A Dutch Inspired Winter Wonderland Wedding in Pella

There are just SO many things I could say about these two. Leah and Lucas are those incredibly kind, generous, fun, and adventurous friends that also happen to be totally grounded in their faith and family — they are the kind of people you treasure having in your life. So much so that I really didn’t want to leave their wedding and make the drive home from Pella at the end of the night – I was sad that it was all over! Leah and I first connected with each other when I photographed her older sister’s (Vanessa) wedding in 2016. Towards the end of that day, I took a bit of a leap of faith and asked Leah if she would be interested in modeling for me for a styled shoot I was planning during the summer, and she said yes! Fast forward a few weeks, and little did I know I would be in the front seat to hear all about Leah’s (then) boyfriend, Lucas, and her hypothetical dream winter wedding plans! What’s even better is that Leah had chosen one of the gowns for the photoshoot, and it happened to end up being her eventual wedding dress. And before anyone accuses Leah of getting ahead of herself, she really wasn’t that far off. Less than a month later, Lucas got down on one knee and proposed to Leah, surprising her with a gorgeous rose gold tulip-inspired diamond engagement ring. I was so excited for them! Fast forward a few more weeks, and Leah sent me an email with all sorts of ideas and asking if I’d join them in London for an engagement shoot (yes!) and would I photograph their wedding day…and I was genuinely over the moon excited!

I’ve photographed weddings for over ten years, and I can safely say that over the year and a half, I have become good friends with Leah. She helped coordinate an epic London engagement shoot, we worked together on two different styled shoots, and we’ve had the opportunity to work behind the scenes when she served as the videographer for another #JWPbride in November! So it’s kind of difficult to know where to even begin when describing the joy and beauty of their day. Words don’t do it justice and the only thing I am left with is that I grateful. Because I was able to be a part of the start of her family legacy. That’s what ultimately matters most!

Appropriately enough, we began photos at Leah’s parent’s home in Pella. Even with a few hiccups along the way, Leah was calm and relaxed, ready to celebrate and finally be Mrs. Rozendaal!

Dutch inspired blue accents, florals, wooden shoes, and blue Deft pottery were incorporated throughout the wedding day. The icy blue colors were perfect for a winter wedding!

I’m obsessed with their invitations! Florals from the always-exquisite Shelly Sarver Designs.

In 2014, Leah was crowned Tulip Queen, an exciting honor for a girl who loves everything Dutch! Her wedding ring was custom designed, and the prongs look just like a tulip!

I’m in love with the socks!

This bouquet was EVERYTHING! So stunning!

Love this moment between Leah and her mom, Laura. It communicates so much about their relationship.

Their first look took place at Scholte Church in Pella, which is part of the Pella Historical Village. This sweet little church is full of so much meaning for both of them, and given how FREEZING cold it was, ended up being a perfect place for portraits.

Dusty blue colors, Cinderella-inspired hair, and gray fur shawls completed Leah’s winter fairy tale themed wedding! I still remember her talking about these details a year and a half ago before she was engaged!

How can you resist a perfect sleigh for bride and groom photos, right?

Perfection!

Had to get an updated photo of Vanessa and Josh, and I’m pretty sure this duplicates a photo from their wedding day!

When it’s literally below zero temps outside, you have to be strategic for photos! I gathered the bridal party together, we had a quick little chat with instructions, and then made our way outside. All of these next photos were taken in less than 2 minutes – yes, I timed it! And this next one is my favorite!

We made one more quick stop at a gorgeous tree-lined drive in Pella for a few more portraits while everyone shivered and tried to stay warm! No complaints – they were all such troopers!

Alright, so I realize this photo is almost exactly like the last one, but a bit of explanation is necessary.

Annabelle, the maroon Camaro, is Lucas’ first love. Leah knew when Lucas really loved her when he admitted that he loved Leah more than Annabelle the Camaro. This was a BIG deal! Surpassing Annabelle actually made it into their wedding ceremony too – lol! So an obligatory group photo was essential.

Leah Lucas held their wedding ceremony at Lucas’s childhood church in Sully. The words “To God be the Glory” are above the arch at the front, and what I love is apparently these were some of the first words Lucas learned how to read when he was a little boy.

Twinkle lights!

The Van Gorp family sang one of the most stunning songs during their unity candle lighting that I think I have ever heard at a wedding. No words. If you were present, you know how amazing it was.

Married at last!

A quick stop at the Tulip Toren for a photo op, and then off to the Pella Fieldhouse for their reception!

The epic transformation of the field house into a winter wonderland fairy tale atmosphere blew me away!

More Dutch inspired accents at each table along with tulips, of course!

Guests were greeted with Dutch Letter bites, apple bread, and spice cookies – yum!

When it came time for dancing, Lucas and Leah had some tricks up their sleeves! In addition to the traditional dances, Leah surprised her mother with a surprise dance to one of their favorite songs (Mother’s Song by Carrie Underwood), and following the father daughter dance, the music switched to an upbeat disco song, where Leah and her father broke out into some groovy moves! Family and friends stormed the dance floor to join them in this surprise flash mob – it was a blast!