Although they are both attorneys by profession, Pieter has a love and respect for fire fighting. Once the decided to marry in Mariposa, Pieter wrote a letter to the Mariposa Fire Department asking if they could possibly provide a fireman as a witness. In a move of unbelievable grace, the fire chief Jim Wilson not only acted as a witness for the wedding, but also created a new friendship. Together Pieter and Liselotte joined Jim Wilson and his wife for the day on a tour through Yosemite and even a celebration dinner after their wedding.

During there ceremony I looked at Pieter and Liselotte and saw something that I have never seen before. Throughout the entire ceremony the had their arms across each other in an embrace. It struck me as both odd and instantaneously right. Why have I never before seen a couple start of a wedding so fittingly?

Immediately after the ceremony ended Pieter and Liselotte embraced in a passionately fierce hold. It was not the look of a couple that has been handed everything and simply expects life to be easy - it was the look of honest love, tried and tested by life. It was beautiful and I doubt I will ever forget it.

From that point on Pieter and Liselotte were entirely focused on each other and little else mattered. We walked through downtown Mariposa a bit longer, taking advantage of various textures and lines. At one point, while shooting on the sidewalks of town, a woman from behind me asked if we would like to come in her art gallery. Who could pass up that kind of opportunity?

We stepped into Riversong Gallery and once again Pieter and Liselotte found themselves making new friends with Barbara the gallery owner. She allowed us to enjoy the air conditioning while shooting in the midst of beautiful works of art. As we were walking out of the gallery, Barbara presented the newlyweds with a bottle of Mount Bullion Vineyard's wine as a present.

Although we didn't spend that much time together, we talked a bit more as the evening went on and I am truly impressed by this couple. Such wonderful people focused on the goodness of life, helping other and enjoying our blessings. They are the kind of people that force you to realize how good life is. Pieter and Liselotte granted us an invitation to see them if our travels take us to Amsterdam and I can't wait for that day when our paths cross again.