Borthwick Castle

Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal

Dinner

After Dinner Drinks

Wedding Day

Arrival

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Tea + Coffee

Evening Reception

Our Wedding

Our Story

Chapter 1	Once upon a time, in darkened halls of scholarly shadows, two souls from separate worlds found each other by neon lights. One, a fair maiden of the lands, hardy as the hills, sharp as a sickle, wise and witty from witchcraft, and always in search of the next horizon. The other, an heir of a lineage of the night, with roots stretching across centuries and seas, mind and body honed by aged wisdom, and driven forward by the pressure of generations. Years of studying the sciences, arts, mathematics, and literature had prepared them for the challenges foretold by their forebears, but none had warned them of the greatest, most electrifying encounter of all…love.

Chapter 2	It was within pale, winding scholarly halls that these two souls were released, allowed to explore a world broader than they had seen before. Here the fair maiden found solace between the lines of Tolkien and Stoker, where her imagination could roam free of the scholarly structures. On the other hand, the young lord arrived to find that the hallowed halls were not quite as described by his kin who came before, but as one who came from history, he soon found solace among familiar tales. 	Though the fair maiden and the young lord adjusted to thrive within these halls, they could already feel their foundations begin to decay. Independently, they resolved to slip away into the dark, away from judging eyes and burdensome expectations from around and within. Wandering the empty halls after hours, they searched for kindred spirits, and in doing so, found each other.

Chapter 3	It was the fair maiden’s own darkness within that captured the light in the young lord’s eyes. Together, they found they shared a love for the small lights that inhabited the night. For the fair maiden these were candles, marveling at the way the wax traced paths ever downwards, all while the angelic halo descended to the ends of the wick. On the other hand, the young lord enjoyed the dance of fireflies, capturing them and taming the creatures to trace intricate patterns across the night. Something sparked between the fair maiden and the young lord when they shared in these fascinations.	For the rest of their time in those halls, they endured the lectures of the day until they could meet again at night by the glow of candlesticks and fireflies. Closer and closer they danced, until they could hear their hearts call out to each other even during the daylight hours. At last, it came time for them to part, but before they could share one last dance, they were swept away upon the winds, unsure of where or when they would meet again.

Chapter 4	For a time, they were apart, but the very winds that separated them carried their letters to and fro. By candlelight, they corresponded from afar, still connected by a red thread of longing. Before they knew it, this thread had entwined them, and as fate would have it, they found each other once more. This time, they made their feelings known, and soon picked up where they had left off from those halls of their youth.

Chapter 5	Together at last, the young lord and the fair maiden began to travel the world, crossing vast mountains and rolling seas. Through great forests and vast plains they ventured, arriving upon shimmering coasts where they would sail to far off isles. Over time, they began to build a home in their hearts, and that love manifested into the world around them. After a spring apart in London and Spain, the fair maiden and the young lord realized they could not bear to be apart any longer. And so, when they reunited in the rustic vineyards of Italy, the young lord confessed his love for the fair maiden with a ring resembling a white dahlia. To his delight, she returned his affections. Together, they swore to join each other in the eternal night, til death do they part and after rejoin again.	Hand in hand, they venture forth into the next chapter of their tale, hosting a celebration for the journey to come at a castle in the gothic highlands of Scotland.

Our Engagement Party

An Adventure in Edinburgh

A Tale of Two Lovers

Two nerds met in high school and it's been downhill from there. Not only did they become fast friends, they were also dance nerds, performing on stage together every year until they graduated high school. Somehow, they would always find each other in the dark by the light of their glowsticks.

2011

It was time to graduate from Stuyvesant High School to New York University. They were both going to the same university, but who knew what these two friends would become?

2012

After they graduated from grad school, they both felt an irresistible pull to each other and set off toward a future together!

2018

Deciding to put their creative juices to work, Andy and Jon crafted their own cosplays to wear at PAX West in Seattle!

September 2019 - PAX West

With Andy attending a conference out in Denver, Jon flew out to meet them. There, they saw the Rocky Mountains and visited a whiskey distillery. Little did they know, Andy and Jon would cross the Rocky Mountains again in the future!

