SPECIAL ISSUE, 16/08/2024
Karolina & Chiel
LOVE AT FULL SPEED
It’s today! Karolina and Chiel have just said „I do” to each other, starting the exciting and unforgettable journey of their lives - already as a married couple. They were second to none in the race for happiness, so today they stand on the love podium ready for what the next season of their adventure together will bring.
They met on July 6, 2018 on Tinder. Karolina - a girl from Poland with a geek soul and an analytical mind, and Chiel - a simple boy from the Netherlands with a penchant for speed and innate spontaneity. Two completely different personalities who... immediately found a common language, creating a harmonious blend - a bit explosive, but fueling their relationship like gasoline fuels an engine. Their first date lasted as long as 52 hours! They spent it eating sushi, which is still their favorite snack to this day. They then watched World Cup soccer matches, betting on the results. This meeting, full of laughter, slackness and freedom, was the beginning of something wonderful - a love that took them on completely unknown tracks. They were brought together by their passion for motorcycles. Chiel got his license first, and Karolina was his passenger for over a year. However, after the very first ride, she announ-
ced that she wanted to get her license herself. Her enthusiasm didn’t die down even despite an accident at her first lesson. After all, her love of fast driving had its roots in GTA Vice City, which she once played with her brother. The love of Formula One came a little later. Karolina fell in love with the sport during a trip to Canada in 2019, where she happened to
attend the Grand Prix in Montreal. Today, she and Chiel cheer on Max Verstappen, appearing in the stands whenever they get the chance. Gasoline runs through their veins, and adrenaline pushes them to action. So it’s no surprise that Chiel proposed to Karolina in a unique way - on August 8, 2023, in the middle of the famous Passo dello Stelvio motorcycle route.
Chiel
From an early age, he has been involved with the family business: greenhouses owned by his dad and uncle. He grew up in a loving family together with his twin sister, often helping with the cultivation, so to speak, growing up among the tomatoes. From the age of six, he played soccer at a local club. At the age of 16, he opened a bar in a greenhouse, where he and his friends enjoyed cheap beer together. It’s a place that still brings back some of his fondest memories. He studied business management with a specialization in the agricultural sector at Den Bosch. During his studies, he spent five months on a mango plantation in Guatemala, where he discovered his passion for importing the exotic fruit. He pursued his thesis in Ibiza. Shortly after graduation, he started working and bought his first small apartment in Rotterdam. He now works at Granot Fresh, a company specializing in importing fruits and vegetables - mainly avocados, which have become the theme of the gifts he gets from his sweetheart. After hours, he enjoys playing driving simulators, although he doesn’t like to lose. His favorite car brand is Porsche. He considers winter sports the best form of entertainment, and loves skiing so much that one of the requirements for his relationship was that he teach his chosen one to ski down the slopes.
Karolina
Polish by descent, Dutch by choice. Raised by her mother Józia and grandparents, accompanied by her older brother Albert, she developed her passions and interests from an early age. From the age of eight, she played the violin, both in folk ensembles and performing classical music. At the age of 15, she moved out to a boarding high school, where she developed interests in mathematics, foreign languages and geography. Thanks to her excellent academic performance, she was awarded scholarships, including the prestigious scholarship from the Work of the New Millennium Foundation. She completed her bachelor’s degree at the Warsaw School of Economics, specializing in econometrics, and then continued her studies with a master’s degree at Erasmus University in Rotterdam. After graduation, she began working as a data analyst, eventually ending up as a specialist in this field at Rabobank in the Netherlands. Privately, she is an animal and travel lover. If she watches, it is rather science fiction or her favorite series: „Game of Thrones” and „The Three Body Problem.” She also loves the Harry Potter saga and the work of Ed Sheeran. She spent her free time at the gym doing CrossFit, meeting friends with a beloved Aperol Spritz in hand, and researching possibilities for her next trip.
