Joanne Bryony Schotpoort (26): Allround creative
Dominique Straal (30): Photographer

What is the best date you’ve been on together?
Dominique: My favourite date must be our second one, when we went to eat at Cradam. Joanne was very nervous, but her sweet and warm energy radiated. Because of her, I wasn’t nervous at all. I was totally at ease. We sat for what felt like a long time, ate and laughed. I had to help her cut a notoriously hard piece of bread. She was funny, clumsy, very well dressed and completely herself. That moment gave me a small glimpse of how it could be, and it later became.

Joanne: I had a couple of days off during the summer of 2020, so we decided that each of us should plan a date. My choice was a trip to this butterfly garden, which was an hour away from Amsterdam. It was inside a large greenhouse, so it was hot and humid. The greenhouse was filled with all kinds of tropical plants, flowers, and the most amazing butterflies with vibrant colours. We learned a bunch of cool new things, and Dominique took pictures with his analogue camera. They turned out really pretty. It was a wholesome day, and I would love to go back.
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Michelle Bergwijn (24): Artist, herbalist & (almost, haha) sexologist
Jordan Yvel (22): Artist and art student

When did you realise you were in love with your partner?
Michelle: Within the first week, hahaha. No, jokes. I think in the third week of knowing each other, he took me to his half brother. We drove by car, and he was playing Kid Cudi with the windows open, like screaming on the highway. That really made me go like: Yeah, this is the one. 

Jordan: For me, it came a bit later. I realised it when you were at my house, and you were talking to my mom and playing with my sister. Then I was like, yes, she connects well with my family. That's very important to me. 

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Levi Emmanuël Wattimena
Jan Konink

What are your future plans together?
Together: Our next big step will be living together this year! We currently live separately in Amsterdam and The Hague.

Jan: I love both cities, but I’m happy to stay in The Hague.

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Jo-Anne Bakboord(24): DJ Jolani Jhones & dancer
Mosey Charles (28): Store manager of TNO & dancer

What do you love most about your partner?
Mosey: Her freedom. She’s unpredictable, and she will do her regardless of anything else. I see Jo-Anne as a strong woman, and I really look up to her. 

Jo-Anne: The fact that he’s able to do everything he does with love. Even when he doesn’t feel good in a certain situation, he’s still able to move with love. And then all situations will turn out in something positive eventually. This side of Mosey also really inspired me.

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Stefanie Albertzoon (28): DJ & Fashion Designer
Nashedy Licie (31): Music Artist & Social Worker

What is the best date you've been on together?

Nashedy: Well, this is going to sound very corny, but all the dates we have been on were bomb. 

Stefanie: Yes, haha! I think one of my favourites would be our first holiday, when we went to Curacao. 

Nashedy: True! When we landed, I realised that it was double as beautiful because one; it's my homeland, and two; I’m here for the first time with my girlfriend. The trip in general was just amazing, so I think those are definitely one of the best days. But basically all days that we spend together are amazing!

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Kathleen Marie
Belal Patsoun

What are your future plans together?
Kath: For now, I want to cherish everything we do together, experience new things and explore. I want us to grow as individuals so that we can both grow further together. You can’t plan the future, but I believe in sharing all fun times together with my future family.

Belal: Travel the world together, learn, and enjoy every moment with each other. As for what the further future holds, that's Gods plan.

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Photography: Patrick Kenawy