November 2019 - Denver

As summer came, Andy and Jon hit the road, blazing a trail up along the northeast in a camper van. From Salem to Portland to Bar Harbor, the two sampled every clam chowder they could find and of course, saved room for lobster rolls fresh off the pier.

June 2021 - Roadtrip to Maine

September 2021 - Our first Ren Faire

Enchanted by their first camper van adventure, Andy and Jon sought another escapade, this time in the Big Sur. Landing in LA, they hopped into a van and drove up to Monterrey, paying homage to the otters before setting up camp in the Big Sur. Cuddled up with hot cocoa at sunset, they realized that anywhere could be home for them, so long as they carried each other in their hearts.

December 2021 - Big Sur

Seeking sunny shores, Andy and Jon took a lovely jaunt with their friends to the south of France, where they enjoyed wine, cheese, bread, and a summer's worth of Aperol Spritzes.

June 2022 - Nice

Like any couple in their late 20s and in a quarter life crisis, they traveled to Japan. There, they enjoyed the hot springs of Hakone, explored the temples of Kyoto, enjoyed the nightlife of Osaka, and ended their adventure in Tokyo.

May 2023 - Japan

While scholarly pursuits brought Andy to the Big Easy, the two could not resist the draw of the supernatural. Between museums by day to ghostly pub crawls by night, they enjoyed the breadth and depth of cuisine that New Orleans had to offer, all to the electrifying live music from Preservation Hall to Frenchman Street.

November 2023 - New Orleans

Little did they know that 2024 would be the year of trains, as they took off on a coast to coast journey across the US. From New York City, they took the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago, where they would take the California Zephyr all the way to San Francisco. Despite subzero temperatures delaying them in Chicago and an avalanche in Denver, Andy and Jon made it to the Golden State.

January 2024 - The California Zephyr

Unable to resist the call of the mountains, they traveled to Switzerland together. Having acquired an obsession with trains, they took in the breathtaking views of the Alps via rail, making sure to stop and enjoy the edelweiss along the way.

May 2024 - Switzerland

Feeling the cross country call once more, Andy and Jon set off to Chicago to catch the Empire Builder across the northern US towards Seattle. Along the way, they stopped by Glacier National Park, enjoying the beauty of the vast forests and lakes.

July 2024 - The Empire Builder

A summit launch for Andy meant a kip across the pond, with Jon tagging along. A frothy pint, a full English, and a pot of tea later, Andy set off the pursue their dream of completing the Camino de Santiago!

April 2025 - London

After Andy completed their journey on the Camino de Santiago, they reunited with Jon in the beautiful city of Florence. After a couple days of sightseeing, they headed for the Tuscan countryside, where Andy would spend the week at an art retreat at a vineyard villa. There, on a balcony overlooking the Tuscan sunset, Jon popped the question and Andy said yes! May their love ripen and age like the finest wine!

May 2025 - Italy

Jon and Andy go to Edinburgh to scout out castles we shall invade, preparing for our larger forces (you guys!) to come.

May 2026 - Edinburgh

Together, blessed by their family and friends, they shall take their vows and tie the knot!

May 2027 - Borthwick Castle, Scotland

Engagement Party 2025

Photos

Anthea Chan

Jonathan Kwok

Emilia Yu

Christopher Payseur

Joanna Stuba

Teofilo Callanaupa

Vanessa Payseur

David Anzalone

Marianna Del Matto

David Sanchez

Max Lebedev

Elton Kwok

Dramatis Personae

Act 1: Innocence

12:00 - The Hunters and Maidens arrive at Borthwick Castle1:00 - The Maiden and the Prince join their friends at Borthwick Castle1:30- History Tour of the Castle3:00- Lawn and Frolicking4:00 - Scottish Dance Class7:00- Wedding Rehearsal7:30- Rehearsal Dinner--a pig shall be slaughtered!9:30- Post dinner drinks at the State Room

