Kinga & Kieran
PARADISE ENGAGEMENT
Somewhere in the heart of a tropical paradise, where the sun lazily dipped into the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, Kinga and Kieran were starting another day of their Asian adventure. They had been travelling across the continent for a month, discovering its most beautiful spots. This time, their destination was Ko Phi Phi—a small Thai island taken straight from a Disney fairy tale.
They stayed in a modest yet charming guesthouse, whose owners were like characters from a story about a happy family living at the end of the world- always smiling and kind-hearted. With their daughter by their side, who took as her best friend... a goat (yes, you read that right: a goat). A smile appeared on their faces every time they looked at this heartwarming picture.
Despite these idyllic surroundings, Kieran couldn’t fully relax - he was stressed by the ring hidden deep in his backpack and wrapped in spare socks, of which Kinga had no inkling. After all, the engagement was supposed to be a surprise for her.
He was searching for the perfect moment to ask that one, most important question, but the days passed, and the ideal opportunity hadn’t come. Finally, on 30 March 2023, the triple threes in the date (his favourite number) and the atmosphere of the moment seemed to say that this was the day.
After a whole day of relaxation on one of the secluded beaches, where Kinga read another book about serial killers and Kieran was playing football manger, the sun began to set. Why not go kayaking? They had talked about it the previous day, and the romantic surroundings seemed perfect for it. Like straight out of a movie.
Kinga, unaware of the true purpose of this trip, reluctantly agreed to leave the comfortable beach and walk to the other side of the island to get a kayak. They headed to the rental spot, and finally - after a few complications along the way that would not waste space in this story - set out on the water. It was their first time kayaking together, which quickly turned out to be more of a challenge than expected. They slammed their paddles against each other instead of moving forward evenly, which looked more like a scene from a grotesque comedy than a romantic movie. It didn’t help that they had less and less time to get to their
destination on time. The sun was steadily nearing the horizon.
Over time, they found a common rhythm, heading toward the bay between two towering cliffs. Of course, this was only possible thanks to the heroic paddling of Kieran, who had a natural talent for kayaking. He decided that nothing would spoil this moment, although his heart trembled for a moment when two other kayaks appeared right next to them. Could the whole elaborate plan be ruined by those damn tourists? Fortunately, they sailed on.
This was, of course, thanks only to Kieran’s heroic paddling, displaying a natural talent for kayaking. He decided that nothing would spoil this moment, though his heart skipped a beat when two other kayaks appeared nearby. Was another plan about to be ruined by all these bloody tourists? Fortunately, they sailed on.
When they finally reached their destination, the last rays of sunlight painting the sky gold and pink, Kieran knew there was no turning back. No time to think. He asked Kinga to look at the sunset and pose, and he - the Instagramer’s ideal boyfriend - would take a photo of her. During this time, he quietly reached for the ring and was preparing himself when Kinga - with her typical sense of timing, giving him a good 2 seconds to react - turned to him before he could do anything.
She saw him with the ring box in one hand and his phone in the other, frantically trying to capture the moment in a photo. They both looked at each other speechless for a moment. Finally, Kieran put down the phone, opened the box, and in the glow of the setting sun, asked the question they had both been waiting long enough for.
“Will you be my wife”, echoed quietly across the island, carried along with the sound of the waves. Kinga looked at him and her eyes glazed over with tears. She agreed, then fell into his arms and he stole a kiss from her - their first as an officially engaged couple. And although in the end there was no traditional one-knee kneeling, and not everything went according to plan, neither Kieran nor Kinga would like to experience this moment differently. It was a moment that will forever remain in their memories - the most beautiful, because it was shared just between the two of them.
If you love, then only 100%.
And if you get married, do it only in the company of people like you – the best wedding guests.
THANK YOU
For traveling so many kilometers to be here with us today. For every kind word, wishes and advice. For every toast drunk to our health. We wish you champagne fun until dawn.
Long live love!
We were there!
