Next to speak is Maura, Gaia's witness.

Dear Gaia en Arnoud,

Today is a day not of necessity, compliance with norms of marriage, or living through others expectations, - but one of true celebration. A celebration of your love, and the extra little bursts of love you both brought into this world.

Over the past years I have gotten to know you very well Gaia, through many hours spent together and piece by piece I have also gotten to know you Arnoud, and the relationship between you too.

I really enjoy watching your family at work, the laughter and sounds, the hustle and bustle of daily life, snippets of annoyance here and there, as there always is when loved ones live closely together every day, especially with young children.

What is lovely to see and hear, is the way you navigate those things together. I think it speaks of the love that was grown between you before you had Ravi and Luna.

When Gaia speaks of you Arnoud, whether it is about something fun, about a little fight you had, or something that went horribly awry - like a stolen bakfiets (cargo-bike) - there is always love and compassion in her voice, even when all patience is lost for a moment.

I don’t speak to you about the deeper things of life often Arnoud, but I do hear from Gaia how you love her, treat her, and I see how affectionate you are and the way you look at her. You definitely share a love that is worth celebrating.

I feel very honoured I get to be a part of it. Of today, but more so of your daily life. I hope over the years our families keep growing closer, to enjoy and to support each other.

I often wonder how many changes you have made in your life Gaia, sometimes it seems like you have already had 9 lives, like a cat. But now you seem at home here. I think the pace of life here suits you.

Riding a bike like a pro, rain nor shine, speaking the language so eloquently, making your mark on society here, enjoying and challenging motherhood as you go. You have surely become half a Dutchie, Gaia.

But I am glad to see how rich Ravi and Luna are, growing up with multi facetted parents, multiple languages, an array of lovely food and loving friends and family all around. Rooted in more places than one. How wonderful!

I will repeat once more the words I already said to you Gaia, but of course they are meant for you both:

I hope you, Arnoud, Gaia, Ravi and Luna, get to enjoy a lifetime of happy moments, with shared tears caught in hugs of togetherness, loud but freeing fights that fizzle quickly and the biggest amazing starbursts in between.

Love, Maura