Old World Grandeur
Barbara Baunok and Koen van der Maaten, July 11, 2009, São Martinho do Porto, Portugal. By Alyssa Buckley
save to notebook | email | print
About the Couple
Bride: Barbara Baunok
Groom: Koen van der Maaten
Occupations: Barbara is a teacher and Koen is a geothermal business owner.
How they met: Through a mutual friend.
Favourite date: Going rafting down the Elbow River in Calgary.
What attracted her to him: His lips.
What attracted him to her: Her hair.
Engagement story: “Koen proposed to me on a trip to Portugal where his family has a house. I was extremely nervous since I had to meet his family for the first time. Everything went very well and on December 26, 2008, Koen took me to the city of Porto. Knowing my love of cathedrals, Koen took me to the city’s largest one. He was very cold and shaky, and I had no idea what was the matter with him. He tried to propose to me after a long walk to the bank (we were short one Euro to get into the monastery), but before he could get down on one knee, I told him that I thought that place was a bit eerie. Of course, he quickly returned the ring to his pocket and we went back to our beautiful hotel. Finally that evening, after a whole day of unsuccessful attempts, he proposed to me on one knee in front of our hotel room with champagne and strawberries. It was so magical, and I was the happiest person alive! We decided right then and there after calling our families that we would get married in São Martinho do Porto, a small village in Portugal. I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. With its beautiful architecture, long cobblestone streets, and square that overlooks the entire bay and the ocean, how could one not fall in love?”
Words they live by: Always live life to the fullest. Laugh a lot and never lose your inner child.
Photography courtesy Luis Eça (luiseca.net).
Be the first to comment on "Old World Grandeur"
Editor's note: This is a moderated forum, so your comments won't appear until approved by the moderator. Please help us foster a friendly environment by keeping your posts civil and on-point. We reserve the right to delete comments that include foul language, personal attacks on others, sales solicitations or any other inappropriate content. Posted comments reflect the opinions of the poster, not of weddingbells.ca. Read our privacy policy for more information.