AMSTERDAM (AP) — Winning a sought-after spot to exchange wedding vows on Amsterdam’s typically congested ring road felt like a positive sign for Zuzanna Lisowska and Yuri Iozzelli’s future together.
“It seemed like a really fun idea,” Lisowska shared. “And the odds were in our favor. With 400 couples vying for the opportunity, we feel incredibly fortunate to have been selected.”
Amid cheers from friends and strangers alike, they joyfully proclaimed their “I do’s” as part of a day-long festival on sections of the A10 highway encircling the Dutch capital, which was closed off to traffic for the occasion.
“It’s like a party that we didn’t have to plan ourselves,” remarked Iozzelli.
Their only disappointment was not being able to bring along their pet rabbit. “It was too warm,” explained Lisowska following their ring exchange.
In a city renowned for its lively atmosphere, approximately 600,000 individuals attempted to secure access to the ring road festival last month when over 200,000 complimentary tickets were issued.
Onlookers ranging from parents with strollers to students and grandparents paused to witness the ceremonies and relish the rare chance to experience the road devoid of its usual hustle and bustle of vehicles.
One of these spectators was communications student Kyra Smit.
“It’s a unique and enjoyable experience,” she expressed. “Being able to say that I got married on the ring road is a great conversation starter, so I’m really enjoying this.”
The day was filled with a variety of activities including musical performances, readings, social gatherings, and a fun run, albeit shortened due to the high temperatures. Organizers even set up a temporary forest with more than 8,000 trees on the pavement.
To combat the scorching weather, the municipality installed extra water stations and provided areas for attendees to apply sunscreen as temperatures soared to 30 degrees Celsius (86F) and beyond on the road surface.
Celebrations leading up to the city’s official birthday on Oct. 27, commemorating the first usage of a variant of its name in an official document, have been ongoing. The ring road festival marked the largest event yet, offering Amsterdam residents a fresh perspective on their familiar route.
“It’s quite surreal because normally you’d be driving here, but now you’re walking, creating a completely different scenario,” observed Marjolein de Bruijne, who works in close proximity to the A10.
