Yen and Andy met in graduate school. Andy was an MBA student and Yen was starting her first year as a French PhD graduate student. Usually people from different departments and other ends of the campus don’t ever cross paths, but they did at a graduate student function—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Give us the proposal details! When? Where? How?
Because I am abroad this year for research, Andy & I have been meeting in different cities in Europe whenever we get the chance. In November, to celebrate our 3 year anniversary, Andy and I decided to go to Budapest, Hungary. I had arranged something with the Ritz to surprise Andy for our anniversary, and little did I know Andy had plans himself! Budapest is beautiful, but it was a cold and cloudy day, so when we decided to walk all morning and then hike Gellert Hill, my toes were frozen and I was extremely hungry.
As embarrassing as it is, it is also very very real: I am extremely cranky when I am hungry. As soon as we made it to the top of the hill, I took a look at the view and insisted we get down (so I could eat lunch!). Andy, however, tried to loiter which only exacerbated the hanger. There were plenty of pretty spots but we were never alone. After looping the entire summit, I sped-walked down the trail and right before we reached street level, at the last inlet on the hill, Andy called from behind me to say he just wanted to share one quick minute with me.
One of the biggest reminders about wedding planning is how impossible it is to satisfy everyone, but as long as we think about the things that make each of us happy, it keeps us grounded.
Thereafter ensued a begrudging “fineee,” a bended knee, a lot of crying and guilt, some passersby clapping, and a newly engaged Andy & Yen. I don’t even remember being hungry after that….And the hotel surprise was a beautiful end to our evening.
What has been your favorite experience planning the wedding?
The decision-making is hard but it gives us an idea of decisions for our home and life together after: what kind of cookware will we have? where will we live? We also haven’t done cake tasting yet, but I imagine this to be equally wonderful.
How do you stay sane under the pressures of wedding planning?
Each other! One of the biggest reminders about wedding planning is how impossible it is to satisfy everyone, but as long as we think about the things that make each of us happy, it keeps us grounded.
What is your favorite part of using Joy for your wedding?
It’s easy to access, Joy is always available to answer questions – which makes me feel like I’m working with friends, and it’s cute! I also love that it’s different from other websites, very hip.
What piece of advice would you give couples to ensure that they use Joy to its fullest potential?
Use Joy to go paperless – it’s convenient, quick, and saves $$$. We are still going with paper invitations but our RSVPs will be online, which not only caters to our tech-savvy friends and family but also gives the website more of a purpose without just looking pretty.
At Joy we believe that even though a wedding lasts a day, joy lasts forever. What does that mean to you?
A wedding is a very special day indeed, and a lot of happiness can be experienced and witnessed that day. It’s a special outlook to marriage and what your wedding day can represent, and it’s nice to know that you can butterflies even after your wedding day.
