03 Mar Amsterdam Pre-Wedding Photography | The Netherlands | Mao + Takuma

Shooting the pre-wedding photos of Mao and Takuma in Amsterdam was an absolute joy, despite the chilly weather. The temperature hovered around freezing, with a brisk wind blowing through the city at the beginning of March. It’s a rare sight when the canals of Amsterdam freeze, but we were still thrilled to have the opportunity for a pre-wedding shoot in such a beautiful city.
Mao and Takuma are from Kyoto, Japan, though Takuma has lived in the Netherlands for the past four years. After their wedding in Japan, they will settle in the Netherlands.
We began our photo session at Amstelpark, located on the southern edge of Amsterdam. The park was a picturesque blend of forests and meadows, complete with a charming windmill standing tall in the distance. After about half an hour, we made our way to Dam Square, one of Amsterdam’s most iconic locations, known for its stunning and historic buildings. The square was as bustling as usual, so we decided to move on to a quieter spot. We drove through the city and stopped in the Zeeheldenbuurt neighborhood in the West district, where we found a lovely open area with traditional Dutch architecture and a serene water backdrop.
Next, we headed back to the city center to capture some classic Amsterdam wedding photos with the famous canals and bridges. Our stop at Staalmeestersbrug, a picturesque Dutch drawbridge crossing the Groenburgwal, was a highlight. This popular “love” bridge, with its iconic, slightly leaning Zuiderkerk tower in the background, is adorned with padlocks symbolizing couples’ everlasting love and devotion.
As evening approached, we wrapped up the photo session, feeling pleased with the results despite the cold.

If you’re planning your wedding in Amsterdam or the Netherlands and would like beautiful photos to remember your special day, please don’t hesitate to contact me.