Scotland: DUNKELD GLASGOW EDINBURGH STIRLING
England: LEEDS
YORK SKEGNESS LONDON COTSWOLDS OXFORD BATH
GLASTONBURY PORTSMOUTH BRIGHTON
Poland: ZAKOPANE CRACOW
MIKOŁÓW GDYNIA SZCZECIN HEL WARSAW
Spain: MADRID MINORCA LANZAROTE FUERTEVENTURA
Croatia: ŠIBENIK
Italy:: VENICE
Moldova: CHIȘINĂU
Thailand: BANGKOK
CHIANG MAI
PAI
KRABI
KOH PHI PHI
KOH TAO
KOH SAMUI
KOH PHANGAN
RAILAY
PHUKET
Philippines: MANILA PALAWAN
CEBU
CAMIGUIN
BOHOL SIQUIJOR SIARGAO
Vietnam: HANOI
HA GIANG
SA PA
NINH BÌNH
HA LONG BAY
HUẾ
DA NANG
HỘI AN
ĐÀ LẠT
HO CHI MINH
THE MAP OF OUR TRAVELS
WEDDING VENUE
Kotulińskiego 6 Czechowice Dziedzice
An unusual, unconventional, extraordinary place for a wedding reception? There is one such place on the love map of Silesia. Right by the exit from national road no. 1, behind one bend and two ponds, near the Kotuliński Palace. I am talking about K6 in Czechowice-Dziedzice. This is a facility unlike any other, which breaks all stereotypes of a traditional wedding hall. The farm buildings are an old distillery (although even earlier there was supposedly a brewery and a forge here), which got a second life. The walls of this place remember the times when local counts walked in the shade of a magnificent oak tree. Today, they write more stories on the pages - you can drop in here for a concert, organize a training course, or even a wedding (which is exactly what is happening), because at 6 Kotuliński Street there is an extraordinary space, and everything is guided by four slogans: people, creativity, authenticity, slow.
Dorota and Olek created it with love and true passion. Just a few years ago, the buildings were in ruins, but neither the leaking roof, the plaster falling off the walls, nor the rubble left by their predecessors deterred them from this place. They took it under their wing and breathed new life into it. The renovation took three years. Then they had to convince people that under these barrel-vaulted, brick vaults, in seemingly austere interiors, maintained in a simple style, great things could happen – and at the same time without pomposity. They succeeded. Today, no one needs to be convinced that Kotulińskiego 6 is a magical place, worth visiting. It was the atmosphere of this place that made Kinga and Kieran decide to organize their wedding here – in a brick barn, under a three -hundred-year-old oak tree, at several-meter-long wooden tables made from old boards by the owners. Organize it in a slow style. In their own style.
PHILIPPINES
VIETNAM
THAILAND
INTERVIEW
WYWIAD WITH THE NEWLYWEDS’ PARENTS
What do you think is the secret to a successful marriage?
Mother of the Bride: “Love is when you give someone the freedom to choose, and they choose you every day.” The secret is to be friends with each other, respect each other’s differences, give each other space for self-development, support and participate in everyday activities. It’s also worth keeping a sense of humor in all of this.
Parents of the Groom: Compromise, patience, talking to each other and never going to sleep without making up, mutual respect.
What to do if a crisis occurs?
Father of the Bride: The way to deal with a crisis is to not allow a crisis to occur.
Parents of the Groom: Listen to each other’s perspective, talk the problem through, compromise, remember you love each other.
Does celebrating wedding anniversaries matter?
Mother of the Bride: Yes. It’s nice when they are planned together.
Father of the Bride: Celebrating round anniversaries is also important – such as the 17th, 35th or 119th day; the 2nd, 11th or 28th week; the 2nd or 9th month and every year.
Parents of the Groom: Yes, it does not have to be expensive, little gestures count, but you should always take the time to celebrate your love for each other.
What kind of children were the Newlyweds?
Father of the Bride: Kinga has always had a high self-esteem. She once told me: „I think you’re starting to take over too much!” When asked who was in charge in our house, she would answer without hesitation: „Well, mommy and me.”