WEDDING VENUE
Today we are having fun in the open air! We are located in the heart of the Beskid Żywiecki, one of the most picturesque regions of Poland. Surrounded by mountains and forests, Rycerka Górna offers unforgettable views and proximity to nature, making it the perfect place to host an outdoor wedding. These two decided to hold their wedding here, thus fulfilling Karolina’s dream that had been drawing in her mind since childhood. This small village has a special meaning for her - this is also where her mother’s wedding was held,
almost at the same place. The choice of this place is a beautiful reference to family and old Polish traditions, when it was the norm to hold weddings at home or right next to it. When deciding on an outdoor wedding, Karolina and Chiel thought first and foremost of all those who came here today from different corners of the world - let it be an opportunity to discover the magic of Polish weddings, learn about local customs and for a few days immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of the Polish countryside.
wedding in such beautiful circumstances would not have been possible without the irreplaceable Mr. Paweł, the manager of this wedding, responsible for the catering, as well as the decorations inside and outside.
Thanks are also due to those responsible for:
DJ: @morethanmusic.mm
FOTO: @fotografia_nataliapilch
VIDEO: @coconut_films_
WEDDING PARTY REGULATIONS
1. We do not mix alcoholic beverages unless we go up with percentages. This saves you from a morning hangover.
2. Each guest is obliged to toast the health of the bride and groom at every opportunity.
3. Have fun without limits, drink responsibly! Make sure you leave the party on your own two feet at the end.
4. Remember: when the music is playing - we dance, when it is not playing - we eat and drink. Simple rules that guarantee a great time.
5. Even if you have two left feet, get on the dance floor and dance like crazy. Awkward dancing is welcome today!
6. Uncles are not denied! If an uncle invites you to dance or wants to buy a cup, refusal is strictly forbidden.
7. Don’t forget to take a good selfie! We expect epic photos, In which you show how muchI fun you are having.
8. Complimenting the newlyweds advisable! Today we want to hear, that we are the most beautiful bride and groom in the world at least three times from each of the invited guests.
9. Sitting in one place is strictly forbidden. The bride and groom encourages traveling between tables and making new friends. We hope they will last longer than the wedding.
10. Language barriers? They don’t exist today! We recommend explicit gesturing, using Google Translator and loosening the tongue with percentages.
11. Whoever is first... loses! If you don’t want to lose in the competition for the best wedding party, you can’t leave the wedding first.
12. Whoever is dissatisfied with today’s event is obliged to organize a better one within 14 days.
Dear Guests!
We hope you’re doing great and (even after a shot of vodka) still smiling from our awesome time together, here at the end of the world!
We just wanted to say a huge thank you for joining us at our wedding in the Polish mountains. It matters a lot to us to have you here. We know traveling to a destination wedding is a big deal, especially since some of you had never been to Poland before. Your willingness to come all that way and celebrate with us has been incredibly special.
A special shout-out goes to our parents and close family members. Your love and guidance have brought us to this beautiful moment, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve done to make our wedding perfect.
To our amazing wedding party — thank you for standing by our side, making us laugh, and keeping the celebration lively. Your friendship and support mean the world to us.
We’re so lucky to have friends and family like you and can’t wait for more good times together!
Lots of love
Karolina & Chiel
DUTCH WEDDING TRADITIONS
FLORAL CARPET
A wedding ceremony in the Netherlands often begins with the bride and groom walking on a carpet of flowers leading down the aisle. Guests additionally throw flowers at the bride and groom as they leave the church, which is thought to bring them luck and good fortune on their new path in life.
NOT BEHIND THE WHEEL
According to tradition, the bride and groom should not drive a car on their wedding day. The role of driver in the Netherlands is performed by a third party, usually a close friend or family member. In addition, empty cans are tied to the back of the car, the sound of which is supposed to scare away evil spirits.
ANNIVERSARY CAKE
The wedding cake is an essential part of a Dutch wedding. It is usually a multi-story cake that the newlyweds cut and serve to guests during the reception. The top layer of the cake is often frozen so that the couple can eat it during their first anniversary.
WEDDING SPEECHES
The Dutch can’t imagine a wedding without speeches, which are very popular here. Most often they are given by the best man, bridesmaids, parents and close friends, sharing stories and wishes for the bride and groom. This is a must for the evening!
A SMALL PERFORMANCE
As part of the wedding attractions, guests often prepare special performances called „stukjes.” These can be skits, songs or dance routines to honor the bride and groom. These are not organized by the newlyweds, but usually with their permission.