Act 2: Nightfall

The Prince reveals his true nature, and the Maiden joins him in his dark crusade. 9:00- The Maiden prepares for her descent into darkness4:00- The Ritual/Ceremony proceeds before night falls, The Maiden arises, the newest denizen of the night5:00- Drinks Reception at the State Room6:30 - A Feast at the Great Hall8:15 - Tea/Coffee at the State Room9:!5 - Evening Reception at the Great Hall

Act 3: Twilight

The Dark Lord and his Queen depart, their vows made and their love to last Until Eternity

Schedule

Dress Code

Q + A

For 600 years Borthwick Castle has played its part in history and witnessed key moments in the lives of key historical figures including Mary, Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell. This castle is where we are holding the main events of the wedding. While we have exclusive use, Borthwick has a limited number of rooms so we are holding these for Wedding Party and immediate family.

This is where we will be holding our Hen and Stag party. Let us know if you'd like to book a room, we may be able to get you a better rate! Located in Edinburgh, Melville Castle Hotel provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a 24-hour front desk. Guests can have a drink at the bar. The private bathroom is equipped with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. A buffet, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast is available at the property. Edinburgh Airport is 12 miles from the property.

Melville Castle

Travel

AccommodationsHouse of Gods: a luxurious, glamorous hotel in the Old CityParliament House Hotel: comfy if you don't mind hills!Yotel: very modern hotel by Charlotte Square ActivitiesNational Portrait Gallery: free museum that's lovely to walk aroundWitch Tour: learn about the history of witch hunts! Eats and DrinksThe Guilford ArmsThe Alchemist: experimental cocktails that defy expectationHawksmoor: a huge, gorgeous steakhouse. Go for their Sunday Roast!

Edinburgh

AccommodationsRoyal Highland Hotel (Inverness): If you are taking the train up to Inverness, this hotel is right outside of the station so it's super convenient, plus they have afternoon tea, a bar, and cozy lobby! ActivitiesDunnotar Castle: the ruins of a castle, beautiful to exploire Eats and DrinksKrakatoa (Aberdeen): a grungy, metal tiki bar with live music, strong cocktails, and you can order pizza from nearby!

Beyond

Recommendations in Scotland

Registry

STARTERSTomato and Mozzarella SaladMixed SaladColeslawMAIN COURSEWhole Roasted Pig &amp; Crackling with Apple Sauce and Sage and Onion StuffingGrilled Vegetable And Halloumi Skewers with Wraps and a Tzatziki Dip and Sweet Chilli SauceMarinated Chicken ThighsSIDESHerb Dressed New PotatoesBread Rolls and Wraps (w/ Gluten Free Rolls) DRINKSYour first round is on us!

Wedding Dinner

STARTER Smoked Haddock Scotch Eggwith buttered leeks, curry sauce , dressed watercress &amp; crispy onions (G, E, D, F, C, N)ORHaggis, Neeps &amp; TattiesHardiesmill haggis bon bon, potato terrine, turnip puree, whisky sauce (G, E, D, C) MAINHaunch of Highland Venisonhaggis pommes dauphine, shallot puree, celeriac, thyme jus (G, E, D, M, C)ORScottish Borders Lamb Saddleslow cooked harissa lamb shoulder, gratin dauphinoise, carrot puree, rosemary jus (broad beans, courgette, feta &amp; mint salad) (G, E, C, N, D) DESSERTSticky Toffee Puddingwith butterscotch sauce, vanilla ice cream, brandy snap (G, E, M)ORRhubarb &amp; Custardrhubarb &amp; custard mousse, shortbread crumble, poached rhubarb, rhubarb sorbet (G, E, D) DRINKSHalf bottle of red or white wine

Allergen Key: E: Eggs, G: Gluten, D: Dairy, S: Sesame, N:Nuts, SH: Shellfish, F: Fish, M: Mustard, C: Celery

Anthea & Jonathan

Anthea & Jonathan

Registry

While we love gifts, our lives are already full of more things than we can treasure. But a journey to Middle Earth is the gift of a lifetime, and any support is greatly appreciated!