Rehearsal Dinner

Les Arbousiers Chambre D'hôtes

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Champagne Hour

Dinner & Dancing

Gwen & Jan's Place

Post-Wedding Brunch

Fall

Our Wedding

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.

"I'm focusing on myself this year"

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.

Making it official

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Semi-Formal is our way of taking advantage of the gorgeous space and doing justice to the occasion. That being said, it's going to be quite warm in Céret in September, which means flowy dresses and linen suits and/or no jackets for guys. I just don't want to see anyone's knees ;P

We've put together a Pinterest board for everyone so that it's a clear for everyone. I've included screenshots below, but you can also visit the board here: <a href="https://nl.pinterest.com/anna0563/va-ceremony-semi-formal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pinterest.com/anna0563/va-ceremony-semi-formal/</a>

*** This is only for the ceremony. The rehearsal dinner is more relaxed, but not casual.

Outfit Inspiration

Q + A

Girona-Costa Brava Airport is the easiest and closest airport to Céret. It is possible and advised to rent a car at the airport as public transport in Céret itself is limited and Uber doesn't exist here. It is possible to reserve a taxi but it *must* be done in advance.From the Girona airport, it is about an hour to the village of Céret. Transavia flies from within the EU to Girona and tickets are already available for September!

FLYING TO GIRONA

This is the closest international airport and is about a two-hour drive to Céret. It is possible and advised to rent a car at the airport as public transport in Céret itself is limited and Uber doesn't exist here. It is possible to reserve a taxi but it *must* be done in advance.

FLYING TO BARCELONA

If arriving by train, the closest train station is Perpignan. From here, you will need to rent a car or take a taxi in order to get to Céret. One car per party is advised. It is about a forty minute drive to Céret from Perpignan.The official website of Gare de Perpignan is available in English.

ARRIVING BY TRAIN

Travel

In Céret

All about Céret <a href="https://www.ot-ceret.fr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ot-ceret.fr/</a>

Saturday morning market

Every Saturday morning, Céret hosts a market that follows its winding outer street (you can't miss it). Available for purchase here is everything from paella to jewellery, vegetables to ceramics and clothes. Best to get there early before it gets too busy or too hot, and paying in cash is the main option at most vendors. LocationCenter of Céret - you can't miss it

Museum of Modern Art

Located on the main road in the center of town, The Museum of Modern Art contains an impressive collection of works from Picasso, who resided in Céret for a number of years beginning in 1911. Together with Henri Matisse, Picasso himself helped in the creation of the museum and gifted a large number of works to its collection. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10-18:00 Museum website: <a href="https://www.musee-ceret.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.musee-ceret.com/</a> More about Céret and Picasso's time in Céret: <a href="https://www.france.fr/en/article/ceret-refuge-picasso-matisse-soutine-and-chagall/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.france.fr/en/article/ceret-refuge-picasso-matisse-soutine-and-chagall/</a> Location﻿8, Bd Maréchal Joffre66400 Céret

Near Céret

Wine tasting

When in France...drink wine. As you'd expect, there are lots of vineyards around Céret that are free to taste! Don't worry though, we'll have wine at the wedding!

Here are some Jan-approved wine tasting spots :) Check the website to see if you need to book ahead! This is rare but does happen. Domaine de la Perdrix<a href="https://www.domaine-perdrix.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.domaine-perdrix.net/</a> Les ClosWe were here recently on our last visit to France, and there is a small beach next to the restaurant that is great for a dip after lunch at their restaurant!<a href="https://www.lesclosdepaulilles.com/?utm_source=gmb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.lesclosdepaulilles.com/?utm_source=gmb</a> PereladaYou definitely need to call upfront here!<a href="https://perelada.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://perelada.com/</a> Domaine Thunevin Calvet<a href="https://www.thunevin-calvet.fr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thunevin-calvet.fr/</a>

Museum of Musical Instruments

With over 2500 instruments in their collection and 400 on display, it's always extremely interesting to see the development of musical instruments throughout history (and ruminate on why some might not have made the cut...) Museum Website<a href="https://music-ceret.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://music-ceret.com/</a> Location﻿&nbsp;14, Rue Pierre Rameil 66400 Céret

Anna & Vyasa

Anna & Vyasa

Wedding Party

Wedding Party coming soon!