Schedule
15:00 — Guests arrive for lemonade and water
15:30-16:30 — Wedding ceremony
16:30-18:30 — Cocktail appetizers, jamón and rice stations, live music
18:30-20:30 — Sit down dinner and speeches
20:30-23:30 — Dance and open bar
Wedding Ceremony
Good afternoon, everyone!
We are gathered here, in this absolutely breathtaking place—Tamarit Castle, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea—to witness and celebrate something just as breathtaking: the love between Wow Khoman and Ivan Oravec.
Now, I have had the privilege of knowing Wow for years, and if you know Wow, you know that she is feisty and vibrant—a true New Yorker at heart. But she is also one of the most thoughtful, loving, and fiercely loyal people you will ever meet. She has a way of making the people around her feel special, cared for, and, if you’re lucky, very well-fed.
I met Wow in Bangkok in November 2020 at a U.S. presidential election party. It was during COVID, and she was wearing a Biden-Harris shirt. Naturally, we bonded over politics, and thanks to lockdown restrictions, we spent the next year together—drinking, eating, watching Downton Abbey, walking in the park, celebrating birthdays, holidays, and all of life’s little moments. It was an uncertain time in the world, but through it all, we had each other.
One thing about Wow during that time—she was searching for something real.
One day, she randomly sat next to a guy at PJ O’Brien’s pub for a quiz night—Ivan Oravec. At first glance, she wasn’t convinced he’d be much help on trivia night, but as the night went on, something sparked. What started as some fiery banter (sorry to Lisa, who was stuck between them) soon turned into something more. Maybe it was the way he kept up with her sharp wit and competitive spirit. Maybe it was the fact that he wasn’t intimidated by her fiery attitude. Maybe it was fate.
Whatever it was, that night led to a first date. That first date led to many more. And soon enough, Wow—found exactly what she was looking for in Ivan.
Now, if Wow is the fire, Ivan is the calm. He is grounded, gentle, and intelligent. He balances her energy in a way that doesn’t just complement her—it strengthens her. Where others might have been overwhelmed by her intensity, Ivan leaned in. He understood her, he appreciated her, and he showed up for her, time and time again.
For those who know Ivan, you’ll know how smart, earnest, kind, and understanding he is. He is also brave. Coming from a small town in Slovakia, Ivan ventured out into the world with an open heart and curiosity. Without ever having been there, he went to live in the UK, Colombia, India, and Thailand where, of course, he met Wow.
Perhaps nothing demonstrates their commitment to one another more than what happened in 2021. That year, Ivan was accepted into a Master’s program in Barcelona. And Wow—well, Wow was not about to let distance get in the way of something special. So, in a bold and very on-brand move, she pursued a dream of her own—culinary school in Barcelona—just so they could continue their journey together. Their relationship wasn’t just about adapting to life together—it was about intentionally building it, step by step.
From 2021 to today, they have created a beautiful life in Barcelona. They built a new community, filled with laughter, incredible food (courtesy of Wow), and, of course, plenty of wine. They even took their love for pub quizzes to the next level, hosting their own trivia nights at Michael Collins in Barcelona. And now, four years into this incredible adventure, they stand here, ready to take this next step as husband and wife.
And now, Wow and Ivan would like to share their vows with one another—promises that reflect the love, laughter, and devotion that have brought them to this day.
______
IVAN’S SPEECH
My beautiful Wowie
What really was the chance of the two of us standing here together today? We were born in 2 faraway countries, studied completely different subjects and worked in different fields. Many people here already know that we met at a pub quiz in Bangkok, which was the first ever quiz at which I came last. But not everyone knows that I almost didn’t arrive at that quiz, because I was driving through a very heavy traffic and knew that I would be late. I was 90% decided to turn around, but then I changed my mind, thought that “it’s not so bad” and pushed through.
And not everyone knows that you were only in Bangkok because Covid prevented you from returning to the US. Anyway, how come we met at a pub during Covid? Bangkok had a lockdown between January and mid-March and then from mid-April onwards in 2021. We met on March 22. Indeed, we managed to meet in the only 3-week window that it was possible in 2021. Alas, and I’ll use consulting speak here, the life with you has been the most beautiful six-sigma event of my life.
