How did you and your partner meet?

So many things had to fall into place for us to meet that we consider ourselves the luckiest people in the world to have found each other. Ap was visiting Columbia University before beginning graduate school there, just as Idir was interning at Columbia before his freshman year at Princeton. We probably need to credit OkCupid’s algorithms for fatefully connecting us (and also Ap's maid of honor Sylvia for urging her to change her zip code on her OkCupid profile to New York’s when she was still in Atlanta!). We had our first date in May 2014, and ever since then, we created wonderful memories in a dozen countries together. We have made each other better people, and we are grateful for our ever-growing love and support for each other as we enter this new chapter of our lives.

When did you first know they were "the one?"

We feel that we get to be our most authentic selves in front of each other, we can relax, and we feel safe. That’s how we know we want to spend the rest of our lives together.

How did they propose?

On February 10th, 2018, Idir surprised his bride-to-be in the beautifully secluded garden of Princeton University's Graduate College, with special guest appearances of two of Ap's favorite characters - Minion and Stormy! The pouring rain couldn't dilute the richness of the moment. As the French saying goes: "Rainy wedding, happy marriage!" We cannot wait to get married!

What are you most looking forward to?

We can’t wait to celebrate this very special and intimate moment of tying the knot with each other in front of our loved ones. As for me, I’m so excited to wear my wedding gown and be a princess!!

Are you including any traditions / religious rights in your wedding?

No religious elements We will say our vows in three languages (Chinese, French, and English) to reflect the diversity of our cultural backgrounds.

Describe your ceremony in three words:

Romantic, intimate, real

What is your ceremony music?

Professional music: Across the Stars from Star Wars, as we are both fascinated by the movies and the universe in general, as well S the fact that how slim the chances are for us to meet and fall in love with each other in this big wild cosmos.

How did you go about planning your ceremony?

Idir’s mother helped out a lot - she is our wedding planner! We added many personal touches to the details of the wedding to reflect our identities.

Who is your officiant? How did you choose them?

The Princeton mayor Liz Lempert agreed to officiate our wedding when Idir’s mother ran into her at an event! We are thrilled to have her!

Why did you choose the ceremony and reception locations?

We wanted something close to Princeton, close to nature, and has an intimate setting. Mountain Lakes House meets our criteria!

How would you describe your reception theme? What inspired you when you were planning your wedding?

I combined my love for soft romantic bohemian vibes with modern geometric metal designs as the theme of my wedding decorations. I knew very clearly what styles I wanted and my future mother-in-law helped me realize those visions!

What was your favorite part of the planning process?

Being able to collaborate with family and friends makes me feel very blessed. Of course, wedding gown fittings were fun for the bride!

What was the worst part of the planning process?

Working, moving to a new city and planning a wedding at the same time is certainly stressful!

Tell us about the cake!!

The vegan wedding cake is from the NYC’s hippy bakery Cinnamon Snail. The flavor is lemon curd for a refreshing summer bite.

What food are you most looking forward to on the wedding reception menu?

We are both very passionate about advocating for the benefits of a plant-based diet and eco-friendly lifestyles. We would like to present our guests with delicious and beautiful vegan buffet, wedding cake, and desserts!!

First dance:

Love Changes Everything Father-daughter and mother-son dance at the same time: Sunrise Sunset (the lyrics are beautiful!!)