On 21st of August 2018, as Oana had just finished perfoming a story at Mezrab, a local venue and bar, she was approched by a Macedonian man who would become an important part of her life. That man was Gorjan, our godfather, who quickly introduced his best friend, the soon-to-be groom. After a bit of flattery, a few jokes and the promise of a new tshirt inspired by balkan cuisine, Dimitar got Oana's number. And yes, she got her tshirt.

The only reason we even know the date of this day, is because our witness and bridesmaid, Cee, was also there that night, and managed to give us an amazing gift: a photo of the the last moment before our lives were about to change forever.

On 14 October 2018, a friendly 3-people hang-out turned into cozy tete-a-tete when Gorjan had some "unexpected work" to finish. We got drunk on pitchers of Moscow Mules (a drink you'll be able to enjoy at our reception) and the rest is history.

This is also the date we consider to be our anniversary.

Oana proposed to Dimitar to become registered partners, with a pair of meteorite cufflinks he will wear on their wedding day.

They became registered civil partners on the 2nd of November 2020 (also the wedding anniversary of Oana's parents), in a small pandemic-chic ceremony with their 3 witnesses: Cee, Mina and Pavel.

Dimitar proposed to Oana at the beautiful canyon Matka, surrounded by their parents, their godfather, and one of their groomsmen.

The ring was somehow exactly what she wanted, but still a total surprise. They got applause from a group of tourists passing by, and when the clouds rolled in not a moment too soon, finally letting go of the long-brewing summer rain, they strolled back to their cars, getting happily drenched.

Oana and Dimitar have been legally married since the 14th of March 2023. The signing took place at their local municipal office in Diemen, supported by their parents (left to right: Zoran, Irena, Carmen and Cristi).

The ceremony was short, brisk and almost did not happen at all, as Dutch pragmatism meant the officials needed to be persuaded that signing into a marriage at the same booth you might pick up your driver’s license at, might not be the most romantic thing. And that yes, even though you are registered partners, you would still like to celebrate the transition to marriage, even if they are “basically the same thing”.

The day itself, the company and the being-married-to-your-best-friend part, however, was everything they ever wanted.