Since then, I have never wanted to live life without you again. Your curiosity and adventurous spirit make every day spent with you different than the one before. I know that you will go with me both to a glacier and a jungle, a 3-Michelin-star restaurant and a street food stall, a museum and a beach (just not to play volleyball, I know that, too). Thanks to your quick wit and fun-loving demeanor, I’m safe in the knowledge that when meeting friends, our conversations will not revolve only around business cases, economic situation and working hours. However, I know that life, and married life, is not only about fun and adventure. In you, I know that I am marrying someone extraordinarily caring, reliable and responsible. I know that you’ll take care of me when I get sick (I’d like to say “if” here, but we know my stomach), always fulfil what you promise, and help me in ways in which nobody else could or would. Not least, I know that you’ll never leave me hungry, if only because you simply hate the thought of me eating canned tuna with avocado, ketchup and rice (cooked with oil).
Today, my Wowie, I vow to be your best possible life partner. First and foremost, I vow to always buy the barista oat milk… But now seriously, I vow to always include you in my life plans and support you in yours. I vow to continue satisfying your curiosity, but also being curious about you, us and this big, beautiful world that we’re building. I vow to also challenge you when I believe that you need to correct course. Finally, I promise to take care of you, in good times and bad, in health and disease, wealth and poverty, forever.
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WOW’S SPEECH
First, I want to thank everyone who made this day possible. It has been a herculean task putting together this wedding. I know Ivan and I have worked extremely hard on it, but we couldn’t have done it without the immense support from Maria and the staff at the castle. But the biggest thank you goes to all of you. Ivan and I are so honored that you all made the journey to come share in this very special moment with us. To me, this is not just my wedding day, but a chance to have all the people I love be together by my side. So thank you all so much for coming.
I still remember when we first moved to Barcelona, two crazy people who chose to move halfway across the world together to start a new life after knowing each other for only 6 months. I love how you’re always so proud that I started Duolingo after a month of knowing you and how you’ve maintained our streak to this day. Even then we knew that we wanted to spend our lives together, that nothing would stop that. Never once have you made me regret the decision to join you on this lifetime adventure.
But the real decision I made wasn’t to follow you here, but to choose you as my person. You have always sided with me even when I was wrong, believed in me even when I wasn’t sure of myself, understood me when I didn’t make sense. You have appreciated every part of me. And you. I love how smart you are, how you approach everything with good humor and kindness, how much you care about the things you do for yourself and for others. You are someone who people can rely on.
When you came into my life, you changed it for the better. You have given me a life I have always wanted that I will always be grateful for. Even the things we did the day before, I am already looking back and thinking how lucky I am to have experienced it with you.
I know. I’ve always known. You’re the person I want to be beside me for the rest of my life. You are everything I have always wanted and needed.
I am grateful for you and I am grateful for your family.
Let’s just be together forever already!
______
Closing Words:
Wow and Ivan, we have all just witnessed the love, laughter, and heartfelt promises you've shared with each other. Your journey together has been filled with adventure, great food, and deep love—one that started in a pub in Bangkok, took you across the world to Barcelona, and led you here, to this incredible moment.
Marriage isn’t about being perfect; it’s about choosing each other every single day. It’s about embracing the fiery debates, the quiet moments, the pub quizzes, and the love that makes life so much richer because you’re experiencing it together.
So, with all of us here as your witnesses, it is my absolute joy to say… Ivan, you may now kiss your bride!
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you—for the very first time as a married couple—Wow and Ivan!
Dinner speeches
Elena Oravcová - mother of the groom
Dear newlyweds and dear guests.
As the groom’s mother and on behalf of his father as well, I would like to say a few words to you.
A proverb says that LOVE CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS. We can see today that your love has overcome oceans and crossed distant continents to connect two young loving people.
Dear Wow, we are warmly welcoming you to our family. Your presence in our family is a blessing and we are grateful for the joy and love you bring into our lives. I want to send you so much love today.
You are not just a daughter-in-law, you’re a friend. Your smile, warmth and kindness, all make this world a better place.
Dear son Ivan, today you are marrying Wow - the love of your life. I simply want to say that you will always be my baby, but I am so proud to watch you grow into a new chapter of life. I am proud of you, the man you have become, and of the new family you are creating. Your dad and I love you and we are filled with happiness that we may watch someone who loves and cherishes you as much as we do.
