“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” Such is the journey of Yuanling and Anu, a tale brimming with love and passion. From their very first meeting to the brink of their wedding day, their story is adorned with romance, adventure, and countless cherished memories.
On December 13, 2019, destiny brought Yuanling and Anu together for the first time. Introduced by their mutual friend Roy, who was unaware of the vast difference in their chess skills, the two investment professionals met for a coffee chat. Yuanling and Roy had crossed paths at a Yale alumni gathering in San Francisco, while Roy and Anu worked together at the same firm. Despite the meeting being intended as a casual chat, the two quickly became engrossed in a game of chess, losing track of time. This initial encounter, though filled more with silent contemplation than conversation, sparked a connection that extended beyond the coffee shop as they continued to communicate through text during their holiday travels.
As the new year began, Yuanling and Anu found themselves back in San Francisco, eager to explore the budding feelings that had grown over their holiday conversations. Their first official date took place on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020, marking the beginning of a deep and meaningful relationship. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led them to form a close-knit bubble, including Anu’s brother, Raghav. Over the next few months, they shared countless memories, from celebrating birthdays and sailing in the San Francisco Bay to embarking on a road trip to Seattle. Each adventure brought them closer, their love blossoming with every shared experience and cherished moment.
The culmination of their love story came on January 2, 2022, in the picturesque city of Lucerne, Switzerland. Anu, ever the romantic, chose Yuanling’s favorite Swiss city as the backdrop for his proposal. With the serene beauty of Lucerne as their witness, he asked her to spend the rest of their lives together, and she joyfully accepted. Their engagement was celebrated with family, a moment of pure happiness and love that they would remember forever. The journey continued with travels to Egypt, Greece, and beyond, each trip adding a new chapter to their story.
From the bustling streets of Seoul to the historic landmarks of Shanghai, Yuanling and Anu have explored the world together, their love growing stronger with every adventure. They introduced each other to their respective families, creating bonds that transcended borders. Their journey included moments of cultural celebration, like Diwali in Switzerland and traditional Japanese weddings. Now, as they stand on the threshold of their wedding day, they look back on their journey with gratitude and excitement for the future. Their love story, filled with passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment, is a testament to the beautiful journey that has led them to this momentous occasion.
The Carved Building, known as “Diaohualou” in Chinese, is a grand mansion built during the Republic of China period in Dongshan, Suzhou, near Shanghai. Hosting a Tang-style Chinese wedding here symbolizes the parents’ wish to pass on the values of filial piety and family ethics from Chinese culture to the newlyweds. This traditional wedding not only pays homage to the culture but also embodies the hopes for the couple’s future family life, helping them establish a healthier and more stable marriage.