Parents of the Groom: Kieran was very competitive, so much so that we were playing Laser Quest and having run out of shots, he ran round the corner and hit his brother with the rifle to win the game. He loved sport - while having his leg in plaster due to a broken ankle, we found him playing rugby. He always loves dogs but not cats as the cat we had when he was young used to hide and then ambush him as he came up the stairs. Kieran was a chubby as a baby and his great aunt always used to call him her little cuddly dumpling. As a child, used to listen to Elvis, Michael Jackson and Jimi Hendrix to help him go to sleep. Started playing football at 4 and has supported Celtic and Scotland since he was born. His favourite film was Starship Troopers - an horror film which his grandad used to let him watch while eating his way through a biscuit tin of custard creams. He hated vegetables and lived on a diet of pizza and chicken nuggets.
What was your first impression when you met your future son-in-law / daughter-in-law?
Mother of the Bride: When Kieran came to Poland with Kinga for the first time, he was not yet introduced as a future son-in-law, but as a boyfriend. He gave the impression of a calm, very nice and cultured, yet brave boy who decided to come to an unknown country for our daughter, overcoming the language and cultural barrier.
Father of the Bride: First impression? That he looks like Hugh Grant – or conversely: Hugh Grant looks like Kieran!
Parents of the Groom: Kinga was lovely. We wondered how did Kieran get so lucky! (laughter)
What should a good wife never forget?
Mother of the Bride: She should remember to respect each other.
Parents of the Groom: How lucky she is! (laughter)
What should a good husband never forget?
Father of the Bride: That he has a WIFE and he should remember to LOVE her.
Parents of the Groom: That his wife is always right. (laughter)
The wedding is coming soon. How are the moods before this important day?
Mother of the Bride: We know that newlyweds meticulously plan everything in accordance with their visions of their own wedding. I enjoy watching their joint commitment and action in the matter of realizing their own wedding.
Parents of the Groom: Knowing how many spreadsheets Kieran has and how much detailed planning has gone into making Kinga’s dreams come true, we are sure the day will go without a hitch.
Is there anything you would like to tell the Newlyweds on their wedding day?
Mother of the Bride: I wish you to have fun in life, focusing on realizing your dreams, not being influenced by the opinions of others. That you never lose yourself... always be young, joyful people who surround themselves with wonderful, supportive people. And that you remember about family.
Parents of the Groom: We are so very proud of you both and are so thankful to be sharing your special day. May your marriage be filled with love, laughter and happiness and may all your dreams come true!
What were they like when they were tykes?
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE Stand by Me
When the night has come And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we see No I won’t be afraid No I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darling, darling stand by me
Oh, now, now, stand by me
Stand by me, stand by me
If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
And the mountain should crumble to the sea I won’t cry, I won’t cry
No I won’t shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me
And darling, darling stand by me
Oh, stand by me
Stand by me x3
Whenever you’re in trouble won’t you stand by me
Oh, now, now, stand by me
Oh, stand by me x3
Darling, darling stand by me
Stand by me
Oh stand by me x3
Gdy nadejdzie noc
Ziemia pogrąży się w mroku
A księżyc będzie
jedynym dla nas światłem
Nie, nie okażę strachu
Nie, nie okażę strachu
Tak długo, jak zostaniesz u mego boku
I kochanie, kochanie, zostań ze mną
Och, teraz, teraz, zostań przy mnie
Zostań przy mnie, zostań przy mnie Jeśli niebo, w które się wpatrujemy
Zachwieje się i spadnie
A góry skruszą się do morza Nie będę płakać, nie będę płakać Nie uronię choćby łzy
Tak długo, jak zostaniesz u mego boku
I kochanie, kochanie, zostań ze mną
Och, zostań ze mną Zostań ze mną x3
Nawet po uszy w tarapatach, zostań ze mną Teraz, teraz, zostań przy mnie
Och, zostań ze mną x3
Kochanie, kochanie, zostań ze mną Zostań u mego boku
Och, zostań ze mną x3
WHAT KIND OF WEDDING GUEST YOU ARE?
