Rob and I first met on the bus going for the introduction weekend of our rowing club in Utrecht. We started talking and telling each other jokes and we have never stopped! Rob is one of the most social people I’ve met and with his charismatic personality has a big impact on my life. We live in different places but when we are together we pick it up right where we left off.

I met Leo not long after joining the rowing club and with Rob we formed our rowing team. Not knowing that he and I would be such a close team still to this day! We have lived together in 7 or 8 different houses in Amsterdam to the point that my family thought he was my secret boyfriend. Back in Amsterdam we loved exploring the city on our bikes and now do we the same in the Tuscan hills. Only without our delicious haring!

The first time I saw Veerle was in the restaurant where I worked in Amsterdam, she was wearing tight panther print pants (at the time very fashionable!). I thought “Hey she looks like fun!” and I was right! From the most uncomplicated humor to the person with whom I can share everything that’s going on in my life with. We can laugh and reflect with each other. A full package, mèn!!

The first time I met Emily was in London where she hosted Rob, Leo and I amongst other friends for NYE. From there I knew that this would be a match! Her infinite source of energy combined with the urge to always have fun! We spent years together in Amsterdam laughing, drinking wine and cooking for friends which often ended in arguments about the best recipes! We’re still undecided about the best boeuf bourguignon!

Olli is my first ever friend.
We picked each other in nursery school and stuck by in all important moments of life. She is my most forgetful and disorganized friend but she makes up for it with the best heart and the greatest laughs. We just get each other, from when we were 1 to always.

Marghe is the gymnast, the coach, the teacher and the pastry chef. She is incredibly dedicated to all her passions as well as our friendship, all the way from 1997. Her family is my family. She is kind and sweet, and everyones biggest cheerleader, a bit shy at first but i’m sure she will be the first on the dance floor!

If you know me you know her.
Cate has been my partner in crime for most of my adventures. We learn from each other every day. She is passionate, generous and will always be there for me, just like a sister. She is the most humble person and chef, even if she is the MVP!

Otta and I did not have the love-at-first sight friendship. Then one day it just happened! We became friends, true and inseparable. She is reliable, sweet yet strong and the greatest confidant. There is never judgment, just understanding and love. She is a constant presence in my life and I am certain she will be forever.

I used to fight and wrestle with Fiore every time we had the chance when we were kids. He is Marghe’s cousin and I was always the least exited person to see him at parties. We lost touch in middle school and then in highschool we met again. This time we clicked, immediately. We had the best laughs, the dumbest jokes and the most heartfelt moments. We shared difficult experiences in life and grew stronger together. He is stubborn, picky, hates stinky cheese but will always be the most gentle of friends, looking out for me and inspiring me always. We are truly different but haven’t found anything to divide us.

He is one of Mart’s biggest fans and was truly and most genuinely happy when asked to be our officiant, with a beer in hand, watching the sunset over our beloved Carloforte.

Alex is one of the most cheerful people you’ll ever meet! I met him at Novanta when he came there on vacation with his brother. He has been a friend of Leo’s from their childhood in Maastricht. After his vacation he was infected with the Novanta virus and we became very good friends and we have worked together on rebuilding the valley for years. He’s definitely the right “gangmaker” to the right party and has a bigger heart than anyone I’ve met (except for sweebel!).

When I asked him to officiate our wedding he got a little bit shy but together with Fiore we are sure they will complement each other perfectly!