A Castle Wedding in the French Countryside and an Instagram Love Story
Mary Easa and Daniel Tsivin’s love story was sparked by Instagram circa October 2019, when a mirror selfie between two coworkers was posted to an Instagram story. Within its 24-hour window, Dan spotted the girl who would one day become his wife.
Never being shy about how he feels, Dan immediately messaged his friend: “Who is that?” He followed Mary on IG that same day. A few days later, Mary followed him back, unaware she had just triggered a five-year timeline of romantic persistence. For Dan, that tiny green “follow back” button was all the confirmation he needed to believe he might have a shot.
From Instagram to Modern-Day Pen Pals
At the time, Mary was thriving in London – living her best solo life, working hard, traveling constantly, and documenting her adventures with just the right amount of dry, self-deprecating humor. Meanwhile, Dan was wrapping up his time in Washington, D.C., balancing a new job with a social calendar that could make a cruise director dizzy. And while they hadn’t met or even spoken, Dan watched Mary’s stories religiously. He thought she was hilarious. She, meanwhile, had no idea who “that guy Dan” even was.
“He wasn’t in a rush – he just wanted Mary to know he existed.”
Then came 2020. The world paused. Dan moved to New York, Mary’s European dream grew uncertain, and she returned home to Michigan. One day, Mary posted a lighthearted story: her dad asking, “Why don’t you have a boyfriend?” Dan seized the moment. He slid into her DMs with: “Sorry, Mary, it’s because I’m in New York.” Her reply? Two laughing emojis. And just like that, the spark ignited.
Mary and Dan became modern-day pen pals. Slow replies from Mary, enthusiastic reactions from Dan, who didn’t mind waiting. He wasn’t in a rush – he just wanted Mary to know he existed. Their conversations grew deeper. They bonded over travel, Harry Potter, childhood stories, and the mystery of Dan’s ability to hit snooze a record number of times during college.
Eventually, Mary returned to the U.S., this time to New York. In June 2021, she landed a new job. Suddenly, they were no longer separated by an ocean – just a few short Subway stops. On August 14, 2021, they met in person. Their first date lasted 12 hours and included rooftop drinks, tacos, a walk in the park, a comedy show, pizza, and cabaret. Dan was hooked. The next day, he deleted his dating apps. A week later, he asked Mary to be his girlfriend. Three weeks later, he told her he loved her.
A Lincoln Center Proposal and Manhattan City Hall Wedding
By early 2022, the couple moved in together. They traveled from Hawaii to Michigan, Italy to Israel. Everywhere they went, they made memories, built inside jokes, and fell even deeper in love. Mary, who had always believed in love but wasn’t sure how it would arrive, found not only romance, but her very best friend. Dan found his cheerleader, co-pilot, and ultimate muse.
On December 14, 2022, Dan planned the proposal. Mary had always wanted to see the Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, so he surprised her with tickets. Outside, before the show, Dan asked her to pose for a photo in front of a seasonal sculpture. When she turned back around, he was on one knee. Mary, red as a strawberry and smiling from ear to ear, couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
The proposal wasn’t the beginning – it was a joyful checkpoint. By then, they had already built a beautiful life together, including welcoming their daughter, Violet, earlier that year. They’d already made it official with a Manhattan City Hall wedding, surrounded by taxis, courthouse steps, and the low hum of distant sirens. Their next step? A big celebration across the ocean, surrounded by friends and family.
A Castle Wedding in the French Countryside
To celebrate their nuptials overseas, Mary and Dan hosted a destination castle wedding in the French countryside. Just when they thought their fairytale wedding couldn’t be more romantic, a light rain shower entered the picture. While they had initially hoped for perfect weather, the soft rain only added to the charm while giving the whole thing “serious Pride & Prejudice vibes.” Despite the drizzle and some wedding-day jitters, the bride and groom were calm and joyful. They had already done the “legal” thing. They had already built a family. This day was about celebration – about love, laughter, good food, and finally seeing all the people who had supported them over the years.
The wedding night itself was magical: heartfelt vows, twinkling lights, a delicious feast, nonstop dancing, and a daughter twirling around like she owned the castle. Mary and Dan were beaming. By the end of the night, which felt like a movie, the newlyweds were exhausted, grateful, and overflowing with joy.
Honeymooning in Amsterdam
After their fairytale castle wedding, the couple and their 8-month-old adventure buddy capped off their trip with a honeymoon to (baby-friendly!) Amsterdam. Cobblestone streets, charming canals, cheese samples that hit way harder than expected – Mary, Dan, and Violet explored the city hand-in-hand, savoring stroopwafels and sidewalk strolls as they wandered from one charming neighborhood to another. It was the perfect way to round out a whirlwind wedding chapter.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Château Bouffémont ; Planner, Floral & Event Design: Lovin’ Concept; Linen, Caterer & Cake: Entre mets et fragrances; Entertainment: Anthony VonScheidt, Wedding DJ; Ceremony Dress: Pnina Tornai; Bridal Salon: Kleinfeld Bridal, New York, NY; Hair & MUA: Bonnie Chou; Groom’s Attire: Enzo Custom; Groom’s Watch: Tissot; Engagement Ring: Navin Sakhrani; Cinematography: Sebastian Video Photography; Photography: Rebecca Marie Photography