Love is much more than saying “I love you”, because love is a simple verb, because it is not loving for the sake of loving, it is loving to live.
Love is not expressed with words because there are no such words that give the perfect meaning of the extension of love, but instead love is the greatest quality of all, because there is no love without understanding, love without compassion, love without respect.
Those who truly love keep in mind that in love, nothing changes. Love does not end even if circumstances intervene, even if years or a lifetime pass, because near or far we love with the same intensity.
To to love is to lose track of time, it is to find meaning in simple details, it is to discover the feeling in the laughter, the look, the company, in absence and in presence.
You will know about each other that the other truly loves you when they admire your qualities, when they help you improve, when they encourage you to be a better version of yourself, even when they propel your wings to see that you achieve your goals with complete freedom.
Well, dear newlyweds, I am praying that God guides your footsteps as you begin this beautiful journey together. May God bless your marriage with joy, health, love and companionship for all your days.
Lisa Sittiwong - Friend of the bride
Good evening, everyone! For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Lisa, and I have the absolute honor of standing here today to celebrate two incredibly amazing people—Wow and Ivan. As one of Wow’s closest friends, there was no way I was going to miss this day—even if it meant flying all the way from Thailand to be here. And I know many of you here today feel the same way and have also come from various countries to be here too.
We have people from Thailand, Slovakia, Czechia, Colombia, Spain, USA, Canada, Argentina, Italy, France, UK, Germany, India, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Finland, Jamaica, Turkey, Russia, Vietnam, Ireland, China, Venezuela, Lebanon, Cyprus, Peru, Mexico, South Africa… and I hope I didn't forget any country. Make some noise now if I did.
Before I go any further, I just want to take a moment to thank our wonderful hosts for this truly spectacular wedding. This breathtaking setting, in this beautiful castle, could not be a more perfect place to celebrate Wow and Ivan’s love. So, to our hosts, thank you for making this day so magical for everyone.
And while we’re here celebrating Wow and Ivan, I want to take a moment to talk about Wow herself. From the very first day I met her, she showed me what a truly kind and loving person she is. It was 2020, and I was having a rough day and later started crying—going through a falling out with a close friend (whom, for the purpose of this story we'll just call… 💃Beyonce). Despite barely knowing me, Wow didn’t hesitate. She gave me a big hug and said, 'I will be your new 💃Beyonce.'
That simple gesture meant everything to me. In that moment, I saw who she really was—someone who has so much love to give, who makes you feel like you belong, and who stands by the people she cares about. And from that day forward, she has been one of my closest friends.
But we’re not here to talk about how Wow and I met—we’re here to celebrate Wow and Ivan. So I'll share another story of two people meeting. That's right. Let me take you back to the night it all began.
It was a pub quiz night—because, of course, it was. Wow and I were heading there to meet another friend, who was also going to bring along this new guy, Ivan, saying he was some kind of pub quiz genius, or something. Now, I didn’t know it at the time, but I was about to witness history in the making.
The entire night, I was sitting right between Wow and Ivan, watching them flirt across me. And for some reason, I never got up and switched seats! (there I was, awkwardly sitting in the middle, thinking, ‘Oh, that compliment wasn’t for me.’) But by the end of the night, after watching them exchange smiles and trivia answers for hours, as they were about to go their separate ways, I felt like I needed to complete my third-wheel duties and turned to them and said, “Aren’t you guys going to exchange numbers or something?”
And well, the rest is history. So, you’re welcome.
But in all seriousness, I have had the absolute privilege of seeing their relationship grow—from the “I don’t even know if I like him” stage to the “I’m going to marry this guy someday” stage. I’ve watched them support each other through new adventures, from moving to Spain to navigating long-distance, always staying strong.
Ivan, you bring out the best in Wow. You’re her calm, her steady ground, but you never dull her sparkle—you let her be her fun, fiery self. And Wow, you challenge Ivan in the best ways—you make life exciting, full of laughter, and probably more competitive at pub quizzes than he ever expected to become.
Ivan, please take good care of my Wowie (which I know you will)... you’ve made her so happy in the past years of being with you, and I am glad to know that she will get to continue this journey with someone who will continue to put a smile on her face every day.
