The day started with close friends and family meeting at a jetty and boarding a barge that then wound it's way around the canals of Amsterdam for 2 hours. Champagne and snacks were served, and the captain made sure to cruise under the famous white bridge so that Annette and Christine could kiss... doing so on your actual wedding day, it ensures a long and happy marriage!
The venue that the vessel arrived at was so cool, and so different from anywhere that you'd get married in Cape Town. The Kompaszaal is an old 50's era building that was once the passenger terminal for the Royal Dutch Steamboat Comany. It still retains most of the orginal architecture and decor, right down to the original Wirlitzer juke box in the dance hall.
The guests were from almost every European country one could think of, and so the wedding traditions that ensued were both an education for me and lots of fun! For example, traditionally if the bride leaves the room then all the women may run over and kiss the groom and vice versa... but in this case, if either Annette or Christine left the room... EVERYONE came over and kissed the one left behind! Another was that if the guests start clinking their fork on their glasses, the couple has to stand on their chairs and kiss... while guests stamping their feet calls for them to get under the table and kiss. All in all, if you are Danish, getting married in the Netherlands, with some Austrian and German guests, this seems to be quite a work out!!
I was welcomed so incredibly warmly by everyone, including my lovely hosts Ilan and Patrick and I am very much hoping to soon find a reason to go back.
