Nine years ago, R and J swiped right in Shanghai. A chat about music kicked things off - J sent a so-called lullaby - Lullaby by Queens of the Stone Age. Bold move. After an awkward pause, R replied: "wanna meet?" Their first date? A bougie jazz bar, where they bizarrely chose to stand outside in the cold.

From bougie to groupie, R was soon front and centre at J’s gigs, half grimacing, half grinning. Meanwhile, J plodded through SH’s techno scene, inhaling street food at 2 AM. He ditched vinyl for guitars; she endured smoky basement venues. Their worlds merged - classical recitals, live houses, and weekend walks with Kuku.

Then, in the summer of 2016, R met J’s family, toured Norwich (yes, including the train station), and claimed a top-deck X3 bus spot with his nan. But as summer faded, so did their time together - R left for the Royal Academy of Music. Long distance loomed, but J’s contract was up. The UK called, and with a ballet date as a tempting invite, J made the move. Six years of Shanghai baggage later, he was home. This marked their first and toughest chapter: commitment. As with most couples, they got a pet – a cat called Jimbo. They settled and pursued their crafts - R composing, J songwriting and designing, Jimbo terrorising paper balls.

From 2018 to 2023, they moved from a tiny flat to a house with a garden - Jimbo’s hunting ground. Mornings were for yoga and running; they separated their sonic fields as much as possible but couldn't stop helping/annoying each other. With J's support (mostly linguistic), R graduated with distinction and started her PhD; vice versa, J recorded live instruments for his tracks with the help of R. That summer, they said a bittersweet goodbye to J’s nan, who had welcomed R with open arms. 

Then came Covid - major fights, fallouts, and dark times tested their relationship. Through long conversations, deep breaths, and a commitment to openness, they found their way through. R turned to calligraphy and philosophy; J grew tomatoes with Italian-level commitment and honed his production skills. They escaped to a Covid-empty Amalfi Coast, devouring Naples and Pompeii like ancient history buffs. That trip sparked a love for Italy, bringing them back in time and a sense of exploring its many corners.

By 2023, they moved south of the river, ready for a new chapter. J's dangerously short commute meant they had more time together - something of a blessing but with more time, other priorities came knocking: jiu-jitsu and literal knocks. While R patiently endured J's injuries, J tolerated R’s 5000-decibel voice and spice addiction. Jimbo, on the other hand, still a tiny menace, ruled them both.

During the Lunar New Year in 2024, they returned to R’s hometown, Xi’an. They revisited the ancient city wall, where they once huddled against the cold. This time, as they descended the South Gate’s stairs, R froze - J was on one knee. They then met the same friends who had once poured them cocktails in that distant swanky Shanghai jazz bar and reality hit - they were getting married. There was fizz. There were phone calls. There was planning.

And now, here you are, invited to the next chapter. Together, they're turning a small Tuscan hilltop into a colourful display of love. They’ll be blessed with your attendance and all the joy and love you bring. Don’t be a twat and no-show. A lot of love has gone into this. Over and out.

*R’s grandmothers and wider family cannot travel to Italy. They will celebrate when J & R return to China later.