Gown + Designer: Luna by Katherine Tash & Winona mini by Prea James 
Wedding Date: 16-09-2025
Wedding Location: Borgo Castello Panicaglia, Umbria, Italy 
Photography: ByJay - Eva Janssen
Hair & Makeup: Hair - my sister & makeup - myself 

We both lived relatively close to each other, but never crossed paths. A friend and fellow student – with whom I was living at the time – was from the same village as Glenn. We planned to celebrate Carnival there. Another friend and fellow student then contacted a friend of Glenn's. I asked her if he had any nice single friends. He sent a group photo, and Glenn was in it. He immediately made an impression, but unfortunately, he wasn't present during Carnival.

A few months passed, but Glenn remained on my mind. I didn't dare add him on social media because we didn't know each other. Back then, Instagram still had a feature where you could see what someone liked. That's how I saw that Glenn liked photos of an acquaintance – and she liked his too. I then asked if anything was going on, but she didn't know him at all.

I felt instinctively that I needed to make contact quickly, so I added him on Snapchat and sent a selfie with the text: “You have a beautiful jawline.” Soon after, I received a selfie back with the text: “Do I know you?” This was on a Friday afternoon while I was in class. The following Tuesday, he came to my place to cook for me. We've been in contact every day since.

What should a wedding dress radiate for you?

I find a romantic, feminine dress with a modern touch very beautiful. It can certainly have something sexy or a surprising detail to give it that little extra. A dress should suit you as a person, so that you shine more – not the other way around. 

Above all, I wanted to feel like myself, but just a little bit more beautiful. I didn't want to feel like the dress was 'wearing' me, but rather that it perfectly complemented my style and personality. It had to feel like I wasn't dressed up, but completely at ease. That moment when you put on the dress and everything feels right – that's what I was looking for: confidence, warmth, and a touch of magic.

Before I made an appointment, I had, of course, already looked at which designers and dresses appealed to me the most. I think the day before I made an appointment, an Instagram post went online with Katherine Tash's Luna dress, and then I knew immediately: that's it! Actually, seeing that dress gave me exactly the same feeling as when I first saw Glenn's photo. 

I didn't really have expectations and mostly let it come to me. However, I knew I'd rather go to a boutique than a large store, as I tend to get overwhelmed quickly with too many choices. The intimate and warm feeling of a boutique therefore appealed to me much more.

Still, I was a little apprehensive, because it's one of those moments where you look at yourself very critically. Of course, you want to feel beautiful, and that made me extra aware of things like how my arms would look in the dress or whether my stomach was visible. Luckily, Emma was super sweet, and so was my company, so I quickly stopped focusing on that. I mainly tried to experience how I felt in the dress and had a really fun morning. Exceeded expectations, in other words!

What made your experience at Wild At Heart so special?

There was a very pleasant, authentic, and relaxed atmosphere. I immediately felt at ease in the boutique. The selection also appealed to me: unique dresses and special designers. I didn't feel like I was 'just another bride,' but rather that I received genuine personal attention. That feeling is also reflected in the items and dresses hanging there – everywhere you notice that care, love, and attention have been put into them.

Where did your wedding take place?

At Borgo Castello Panicaglia, Umbria - Italy. 

Seeing Glenn for the first time in his suit waiting at the altar… he looked so fantastic, handsome, and sexy! It’s a good thing photos and videos were taken, because I only had eyes for Glenn. As we signed the witness forms, he whispered in my ear: “Take a look around.” Only then did I see how beautiful the view actually was and I enjoyed the moment even more, surrounded by all our dear family and friends.

Phew, that's a tough question! Everything was so fantastically organized, and everyone had such a wonderful vibe. For us, the highlight was definitely the moment we first saw each other in the dress and suit, and that we could finally say 'I do' in the place we had been talking about for a year and a half. Initially, I wanted to say our vows privately, but we eventually decided to do it in the presence of our guests – and that was a very good choice. It was incredibly special to speak our words to each other like that. 

I also loved that we chose to start the wedding day with a WOD (workout of the day). Glenn is a personal trainer – he has his own business in that field – and is incredibly athletic in his free time, so this fit him perfectly. I got to watch, which, of course, suits me perfectly. I could go on for a while like this, haha!

Yes and no — we really had a fantastic wedding planner (shout out to dear Jonne - I Do Weddings For You)! Because of her, I sometimes felt almost like a 'lazy' bride, because so much was taken off our hands.

What I did underestimate was how much insecurity came with it. I had decided to do my own makeup and my sister did my hair — and I am still so happy about that. It wasn't perfect, but neither am I. Those moments together were so nice and relaxed; it felt a bit like we were teenagers again getting ready for a night out.

The insecurity mainly came from all the Pinterest photos and videos on social media about the 'perfect' bride: flawless skin, Botox, perfect nails — you name it. Sometimes I felt like I had to meet those standards to truly be a bride. And then there's that stigma that you should lose weight to fit into your dress… girls, no worries. The dress is measured and tailored to your body, so just stay yourself.

Fortunately, I was eventually able to let that go and just enjoy who I am — exactly as I was on that day.

Looking back on your wedding day, what's the first thing you remember?

The dinner. We had two long Italian tables with lots of candles instead of flowers, and above us hung those cozy string lights. As dusk slowly fell, I looked around and saw everyone chatting happily, enjoying the food and drinks. Then I looked at Glenn — my husband — and felt so proud and blessed that I get to experience and share all this with him. That was also the first moment I could fully relax again and truly enjoy myself.

You will see all sorts of things online (long live the algorithm), but be true to yourself. You know better than anyone what you and your partner find beautiful and important. It's your day, where anything is possible – enjoy it.

You are beautiful, exactly as you are.