In 2016, almost nine years to the date of their wedding, in a small city near the sea, Anna and Vyasa both wanted to “focus on themselves”. Vyasa, having just received his Bachelor of Arts and Anna her Bachelor of Vocal Performance, wanted to take the year to figure out their next steps. Sharing a distinct lack of money, they both found their way to Capriole Cafe in the Hague, a restaurant/coffee bar where they were both hired as baristas. A perfect place to earn some money and go about their lives. Little did they know that fate had already intervened and their love story was about to begin. They met and almost instantly and effortlessly hit it off.

Before long, Vyasa started to stay for “just one more beer” after his shift ended, Anna left little notes for Vyasa with “instructions” that he absolutely didn’t need, and after three weeks a colleague predicted that they would be “married within two years.” On both ends, there was a distinct lack of focus on only themselves…

However, fate still needed to smooth out some rough edges, as Vyasa was *technically* still in a long-distance relationship (recently opened AKA almost over). Apparently not one to let that stop her, Anna jokingly invited Vyasa to see Wagner’s Parsifal with her, under no illusion that he would ever say yes. He said yes. To Parsifal. It was at this moment Anna knew there was something different about this guy. (Side note: they never actually went to Parsifal together, because Anna already had a date - she asked Vyasa as a joke!)

After five months of pretending they didn’t have feelings for each other, Vyasa left to visit his girlfriend in South Africa for three months. After two weeks Anna got a message from him announcing his return. Finally, they were able to explore their feelings for each other, and of course, hide it from all their colleagues ‘cause how hot is THAT. Our colleagues liked to make fun of us all the time anyway, no need to give them extra teasing fodder.

Although keeping it a secret for almost 6 months was quite exciting, at some point they wanted the world to know. Eight years, seven (yes, seven) houses, two cats, Loki and Popeye) and one proposal later, they’ve finally decided to make it official. Vyasa’s proposal to Anna was intimate, yet grand at the same time. Tucked away in a secluded spot of Sequoia National Forest by the President’s Tree, surrounded by centuries old trees, so nervous he couldn’t even get through his speech, Vyasa asked Anna to marry him, creating a moment neither of them will ever forget.

When deciding on where to get married, Céret was an obvious choice - Anna’s mom’s house had come to be a standard vacation spot, always impressing them with gorgeous views and the most delicious croissants on the planet. Yearly, they visited this secluded village in the Pyrenees, cycled its hills, drank its wine and felt at peace. While we couldn’t host so many people at the house itself, Les Arbousiers was the next best option, and almost felt like it was waiting for us to discover it. After ten years of living in Céret, Anna’s mom and stepdad had never heard of it and stumbled upon it by chance at the suggestion of a neighbor. We’re so excited to welcome you to this incredible spot in the gorgeous town of Céret. Visit the bakeries, enjoy the Saturday morning market (wedding day!), visit the Picasso museum and fall in love with it as we have.

Thank you for being part of our special day.