Our Story
Fabian and April’s story began in a way that no one could have planned. Fabian and April met at a Labor Day tennis party during Fabian’s first weekend in the U.S., where Fabian had just arrived from the Netherlands to join the UTSA tennis team. April was in her last year of university, and when April saw this tall Dutch guy, April’s first thought was, “Aww, he's cute!” The two of them talked all night, connected instantly, and may have even shared a kiss. Then April found out that Fabian was only 17, and the next day April disappeared.
A week later, on Fabian’s 18th birthday, Fabian found April on Facebook and sent her a playful message saying, “I’m 18 today.” Amused by Fabian’s bold re-entrance into her life, April invited Fabian out for ice cream at Cold Stone to celebrate. That night, Fabian and April bonded over laughter and conversations about their differences, Fabian’s impressions of America, and April’s university plans. That simple night out became the first chapter of a decade-long journey.
Fast forward, on October 7, 2023, Fabian proposed to April on their ten-year anniversary in the Champagne region of France. Fabian and April were in the garden of a castle, surrounded by vineyard views and sipping champagne, when Fabian asked April to marry him. After years of incredible shared experiences—celebrating birthdays in Florence, Christmases with family, and trips to the Galápagos and Curaçao—Fabian had chosen the perfect moment to propose on a day so obviously meaningful that April never saw it coming. The proposal was private, just the two of them, intimate and beautiful. Fabian had even arranged a surprise photographer, who almost missed the big moment when April insisted on sitting somewhere else for their picnic (not knowing that Fabian had planned the whole setup right there). The proposal couldn’t have been more perfect, a moment neither Fabian nor April will ever forget.
Fabian and April share many passions, from sports to travel, fine dining, and wine tasting. Known for vacation photos featuring food more than scenery, Fabian and April savor every meal, always on the hunt for their next great dining experience. April adores Fabian’s joy after his first bite of something new, while Fabian loves recounting vineyard tales and sommelier tips to friends and family. Together, Fabian and April rank meals, debate wine pairings, and decide which bottles to bring home to share with loved ones.
Their love of food extends to each other’s cultures. Fabian loves visiting April’s family in the Valley, especially for her mom’s breakfasts of bacon, eggs, beans, tortillas, and avocado. But Fabian might love fishing all night with April’s dad, Mando, even more—endlessly chasing the elusive ten-foot gar that “got away” and retelling the tale at BBQs.
In 2018, April moved to the Netherlands, missing her family but embracing her new one. April’s mother-in-law always has iets lekkers (a little treat) ready, whether it’s chicken soup, boerenkool, or lekker makkie burritos. Fabian’s father is all about creating unforgettable moments, and April jokes that his life motto might as well be “the limit does not exist” because there’s always something fun planned. In a gesture that touches April’s heart, Fabian’s father always saves “a piece of fish, especially for you, April,” knowing she doesn’t eat meat.
Traveling has taken Fabian and April to incredible places, but in recent years, diving has become their shared passion. Over the past three years, Fabian and April have explored breathtaking underwater destinations, including the Galápagos, Curaçao, and Egypt. Diving has brought them even closer, and it’s a passion they look forward to continuing together.
On their wedding day, Fabian and April are most excited about celebrating their love with family and friends from both sides of the world. It will be a joyful merging of traditions and cultures, and they are thrilled to be joining their lives in ways both big and small and to keep building a life filled with laughter, love, and adventure.