WHITE WEEKS
A wedding in the Netherlands is followed by a period of six weeks, called „wittebroodsweken” (white bread used to be a luxury here). During this time, the bride and groom are allowed peace and relaxation, with no interference from others. This is the perfect time to enjoy the beginning of a new life.
WEDDING PHRASEBOOK
POLISH- ENGLISH- DUTCH
Panna Młoda Bride Bruid
Pan Młody Groom Bruidegom
Nowożeńcy Newlyweds Bruidspaar
Ślub Wedding Bruiloft
Wesele Wedding reception Bruiloft receptie
Kocham Cię I love you Ik hou van jou
Cześć! Hello! Hallo!
Dzień dobry! Good morning! Goedemorgen!
Proszę Please Alsjeblieft
Przepraszam Excuse me Pardon!
Dziękuję
Thank you Dank je Smacznego Enjoy your meal Eet smakelijk
Na zdrowie! Cheers! Proost!
Do widzenia! Goodbye! Tot ziens!
Oczywiście! Sure! Zeker! Gratulacje Congratulations Gefeliciteerd
Kieliszek
Shot glass Shot glas
Zagrycha Vodka chaser Vodka hapje
Rozchodniaczek A parting shot Nog eentje met de jas aan!
Sto lat!
Hundred years! Lang zullen ze leven!
Najlepszego! All the best! Het beste! Zdrowie! Cheers! Proost!
Gorzko, gorzko! Bitter, bitter! (Kiss, Kiss!) Bitter, bitter! (Zoenen, zoenen!) Niech żyje miłość! Long live love! Leve de liefde!
Polej! Pour! Schenk! Pijemy! Let’s drink! Laten we drinken!
- A teraz idziemy na jednego! - Na drugą nóżkę!
- It’s time for another one! (Vodka song) - For the other leg!
- En nu nemen we er eentje! (Vodka song) - Voor het andere been!
- Ze mną się nie napijesz? - Chluśniem, bo uśniem!
- Won’t you drink with me? - Let’s drink before we fall asleep!
- Wil je niet met me drinken? - Laten we drinken voordat we in slap vallen!
- Trzy szybkie i na parkiet! - Tak się kicha na kielicha!
- Three quick ones and to the dance floor - That’s how we sneeze on a shot!
- Drie snelle en dan naar de dansvloer - Zo niezen we op een shot!
- Czy mogę Cię prosić do tańca? - Dziękujemy za wspaniałe wesele!
- Would you like to dance?
- Wil je dansen?
- Thank you for a wonderful wedding!
- Bedankt voor het geweldige huwelijk!
POLISH WEDDING TRADITIONS
BLESSING
The children’s departure from the family nest is sealed with an official blessing by their mothers and fathers, at the request of the newlyweds. In some regions, they kneel at this moment on a sheet which, according to custom, will be used on the wedding night.
WYKUPINY
It is sometimes the case that the groom has to buy his future wife out of the family home by putting money, sweets or vodka into the hands of her parents or bridesmaids. In some regions of Poland, the groom has to place a bottle of vodka on every corner of the table; in other places, a traditional bargaining ensues. This is, of course, a symbolic way of showing how much the bride is worth to her husband.
WYPROWADZINY
The wykupiny ceremony ends with the bride and groom being led out by an orchestra. The band often accompanies them from the moment the groom arrives at the bride’s house, playing accordions and singing successive rhymes of folk songs. All this makes the moment when the bride and groom leave the house extremely vivid and marks the beginning of the wedding celebrations.
WEDDING GATES
The road to marriage is not easy – which is to be highlighted by the traditional wedding gates. The bride and groom have to cross them on their way to the church, paying for their passage with an appropriate amount of vodka. In the past, they were made of strings, colored tissue paper and flowers to obstruct the procession carrying the happy couple.
BREAD,
SALT AND... VODKA
The newlyweds are greeted with bread and salt at the threshold of the hall by their parents. The bride may be asked what she prefers: bread, salt or groom. She should then answer that she chooses „bread, salt and the groom to work for him.” The power in the marriage will go to the one who hits the glass filled with vodka, not water, during this greeting.
