YOURI CLAESSENS
Editorial Wedding Photographer for Europe
YOURI CLAESSENS
True style is never forced. It is found in the honest, unscripted moments. My role is not to direct a production, but to curate an atmosphere where you can be fully present. I capture the way you look at each other when the world fades away: the laughter, the tears, and the quiet intimacy. This pursuit of effortless, unfiltered beauty is the heartbeat of my work.
Choosing photography wasn't just a career move but a calling that redefined my life. I started back in 2008 in the fashion industry because I loved the precision and the art of composition. But my first wedding commission changed everything for me. Seeing the raw emotion and the pure joy on a couple’s face when they saw their photos hit me hard. I realized right then that capturing real life in all its beauty was infinitely more powerful than any staged production.
Nearly two decades later, my philosophy is grounded in intuition rather than just technique. It is about seeing the light, anticipating the feeling, and telling a story without using words. It is knowing exactly when to step in to help you look your best, and when to step back to let the magic unfold naturally. Today, shooting exclusive weddings across Europe, I bring that mix of editorial style and genuine passion to every single day. My goal is simple: to create images that don't just look beautiful, but let you feel those memories all over again.
As a proud father of two sons, I understand how fast time flies. I try to soak up every moment we have, whether it’s laughing at a family dinner or enjoying a glass of fine wine with good friends. These simple pleasures keep me grounded and remind me what life is actually about. That deep appreciation for connection is exactly what I bring into my work. I don't just observe your love from a distance, but I truly understand the value of preserving it for you.
Since 2018, my wife Avieta and I have traveled the globe as a creative team. For us, this is more than a job. It is a shared passion where art meets real emotion. Fluent in six languages, we ensure you feel completely at ease, blending a timeless look with the unposed feelings that make your day unique. It is a huge privilege to tell these stories. We are dedicated to turning your fleeting seconds into treasures that you will cherish forever.
Youri Claessens
Avieta Claessens
With over 18 years of experience behind the camera, my work is defined by a soft, luminous aesthetic that remains timeless and authentic. While I naturally gravitate toward sun-drenched destinations, my Dutch roots have given me a deep appreciation for the serene beauty of winter. When the temperature drops, I find magic in the stillness of the mountains and the warmth of a crackling fireplace. I speak English, Dutch, and German fluently. Building a genuine connection, in any language, is always the foundation of my art.
Born in Zurich with proud Serbian roots, Avieta began her journey as the first woman hired at Google’s European headquarters. There, she helped establish the people-first culture that still thrives today. After a successful corporate career, meeting Youri in Ibiza reignited her lifelong passion for photography. Since 2018, she has traveled the world as an integral part of our team. A proud mother of two, she is fluent in six languages and also runs her own female-focused branding business and retreats.
You can explore more about her personal work on her website here.
FOUNDER
photographer
father
traveler
Women's mentor
photographer
animal lover
locavore
I love to capture the stories of those who embrace life’s beauty, travel with curiosity, and find freedom in every adventure
Why we are different
Your story does not have a time limit, and neither should my coverage. I do not count hours. I count moments. Whether the celebration runs late into the night or the speeches take their time, I stay until the full narrative is told. There are no stressful hourly packages or hidden limits. Just my complete dedication to capturing your day exactly as it unfolds.
I never outsource my editing. Every single image is curated and polished by me personally to ensure the luminous style you love is consistent throughout your entire gallery.
To maintain this level of artistry and devotion, I accept only a limited number of weddings each year. You are never just a date on a calendar. You are a priority, and I am fully present for every step of your journey.
