Some couples get one wedding day. Anca and Trey? They had two, and they embraced every second of each. After tying the knot oceanside in California, the pair hopped across the world to Romania, where Anca grew up. “Since Anca is from Romania, we wanted to honor both of our backgrounds by celebrating in both of our hometowns,” they share. And honestly? It doesn’t get more romantic (or more international) than that.

A Homecoming with Heart

“We chose Râmnicu Vâlcea because it’s Anca’s hometown, a place filled with family history and natural beauty,” Trey explains. The city served as a fitting backdrop for a celebration that blended tradition, heritage, and the couple’s own modern love story.

Planning from across the globe wasn’t all smooth sailing. Coordinating with vendors across time zones, customs, and cultural expectations meant learning to adapt. “Open dialogue and flexibility helped bridge those gaps and ensured everything came together beautifully,” Anca says.

A Ceremony on Sacred Ground

Their ceremony took place at Schitul Cetățuia, the very church where Anca was baptized. Nestled atop a hill, the church seemed gently suspended between earth and sky. Every detail felt intentional and sacred, from the Romanian Orthodox service to one of the most symbolic rituals of all: the crowning.

The ceremony included treasured traditions: the blessing of the rings, walking together around the altar (their first steps as a married couple), and guidance from their beloved godparents. Later in the evening, a more intimate Romanian custom made an appearance: removing the bride’s veil to symbolize the transition from bride to wife. It was tender, emotional, and deeply rooted in heritage.

A Celebration with Flavor

After vows were exchanged, it was time to toast at Barko Restaurant, recommended by Anca’s brother Alex, who knew the owner personally. “It felt like the perfect fit: charming, modern, welcoming, and authentic to the region,” the bride says. Think elevated cuisine, local flair, and a buzz of joy woven through every plate of food and every clinking glass.

The décor was inspired by summer itself: lush greens, sunny yellow accents, and crisp whites. Locally sourced florals from Primarosa Events made everything feel grounded in the landscape, not just inspired by it.

Guests arrived to a very Romanian welcome: handmade ulcioare, little ceramic jugs crafted by a local artist and personalized with the couple’s initials. They became beautiful keepsakes and cultural envelopes for the love that filled the night. And because this was an international love story, the invitations featured a map tracing the miles between them.

Planning from Afar Without Losing Your Mind

Their secret weapon? A pre-wedding scouting trip.

“We were able to visit once before the wedding, which made all the difference,” the couple says. They met with their florist, toured the church, and enjoyed a menu tasting at Barko. Sometimes just seeing the vision in person makes everything click.

Their advice to future globetrotting couples? “Constant communication with your vendors is key. Stay aligned on every detail and keep an open mind, it makes all the difference when planning from afar,” Anca advises.

From Oceanside sunsets to Romanian mountain vistas, Anca and Trey wrote their love story in two languages and across two continents, because love deserves more than one celebration. And if you ask them, they wouldn’t have it any other way!

Vendors: Photographer: Carmen Santorelli; Ceremony Venue: Schitul Cetatuia; Reception Venue: Barko Restaurant; Wedding Day Coordinator: Joy Moments; Florist: Primarosa Events; Stationery: Claudia Strenger; Cake: Cofetaria Agrodor; Hair & Makeup: Green Line Studio; Grooms’ Clothing Designer: Tru Tailor Co; Wedding Dress Designer: Eva Lendel by WONÁ Concept