So let’s raise our glasses to Wow and Ivan! May you continue to grow side by side, always helping each other attain new heights, not just in pub quizzes, but in your life and future together.
Cheers!
Clara Drumez - Friend of the Bride
Hello everyone,
First of all, I want to say how honored I am to stand here today as a member of the bride squad.
I’ve been struggling to write this speech because how can I express everything I feel about my friend Wow in just a few minutes? I also don’t ascribe to the tradition of sharing embarrassing moments, because how could I possibly choose just one?
For more than 10 years since we met each other, and through our many adventures, we have been each other’s good sense and shoulder to cry on (even if very far away). We have commiserated with each other and celebrated each other’s successes. It has been such a privilege to be your person, and I hope will continue to be for many more years to come.
Instead, I’ll address the fortunate groom directly and remind him that the incredible woman sitting beside him is one of the strongest, kindest, most beautiful, generous, fiercely loyal, and stubborn people I know. I hope you’ll continue to love her wholeheartedly, or I’ll have no choice but to take matters into my own hands.
And to you, my dear Wow, I can only admonish patience, because men are often foolish, and you don’t suffer fools gladly.
I wish you both a lifetime of love and happiness.
Satish Reddy - Friend of the Groom
Hi everyone – sà-wàt-dee & Dobrý deň!
I’m here today to say a few words about the man proudly representing the land of Tatra Tea… and home to my all-time favourite airport: Bratislava – the one and only, Ivan.
Or, as our friend Matti always called him... Ivanclopedia.
Random fun fact that I actually learned from Ivanclopedia: Slovakia produces the highest number of cars per capita in the world
And of course, we can’t forget our lovely bride here today – Wow.
For those of you who don’t know me – I’m Satish. Ivan and I were classmates and also teammates during our MBA – which basically means we survived group projects, endless case studies, and most importantly... many, many beers together.
(Though I must say – I’m still not falling for those “free” beers at your place, Ivan. Nope. Tonight, I’ll be buying my own!)
When I was putting this speech together, I started thinking... when did I actually meet Ivan?
And then it hit me – it was on the beach in Barcelona, playing beach volleyball. That’s where I first spotted him – wearing those infamous, charming blue glasses, looking like the Slovakian Daniel Craig.
What surprised me more? Ivan was actually good at volleyball. Like, really good. He wasn’t just playing – he was coaching people, giving tips, showing techniques. And I thought, “Okay... who is even this guy?”
As fate would have it, just a few days later, I found out we were going to be teammates. Our first week, we even gave speeches together as a team (communications class with Kyoko)... and now, full circle, here I am – giving another speech now
As we spent more time together during the MBA, I got to know Ivan better. And I quickly realized – he’s full of surprises.
He’d casually drop facts about India – things I didn’t even know!
I remember thinking, “Why does this Slovakian guy know more about my country than I do?”
Turns out, Ivan’s basically a global citizen – studied in the UK, lived in Colombia, Thailand, India... speaks like a million languages.
(Though let’s be honest – he claims to speak Hindi… I checked. He doesn’t.)
So what do you actually speak, Ivan? Six? Seven languages?
Wow. So unimpressive. What an underachiever. 😄
I have so many memories with Ivan – like our bike rides. From the fun rides through rice fields in Bali… to the not-so-fun, freezing ride to Costa Brava – I still feel the cold from that one.
So many lunches together, countless IESE cases, endless consulting prep sessions, and hours hanging out at your lovely apartment.
Before I knew it, Ivan wasn’t just a teammate – he became a close friend, someone I could always turn to, someone who would listen without judgment, someone who just made you feel at ease and a true confidant
Of course once you spend time with Ivan, there are the quirks – the things that make Ivan… well, Ivan:
That charming blond hair
The iconic blue sun glasses
His little tea ritual in the cafeteria – with his reusable tea bags (I still remember how the sassy cafeteria lady hated him for always asking for hot water)
The perfectly planned supermarket meals (in the pre-Wow era)
Sneakily snacking during IESE classes
And of course, his love for motorbikes & Pub quizzes
But beyond all that, Ivan is one of the most thoughtful, kind-hearted, and genuinely nice people I’ve ever met. Always there to listen– just a geniuenly good human being. (And I think that’s all the nice things I’m allowed to say for the money Wow paid me💰😂)
As we started hanging out more, Ivan began telling me about his travels – and then one day, he mentioned his girlfriend Wow. This amazing girlfriend of his that he met at a pub quiz in Thailand. He kept going on about her – how smart, fun, and adventurous she was – and honestly, at one point, I thought, “Okay bro... is she real? Or just an imaginary girlfriend with a great personality?” 😅 But then – I got to meet Wow.
