02 May Amsterdam, Keukenhof Pre-Wedding Photography | The Netherlands | Maiko + Yuya

In January, I was contacted by a tour coordinator to arrange a pre-wedding photo shoot for a Japanese couple, Maiko and Yuya, in the Netherlands. Four months later, this exciting plan became a reality. We scheduled two days for the portrait session, showcasing four different wedding dresses.
The first day began with Maiko’s hair and makeup at the Royal Boutique Apartment Amsterdam. From there, an elegant pink Hummer awaited to take us to the renowned Keukenhof Gardens. Unfortunately, the rain forced us to leave the location early. Undeterred, we traveled to Gouda, but the rain persisted, preventing us from visiting the famous cheese market. Instead, we explored Sint Janskerk, the Netherlands’ longest church, renowned for its breathtaking stained-glass windows.
The Gothic church was stunning, with its vast, dramatic spaces. We started photographing Maiko in her white wedding dress, working with the limited light filtering through the roof since flash photography wasn’t allowed. Later, Maiko changed into a striking red dress, creating a beautiful contrast with the church’s grand interior. As the weather cleared, we returned to Keukenhof, also known as The Garden of Europe. This extraordinary flower garden, located in Lisse, South Holland, features 7 million bulbs planted annually across 32 hectares. Though we had just an hour to shoot, the vibrant floral setting perfectly complemented Maiko’s pink dress. Exhausted but satisfied, we ended the day and headed back to Amsterdam for a well-deserved rest.
The second day began at the luxurious six-star Hotel TwentySeven, situated in the heart of Amsterdam. Maiko and Yuya had rented a stunning suite, where Maiko had her makeup and hair done. I captured some elegant getting-ready moments before utilizing the hotel’s lavish interiors for more portraits. Despite the cloudy and chilly weather, we ventured outside to Dam Square, where Maiko wore a bold orange dress. The setting provided an opportunity to capture dynamic shots with pigeons, adding life and movement to the images.
Later, the couple hired a charming carriage to tour the city, offering unique and romantic moments to photograph. Unfortunately, as we moved to the canals for additional shots, time ran out, and the rain returned. Despite the challenges, we created countless unforgettable memories and captured stunning images.
You can view these photos in the gallery below, where I’ve rearranged the sequence of the two days.

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in the Netherlands, feel free to reach out – I’d love to be part of your special day!