YOURI CLAESSENS
IBIZA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
YOURI CLAESSENS
ABOUT YOURI
I’m a romantic— forever captivated by wanderlust. I’m driven by authentic connections and the privilege of documenting an incredible love story.
Choosing photography as a career was one of the smartest moves I've ever made. My journey began in 2008 while I was pursuing a degree in the Netherlands and taking photography classes. Initially, I focused on fashion photography, but as I shot more weddings, I became captivated by the art of capturing real life stories through images. The look of joy on the couples’ faces when they saw my photos was a reward in itself and solidified my decision to focus on wedding photography.
After almost two decades of work and countless shoots, I’ve learned it’s not just about having a good camera. It’s about finding the right composition, lighting, and waiting for the right moments to unfold. There’s an awareness of the present that is so key in my work. You can’t miss those once-in-a-lifetime moments. Now, as a luxury destination wedding photographer working all over Europe, I strive to improve with every shoot and bring my clients' stories to life through my lens.
As a proud father of two amazing sons, I enjoy spending quality time with them— making them laugh and creating memories. My free time is spent with them, along with my wife and friends, where a good glass of wine, soothing music, and warm sunshine bring a smile to my face.
Since 2018, my wife Avieta and I have been traveling the world as a destination wedding and event photographer team, capturing the most beautiful and meaningful moments for couples on their big day. We work to balance high-level styles and pristine color palettes with the raw emotions of a wedding, and the rich story behind each bride and groom’s union. It’s a magnificent artistic privilege. Every day I wake up feeling grateful for this opportunity to do what I love and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Youri Claessens
Avieta Claessens
For me, it’s not just the photo, it’s the experience. Just as when you go to a fine-dining restaurant, it’s more than the food: it’s the aromas, the dimmed lights, the unmatched hospitality that makes you feel special.
Avieta has the natural talent to connect with people, inspire and empower them. Life taught me to trust myself and my path when everything looked impossible and not reachable — Therefore, I made it my mission to empower many individuals to pursue their passions and turn their dreams into reality.
With over 15 years of experience shooting luxury events around the world, I bring a soft and luminous style to my work; it’s natural and living. I love a good warm and sunny location like my home on Ibiza, but my Dutch roots also thrive in the tranquility and beauty of a winter wonderland in the mountains. When the temperature drops, there's nothing quite like heating up by the fireplace and enjoying its warmth. I speak English, Dutch and German fluently, and work on my Spanish.
Born in Zurich, Switzerland with Serbian roots, I began my professional career in Zurich as the first woman ever employed at Google’s European headquarters. There, I implemented the people-first culture that still thrives today. Then after running a successful consulting career, I met Youri in Ibiza and recognized how much I missed the creative world. Since 2018, I have been assisting Youri, working together and traveling the world to capture exceptional moments. I am a proud mother of two grown children, speak 6 different languages, and run my own female-focused branding and photography business. I also organise trips all over Europe for women. You can find my personal website here.
FOUNDER
photographer
father
traveler
Women's mentor
photographer
animal lover
locavore
My clients are seekers of beauty, lovers of travel, with a taste for adventure and sea salt in their hair.
Counting the moments
I want you to look back at your special day and remember not just how you looked, but how you felt. That means I am not counting the hours, but counting the moments. I will not leave until I've captured every detail, no matter how long it takes and regardless of the unforeseen delays. I tell the full story of your special day without any stressful hourly packages.
All editing is done in-house by us, without out-sourcing to an agency. This allows me to maintain my unique style and quality and have full artistic control over the final product.
My attention to detail and devotion to a personal experience means I only take on a limited number of events per year. Your day is important to me and I want to be fully present for every second of it.
