Body Positivity
The dresses from Episode 3 of SYTTD
The time has come: Season 9 of *Say Yes to the Dress Benelux* has begun! This season, we’re once again following brides as they search for the wedding dress that has it all at Koonings. Together with Fred van Leer, bridal fashion queen Ramona Koonings, and our styling team, they’ll experience special, emotional, and sometimes surprising moments during their search for *the* dress.
In each installment of our blog series, we take you behind the scenes and share the brides’ stories, wishes, and final choices.
Elsje’s Wedding Dress
Favorite dress: Modeca Giselle
Say Yes to the Dress: a dress that fits beautifully and feels wonderful
For Elsje (51), the search for her wedding dress isn’t just about what looks good. Her dress also has to feel right—comfortable enough to wear in her wheelchair, yet feminine, elegant, and just a touch sexy. A challenge? Maybe. But certainly not impossible.
Next year, Elsje will marry Gerrien, whom she met during a time when her life changed completely. Due to a neurological condition, she had increasing difficulty walking and eventually ended up in a wheelchair. It was precisely during that time that Gerrien came into her life.
For Elsje, it was love at first sight. Gerrien supports her unconditionally, and during—yes—a game of Rummikub, she knew for sure: this is the man she wants to marry. So why wait for him to pop the question? Elsje just asked him herself.
Comfortable, but certainly not boring
Elsje’s Wedding Dress
Elsje has a clear list of preferences for her dress. Because she’s lost weight, she’d like to cover up her arms a bit, so long sleeves are high on her list. She also wants to show off her waist, and the dress can definitely be a little sexy.
What she doesn’t want? Too much fuss. Because, as Elsje herself says, if her dress is too big, she’ll end up looking like a pumpkin. That’s clear.
So, together with stylist Françoise, she begins trying on clothes in a very targeted way.
Two dresses, one clear winner
The first dress from Pronovias actually has everything Elsje described beforehand: long sleeves, a fitted silhouette, and an elegant off-the-shoulder neckline. And just as important: the dress looks stunning even when she’s sitting down.
But then dress number two from Modeca.
Once again, an elegant, understated look without any unnecessary fuss. The off-the-shoulder neckline gives her that feminine and sexy look she was looking for, while the dress remains comfortable enough for her wedding day.
And this time, Elsje senses it right away.
Elsje says YES to the dress.
Not a dress that puts her wheelchair front and center, but a dress that puts Elsje front and center. Exactly as it should be.
Are you in love with this style, too?
Get inspired by these dresses with a similar vibe
Yurena’s Wedding Dress
Yurena’s Wedding Dress
Selected dress: Enzoani Love Collection Francina
Say Yes to the Dress: Spanish Curves, Timeless Bride
Yurena (30) likes to keep things classic. No over-the-top details or trends that will make her wonder in ten years, “Why did I do that?” For her wedding to Thomas, she’s looking for a dress that’s , above all , timeless, elegant, and totally Yurena.
And she’ll be taking that dress with her to Spain, where the two will exchange vows. It’s a destination that perfectly suits Yurena’s Spanish roots—and where, of course, her dress will need to be able to withstand the heat.
Thomas, by the way, popped the question in a slightly less sunny setting, but one that was just as special: he got down on one knee for Yurena in New York. From New York to Spain, with a stop at Koonings for what was perhaps the most important part of her bridal look.
Less is more; curves are welcome
Yurena has a pretty good idea of what she’s looking for: white, strapless, an open back, and—most importantly—nothing too flashy. A subtle lace detail is fine, as long as the dress remains stylish.
And there’s one more wish she makes absolutely no secret of: she wants her figure to be seen. Yurena is proud of her curvy butt, so she’s looking for a dress that flatters it. She’s absolutely right.
Her entourage consists of five women. Her sister Raquel is also her best friend, but has a completely different taste. Her friend Robin, on the other hand, is hoping for a touch of lace, and her friend Kirsten now knows from personal experience what it’s like to find your wedding dress at Koonings.
It’s up to stylist Ramona to bring all these wishes together.
Two Dresses, Two Sides of Yurena
The first dress by Etoile features a flowing skirt and a delicate lace bodice. Romantic, airy, and definitely perfect for the Spanish sun.
But Yurena wanted to show off her curves. So it was time to try something different.
And then she appears in the second Enzoani. Clean, off-the-shoulder, and with a high slit. The dress is elegant without being too demure and has exactly the timeless look Yurena was looking for.
This is the one. Yurena says YES to the dress.
No excess and no dress that hides her. Just an elegant bridal look that Yurena can identify with and that lets her figure shine.
Thomas proposed to her in New York, but for the next big “YES,” we have to go to Spain. And in this dress? Bring on that Spanish sun!
Are you in love with this style, too?
Get inspired by these dresses with a similar vibe
Mira’s Wedding Dress
Selected dress: Enzoani Love Collection Claire
Say Yes to the Dress: Wedding Planner Searches for Her Own Dream Dress
Planning the perfect wedding for others? No problem. But now that wedding planner Mira (46) is getting married to Martijn herself, she’d rather leave the planning to someone else for once. And honestly: she’s absolutely right.
By the way, those two still had to negotiate the location first. Mira was all for Ibiza with forty guests. Martijn? He thought a “drinking shack” with four people was more than enough. They settled on Málaga with thirty guests as a compromise. It’s set for next June.
Now all that’s left is a dress that lets Mira feel completely like herself again.
Mira’s Wedding Dress
Comfortable—and a little bit Ibiza
Mira feels less confident about her body, and sometimes she has a hard time finding clothes she really feels comfortable in. Add to that a broken foot, which means heels are no longer an option, and her top priority is clear: comfort.
But, of course, comfortable doesn’t mean boring. Mira is looking for that laid-back Ibiza vibe: feminine, breezy, and perfect for a wedding under the Spanish sun.
Luckily, she brought along five friends who’ve known her for years. One is nice and direct, another prefers to keep the mood light, and fashion-savvy friend Giselle thinks it could all be a little more daring.
Stylist Françoise, it’s up to you.
Is less more? Or is a little extra just fine?
The search begins with Modeca: a flowing skirt and a lace bodice instantly create that romantic, airy look. Next up are several dresses by Enzoani , and Mira discovers more and more of what she likes.
It goes from subtle and feminine to off-the-shoulder and then even to a large, layered skirt. Because sometimes you just have to wear something that, at first glance, you’d think: absolutely not.
Malaga, here she comes
In the end, it’s once again Enzoani who hits the mark. A breezy dress with floral details, a sheer bodice, and off-the-shoulder straps. Sexy, playful, and with exactly the relaxed vibe Mira had in mind.
Mira says YES to the dress.
No high heels needed, no dress that makes her feel like she has to pretend to be someone else, and—most importantly—no self-doubt taking center stage. Soon, Mira will be standing next to Martijn in Málaga, wearing a dress that makes her feel both beautiful and comfortable.
And for once, this wedding planner just gets to relax and enjoy herself.
Are you in love with this style, too?
Get inspired by these dresses with a similar vibe
Find your dream dress at Koonings
Have you seen a dress on *Say Yes to the Dress* that stole your heart? Or does the style of one of the brides appeal to you? At Koonings, we’ll take you on a journey into a world full of magic, experience, and personal attention. This is where your fairy tale begins.
Schedule your appointment now and experience for yourself what it feels like to say “yes” to your dress. Because that one magical moment… you won’t want to miss it.