The Meet Cute

Steph and Jurian met as exchange students at Malmö University, in Sweden, in January 2016. Jurian was very focused on his Children's Literature course, while Steph was more focused on traveling around Europe (and maybe some studying here and there!). There was an immediate connection between the two, but with the short timeline of the semester ahead, they kept their feelings close to the chest.

Eventually came the end of the exchange and they had to go their separate ways, which included a rom-com worthy airport goodbye. Jurian had to go home to the Netherlands to finish his degree to become an English teacher and Steph went back to Canada to finish her last year at the University of Guelph. Will they ever see each other again? Spoiler, they do!

The Long Distance Relationship

In an effort to make it work, there were many trips back and forth between 2016 and 2018. Jurian made his way to Canada several times, while Steph visited the Netherlands as often as her school schedule would allow! But the traveling, the time difference and the long stretches of time apart started to take a toll on the young couple. And then they found the perfect solution!

The Big Move

Jurian packed up several suitcases (and a race bike!) and flew to Canada in October 2018 with no return ticket. They moved in together in a tiny apartment in London, ON while Steph was studying to become a lawyer and Jurian… well he was mostly a jobless "house-boyfriend."

The Big Year

In May and June of 2019, Jurian's parents came to Canada for their first visit. Thinking they needed to surprise them with something worth the trip across the ocean, Steph and Jurian took both sets of parents out for dinner and sprung it on them that they were getting married... and in just two weeks!

On June 14, 2019, Steph and Jurian had a small ceremony at city hall in London, surrounded by (most) of their immediate family. Best of all, THEY WERE MARRIED!

With that came several benefits. Jurian was able to apply for a work permit. He then found a job in 2020 and became a permanent resident that same year.

The Married Years (abbreviated)

Two moves - London and later to Thamesford

One law degree

One Canadian Citizen

Two great jobs (as opposed to zero at the start)

And after five happy years of marriage, they are thrilled to have to opportunity to renew their vows and finally celebrate their love with all of you!