2014
In May 2014, Lucas reached out to Loes on an app asking about her upcoming exchange in Italy. He had no idea how that simple act would change both of our lives.
Despite being over 5,500 km apart, we messaged constantly – interrupted only by spotty Wi-Fi. What started as casual chats soon turned into months of texting that eventually led to marathon Skype calls (back when Skype was a thing!).
After a year of talking, we faced the daunting task of telling our parents that we wanted to meet someone we’d only known online—halfway across the world! After a rather awkward Skype call with both sets of parents, we were relieved when they trusted us to follow our hearts.
2015
In August 2015, Lucas waited for Loes in the Montreal airport where she was stuck in customs for hours. Luckily, he wasn’t stood up – and as soon as we met, the sparks shined even brighter in real life. Just a couple days later, on August 30th, we made things official when Lucas asked Loes in his best Dutch, "Wil je mijn liefje zijn?" (“Do you want to be my girlfriend?”).
For years, we traveled back and forth to be together, including many holidays and vacations with our wonderful and supportive families. From Ottawa and Toronto to Deerlijk, Vietnam to Hawaii, and Banff to Italy, we explored our hometowns and every place in between.
2021
After overcoming many challenges—navigating pandemic restrictions and the visa process—it was finally Moving Day! Lucas traveled to Belgium in November 2021 to accompany Loes (and her many, many suitcases) as she made the move to Canada.
We settled into life together in the big city, got two plants, and built a home. While Loes, a small-town girl at heart, adjusted to life in Toronto, Lucas was there by her side through it all.
2024
When Lucas asked Loes to marry him in Spring 2024, the answer was a resounding yes! Because we cherish the many coincidences that brought us together, we’re getting married on August 30th, 2025—our 10th anniversary. We’re celebrating not just our love for each other, but also the support and love from all of you who’ve been cheering us on along the way.
Saturday August 30th, 2025
Longest time apart
DAYS
Number of trips before moving in
Money spent on flights
More than our wallets would like to admit!
Shortest trip
Number of Facebook messages
Suitcases lost
Longest time apart
DAYS
Number of trips before moving in
Money spent on flights
More than our wallets would like to admit!
Shortest trip
Number of Facebook messages
Suitcases lost
