s this: the more your wedding reflects your real story, the more meaningful it becomes for everyone who gets to be part of it.