BREAKING GLASSES
After the first toast is made, the newlyweds throw the glasses behind them - the more broken glass fragments, the happier the marriage will be. Then the groom can carry his wife over the threshold of the wedding house.
BITTER VODKA
A traditional chant to encourage the newlyweds to kiss. During the toast, the guests sing „Gorzka wódka, gorzka wódka, trzeba ją osłodzić” („Bitter vodka, bitter vodka, has to be sweetened”), to which the newlyweds must respond with a kiss, the length of which is often „measured” by the guests, who count down from ten.
OCZEPINY (THE UNVEILING)
Come midnight, and we’re in for oczepiny. In the past, the ceremony consisted of removing the wreath from the bride’s head, cutting her hair and decorating it with a cap – a symbol of marriage. The name oczepiny originated from it. Nowadays, we are turning this symbolic abandonment of maidenhood into an element of wedding fun. The bride throws the veil behind her and it is caught by the maidens present at the wedding. The one into whose hands it falls will marry first. The same goes for the groom. During the oczepiny ceremony, the bride and groom are blindfolded so that fate decides who will catch the veil and the bow tie.
WEDDING CAKE
In the past, the bride and groom would bake the wedding cake themselves and serve it to their guests. Nowadays, cakes are ordered from pastry shops. However, the symbolic meaning remains the same – the bride and groom share the dessert with the guests, so that the sweetness given to them is returned to the newlyweds along with abundance.
TAKE THE QUIZ AND FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF GUEST ARE YOU?
1. How many weddings have you attended as a guest in your lifetime?
a. 0–5
b. 6–10
c. 11–20
d. more
2. Do you always send back your RSVP?
a. they should know if I’m going to come b. no, unless they call to ask on their own c. usually yes, unless I forget to do it
d. always!
3. Have you ever RSVP yes but didn’t show up at the wedding?
a. it happened to me a few times
b. yes, but it was an unusual situation
c. no, I’m trying not to do such things d. I always show up
4. What’s your biggest motivation to show up at a wedding?
a. I show up because I’m expected to b. the venue has to be cool c. the wish to celebrate this day together d. good food, alcohol and fun
5. Are you a fan of assigned seats?
a. no, I prefer to choose the place to sit on my own
b. I don’t care about it c. only when there are many guests d. yes, I don’t like people racing to call dibs on chairs
Most answers: A
A WEDDING CYNIC
You’re trying to avoid weddings as they’re not really your jam. If you do show up there, you you take a French leave before the cake rolls in. But don’t worry – it’s possible to convince even such a great opponent of weddings like you to hit the dance floor!
Most answers: C
A PERFECT GUEST
You’re the reasonable wedding guest who knows how to behave in the company. Even if you’re not always having great fun, you never let it show. You’re tolerant towards other guests. No wonder everyone eagerly invites you to their weddings – such a guest is hard to be found!
6. What will you do if the served food isn’t tasty?
a. I will tell what I think about it b. I will be complaining behind theirs back c. I will pick what I like and leave the rest d. I will eat anything out of politeness
7. What kind of gifts do you give to the newlyweds?
a. I don’t give gifts, I’m a guest b. money and flowers
c. a hand-made gift
d. a gift that I know they will like
8. Do you participate in games during the unveiling ceremony?
a. no, never. I think they’re dumb b. when someone drags me to the dance floor c. when I know they won’t be racy d. always, I’m all in for some good fun
9. If you don’t come to the wedding, will you congratulate the newlyweds later on?
a. no, because I wasn’t at the ceremony b. it depends on how much I like the couple c. if I don’t forget, I will text them d. of course, I will call them the next day
10. Do you like looking at the pictures or watching movies from wedding?
a. it’s completely uninteresting to me b. if the newlyweds send them to me c. yes, I enjoy looking at them d. we look at them together with others
Most answers: B A
WEDDING GRUMBLER
You show up only at the weddings of your closest family. You’re not the life and soul of the party. Your favorite wedding entertainment is providing commentary to everything. Fortunately, nobody takes this smurfy grouching seriously, because everyone’s busy having fun!
