Love always wins
Some days don’t need embellishment.
Bjorn and Giel’s wedding was one of those days: honest, warm and built on real connection. No excess, no performance. Just people who love each other, celebrating in a way that felt right.
The day began quietly at Giel’s family home. His father helped him with his cufflinks, a simple gesture filled with meaning. Nearby, his grandmother watched with unmistakable pride. Small moments like these set the tone for the day; intimate, personal, and deeply felt.
The first look took place in the garden, with family and friends waiting in soft anticipation. When Bjorn arrived, it felt as if everything paused for a moment. Two people, seeing each other, taking a breath before the day unfolded. No grand gestures - just a shared smile, an emotional hug, the quiet kind of excitement.
Afterwards, Bjorn and Giel surprised their guests with thoughtful gifts: beautiful bouquets for the women and matching corsages for the men. A small, generous touch that fit the day perfectly.
Their civil ceremony followed at the town hall of Dilbeek, a stately building with a castle-like feel. After the official “yes,” Giel’s firefighter colleagues were waiting outside, forming an impressive guard of honour. As Bjorn and Giel walked through an arch of water jets, there was laughter and awe all around. The group photo that followed was — quite literally — a splash.
From there, the day slowed again. We headed to the gardens of Gaasbeek Castle, where Bjorn and Giel took a quiet walk together with their dog, Vik. Soft sunlight filtered through the trees, creating a warm, natural atmosphere. We didn’t have access to the castle itself, but the gardens offered everything we needed: space, calm, and a sense of ease.
The heart of the day unfolded later in a meadow, beside a beautifully styled tent. The personal ceremony was led by Lance Surgeloose of Hoster, whose words touched many. As a surprise, Vik came running in with the rings, straight to his humans. There were tears everywhere - yes, including mine.
The reception and dinner took place under that same beautifully styled tent by Bizz Events. Guests gathered around long tables, sharing food, stories and laughter. The dinner felt like a journey through different cuisines: rich, warm and generous, just like the atmosphere itself.
As evening approached, the sky turned soft shades of pink and gold. We slipped away for a few spontaneous couple portraits, wrapped in that quiet, glowing light.
When the evening continued, their closest friends surprised everyone with a joyful and unexpected flashmob on the dance floor. Laughter filled the space, the energy lifted, and before long the celebration had fully taken over. Their opening dance, surrounded by cheering guests, marked the start of a night that carried on well into the evening.
Bjorn and Giel’s wedding was more than a beautiful day.
It was a celebration of who they are, and what they share: sincere people, warm and full of meaning. A day I was grateful to witness, and even more grateful to capture.
