University couple marries ‘in front of all of Leiden’ on 3 October
They have known each other since they were small but Rianne and Tom first fell in love when working together at the university. That love culminated in a fairytale wedding amid all the revelry last 3 October.
Rianne van der Reek and Tom Stapper, who both work for Student and Educational Affairs, said their ‘I do’s’ during the celebration of 450 years of the Relief of Leiden. During this 450-year tradition, couples had never been able to marry in Leiden on 3 October − until now that is. Rianne and Tom and one other couple were allowed to marry in the town hall on this public holiday.
Herring, white bread and the press
But their special day began elsewhere in Leiden. ‘We were at Waag at eight in the morning queuing for herring and white bread like other townspeople. But to my surprise, the press was there: Hart van Nederland, Goedemorgen Nederland, Editie NL. That’s when I saw Rianne for the first time in her wedding dress and everyone began to applaud’, says Tom.
King and singing crowds
This was followed by a special ceremony at the town hall after which the newlyweds had a meeting with King Willem-Alexander at Lakenhal. ‘Then we had to hurry to the Grand Parade, where a carriage awaited us. The parade got a bit delayed because we had to go through the crowds’, says Rianne. ‘Everyone was clapping and singing for us. It was so special.’ The pair also visited the nostalgic fair and ended their day at the fireworks display.
Spark
Although they have known each other since they were young, their friendship dates from past 3 October celebrations. But they only felt a spark when both started working at Leiden Law School during the pandemic. ‘Lockdown meant we were both given different jobs to do at the university and we would suddenly find ourselves painting or cleaning together. It was a really special time.’
Unique name
They now have two children, daughter Erora and son Draexx: the latter name in particular showing how important 3 October is for the couple. ‘Drae can be read as drie [three] and xx stands for the month October’, says Tom. And you can read it as 23, which refers to 2023, the year he was born’, Rianne adds.
They now have two children, daughter Erora and son Draexx: the latter name in particular showing how important 3 October is for the couple. ‘Drae can be read as drie [three] and xx stands for the month October’, says Tom. And you can read it as 23, which refers to 2023, the year he was born’, Rianne adds.
Text: Tim Senden