Most answers: D
A 100% WEDDING FAN
There’s not a wedding you would miss! You’re the life and soul of the party – and that’s why you often lead the party. And even though sometimes you get carried away in the wedding frenzy, the newlyweds always crack a smile when they reminisce about you!
CHILDHOOD The Bride’s
CHILDHOOD The Groom’s
DID YOU KNOW?
In the Netherlands, hen parties and bachelor parties are kept a strict secret from the bride and groom until the day they are to be held? They know neither the plan nor, most importantly, the date of the gathering to which they are „kidnapped” by their friends!
HEN PARTY
For Karolina, it was an ordinary Friday before a rather tightly scheduled weekend, which she was supposed to devote to arranging her wedding affairs. Unexpectedly, however, she was kidnapped by two of her friends. Daniela and Carolina - after arranging everything in advance with Chiel and allowing Karolina to pack a suitcase with only a white closet - took her to the airport, from where (already in a team of five) they set off for Warsaw, which the bride knew very well. Upon arrival, they were greeted by the Polish part of the bride’s entourage, headed by maid of honor Gosia. Friday evening began with drinks, pizza and dancing, providing only a foretaste of the Saturday night fever. After a lazy morning and a late breakfast, Karolina donned her best white dress, and her friends appeared in neon orange outfits, suggesting the party’s theme - the beloved Aperol Spritz. The evening began with a compatibility quiz between the future spouses. For every wrong answer Karolina had to drink a shot of vodka, which added a Polish touch to the fun. The highlight of the program was a cruise on private boats on the Vistula River. There was champagne, laughter and rivalry as if on a track during a Formula 1 race, and even a reconstruction of the famous scene from Titanic. The cruise ended with a party at a Warsaw club on a barge, which lasted until dawn. The last girls, Gosia and Karolina, returned to the hotel at 5 am, and by 10 the Dutch part of the team had to be at the airport. Despite the fatigue and not the best return flight, the memories of that evening will stay with Karolina forever!
BACHELOR PARTY
Early Saturday morning, Chiel had barely had time to get out of bed when he heard the sound of a door lock. Instead of the expected supermarket supplier, 20 friends entered his house. Without coffee, completely surprised, he was kidnapped for his bachelor weekend. There was no time to pack! He was dressed up in safari attire and treated to the obligatory shots of vodka before hitting the road. The first stop was Eindhoven, where a karting track awaited. The results of this full Grand Prix with qualifying and a race were no surprise, but the podium positions taken had to be celebrated accordingly. Next on the agenda was a team knowledge quiz about the groom. After this trip before memories, the whole team landed at the hotel, where preparations for the evening began. Chiel guessed where they were going after they all dressed up in leopard-print outfits - to the Kamping Kitsch Club festival, famous for its quirky, daring costumes and mix of music: from 90s hardcore to Oktoberfest chants. At the festival, Chiel was given a card with 16 tasks to complete, including drinking beer upside down, swapping clothes and taking pictures with certain people. After completing all the tasks, positively exhausted by the festival atmosphere, they returned to the hotel. The next morning, a Padel tournament awaited them, after which Chiel took a quick shower, ate lunch and returned to Rotterdam to - dressed in the Polish flag - watch the Poland-Holland match for EURO 2024 in a pub.
Schedule
THE WEDDING DAY
Friday, 16.08.2024
16:00 Wedding ceremony 17:15 Welcome at the venue 17:30 Dinner 18:30 Wishes
Photos with the Newlyweds Cocktail hour
20:15 First dance
Dance floor opens
20:45 Wedding cake
21:15 Photo booth and guest book
22:30 Supper
00:00 The unveiling games
00:20 Sparkling hour
00:40 Surprise
01:30 Supper
03:30 Supper
THE AFTER-WEDDING PARTY
Saturday, 17.08.2024
16:00 Festivities begin 17:00 Welcome speech 17:15 Dinner 18:00 Outdoor games
Memory room Cocktail hour
20:00 Dessert
20:30 Dance floor opens 22:00 Supper
00:00 Snack
01:30 Supper
03:00 Supper
THE SECON AFTER-WEDDING PARTY
Sunday, 18.08.2024
16:00 Festivities begin 17:00 Welcome speech 17:15 Dinner