And instantly, it was just so easy to become friends with her.
She’s one of those people who lights up the room with her energy – so easy going, so warm, and with such a charming personality.
And I couldn’t help but think:
“Ivan… she is so out of your league, man. Like, 100%.”
I mean, come on:
Crazy fun life stories from NYC
Party energy level: professional
Always bringing people together
Better than Ivan at Catan (huge deal)
Better cook
And she can dance till sunrise… while Ivan tucks himself in for beauty sleep at 9 PM
At one point, I genuinely wondered – what exactly is Ivan bringing into this relationship?
And then it hit me: EU citizenship. 😄
But jokes aside…
I truly believe you two complement each other so beautifully.
I knew you were meant to be when I saw Wow genuinely laugh at Ivan’s dad jokes. Like, really laugh. That’s when I knew:
She’s a keeper.
And Wow – the fact that you accept Ivan’s flaws – including the criminal act of cooking rice with oil – shows just how much love and patience you have.
(Though for the record… please help him unlearn that.)
It genuinely fills my heart to see you two getting married – especially here in Spain, a place that holds so many memories and such a special place in our lives.
I wish you folks endless laughter, loads of love, and many more pub quizzes – because if there’s one thing you both do best, it’s bringing people together.
So on that note…
Cheers to Ivan and Wow!
Defne Berk - Friend of the Bride
Hello, good evening everyone. I’m Defne ( but like Wow says, you can call me Def) and I would like to start by saying that it’s an honor to stand beside Wow today as one of her best friends at her wedding with İvan. I’m so happy for you guys and thank you for giving me a chance to give a speech on this very special day. Also Ivan and I have the same birthday, and he’s marrying my best friend so I guess we can call me being here destiny huh?? Jokes aside, you look amazing guys.
I’ve known Wow for more than 3 years now, we met at culinary school and since then she’s been my best friend directly. I can say she is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever met and as you can see today the most beautiful bride that you can see. Wow has always been strong, inspiring, and joyful. With her energy she has always brings the best out of everyone. I will never forget the night our friendship started. 3 years ago, I had just moved to Barcelona and I didn’t have many friends by that time. Wow and I had just met at school, but we weren’t close yet. One night, I was having a rough time. I was really emotional, feeling lonely and I needed support. I don’t know why, but I ended up at wow’s apartment (and like i said we weren’t even close by that time). She was having a house party with our classmates. Seeing me in that emotional state, Wow immediately abandoned her friends and her party, and we sat talking in the laundry room for at least 2 to 3 hours. Even though she didn’t need to, she cheered me up all night and didn’t leave my side until I was feeling better. While we were leaving the laundry room she said “ Def, you know this wasn’t for nothing, right? We have to be best friends after this.” Little did she know even before she said, I already knew that she would be my best friend from that day on.
She is one of the most amazing and loyal friends that you can have and I know that I'm lucky to have her as a friend beside me every day. Since the day we met her endless support has proven to me that she is one of a kind and I want her to know that she deserves the best. Seeing you and knowing İvan, I can see that you did get the best.
I remember when Wow first told me about İvan. She was absolutely glowing with joy in her eyes and excitement in her voice. From that moment on I knew İvan was the special one for her. I always felt that they would be partners for life. Seeing them together for the past years, it's clear that they belong together and they bring out the best in each other. I’ve watched Wow grow into the happiest version of herself with İvan by her side. They share not just love but also laughter, friendship and an unbreakable bond. I get inspired by seeing them kilometers apart, loving and caring about each other every hour of the day just like they are side to side. The love that they share, I wish that for each and everyone of us today.
As you guys start this new chapter in life together, I hope your life is filled with endless joy, laughter, spontaneous adventures, and a love that continues to grow stronger everyday. So let's all raise our glasses to Wow and İvan. May your love always be as strong and as beautiful as it is today. Cheers!