1. How many weddings have you attended as a guest in your lifetime?
a. 0-5
b. 6-10
c. 11-20
d. more
2. Do you always send back your RSVP?
a. they should know if I’m going to come b. no, unless they call to ask on their own c. usually yes, unless I forget to do it d. always
3. Have you ever RSVP yes but didn’t show up at the wedding?
a. it happened to me a few times b. yes, but it was an unusual situation c. no, I’m trying not to do such things d. I always show up
4. What’s your biggest motivation to show up at a wedding?
a. I show up because I’m expected to b. the venue has to be cool
c. the wish to celebrate this day together d. good food, alcohol and fun
5. Are you a fan of assigned seats?
a. no, I prefer to choose the place to sit on my own
b. I don’t care about it
c. only when there are many guests d. yes, I don’t like people racing to call dibs on chairs
6. What will you do if the served food isn’t tasty?
a. I will tell what I think about it
b. I will be complaining behind theirs back c. I will pick what I like and leave the rest d. I will eat anything out of politeness
7. What kind of gifts do you give to the newlyweds?
a. I don’t give gifts, I’m a guest
b. money and flowers
c. a hand-made gift
d. a gift that I know they will like
8. Do you participate in games during the unveiling ceremony?
a. no, never. I think they’re dumb
b. when someone drags me to the dance floor
c. when I know they won’t be racy
d. always, I’m all in for some good fun
9. If you don’t come to the wedding, will you congratulate the newlyweds later on?
a. no, because I wasn’t at the ceremony
b. it depends on how much I like the couple
c. if I don’t forget, I will text them
d. of course, I will call them the next day
10. Do you like looking at the pictures or watching movies from wedding?
a. it’s completely uninteresting to me
b. if the newlyweds send them to me
c. yes, I enjoy looking at them
d. we look at them together with others
WHAT DO THE NEWLYWEDS’ NAMES MEAN?
Kinga
It is a diminutive of the old Germanic name Kunegunda, literally meaning „fighting in defense of the family”. Women with this name are strong, brave and energetic, they like challenges and taking risks. The most famous with this name is St. Kinga - a Hungarian princess, wife of Bolesław the Chaste, Duchess of KrakówSandomierz. She is credited with finding salt in Wieliczka. According to legend, before leaving for Poland, St. Kinga threw her engagement ring into a salt shaft in Maramures in Hungary. The ring was miraculously found in a block of salt in Wieliczka. Today, she is the patron saint of salt miners and the Wieliczka salt mine, but also of all of Poland and Lithuania.
Kieran
This name comes from the Irish language, one of the forms of the name Ciarán (others include Kieron). In Irish, „Ciar” means „dark” or „black”, and the suffix „-án” is a diminutive, so Ciarán can be translated as a dark-haired youth. The color black symbolizes mystery and wisdom, but also strength, courage and leadership skills that characterize men with this name. It is popular in English-speaking countries. There are two saints in Ireland with the name: Saint Ciarán of Clonmacnoise, known as the „first saint of Ireland”, and Saint Ciarán of Saighir, who is considered one of the twelve apostles of Ireland.
Most answers: A
A WEDDING CYNIC
You’re trying to avoid weddings as they’re not really your jam. If you do show up there, you struggle to enjoy it. Usually you take a French leave before the cake rolls in. For you, weddings could be non -existent at all. But don’t worry – it’s possible to convince even such a great opponent of weddings like you to hit the dance floor!
Most answers: B
A WEDDING GRUMBLER
Usually you show up at the weddings of your closest family, because that’s the proper thing to do. You’re not the life and soul of the party and you don’t revel in the fun. Your favorite wedding entertainment is providing commentary to everything. Fortunately, nobody takes this smurfy grouching seriously, because everyone’s busy having fun!
Most answers: C
A PERFECT GUEST
You’re the reasonable wedding guest who knows how to behave in the company. Even if you’re not always having great fun, you never let it show. You’re tolerant towards other guests. No wonder everyone eagerly invites you to their weddings – such a guest is hard to be found!
Most answers: D
A 100% WEDDING FAN
There’s not a wedding you would miss! You’re the life and soul of the party, you love having fun – and that’s why you often lead the party. You practically stay non-stop on the dance floor. And even though sometimes you get carried away in the wedding frenzy, the newlyweds always crack a smile when they reminisce about you!
