finding
each other
brookline, massachusetts
april 11, 2026
airport
BOS — Logan International Airport
stays
For your convenience, Johanna and Matthew have blocked off rooms at the Arcadian Hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline, and the Cambria in Somerville, available at discounted rates. Just click below!
brookline
The Arcadian Hotel is a charming boutique stay and includes a complimentary breakfast. It is 0.6 miles away from the event in Brookline and is located in Coolidge Corner, which hosts an array of cafés and restaurants (and most importantly, the Brookline Booksmith).
Courtyard by Marriott Boston Brookline is a lovely stay in the heart of Coolidge Corner that offers an indoor pool and similarly, shares excellent access to Brookline Booksmith. About 0.7 miles from the event in Brookline.
somerville & cambridge
The Cambria is about a 15 minute walk from Matthew and Johanna’s home in Somerville. It is in Union Square, which is delightful, and shares space with the lovely italian eatery, Josephine. About 3.8 miles from the event in Brookline.
getting there
Brookline is just outside Boston and accessible by plane, train, or car.
Flying
Fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Brookline is about a 25–35 minute drive from the airport.
Public Transit
From downtown Boston or Logan, you can take the MBTA to the Green Line (B train). Nearby stops include Babcock Street.
Car
Brookline is easily reachable via I-95 or I-90 (Mass Pike).
Plan for city traffic and limited street parking. A rideshare or public transit may be easier if you are staying nearby.
packing list
Layers — Boston in April is very unsure of herself.
Raincoat/umbrella.
A fit that celebrates your favorite flora.
Comfortable walking shoes.
explore
Corey Hill Overlook
Where Johanna and Matthew met and proposed to each other 3.5 years later. The view of Boston is a quiet kind of breathtaking.
Brown Sugar Café
If you want to recreate the moment exactly, order takeout from Brown Sugar and bring it to the hill. Regardless of what you order, it will be ready in 10–15 minutes. This is the magic of Brown Sugar.
Brookline Booksmith
A neighborhood treasure with an excellent sale section.
Clear Flour Bakery
Home to the best baked goods in Boston.
Arnold Arboretum
Cherry blossoms will be blooming.
Waypoint
Dollar oysters daily from 5–7 pm and yummy food.
M Street Beach
Weather permitting, go for a late afternoon stroll here. Watching the sunset over the city is sublime (sunset is at 7:21 pm).
The ICA
Go for the art, stay for the views.
Cicada
Visit in the morning for Vietnamese Coffee. They seat for dinner as well and it is delicious and lovely, although space is limited.
Picco
Pizzeria and home of the world’s best mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Toscanini’s
An ice cream shop. Try Matthew’s pick, kulfi, if you’re feeling wild.
Imagine
A magical café in Cambridge with a cozy fireplace and fresh pastries.
tossa de mar, spain
june 12, 2026 — june 14, 2026
airport
Barcelona-El Prat (BCN)* – 1.5 hr away.
Girona–Costa Brava (GRO)* – closer but limited routes
*both options offer buses into Tossa
stays
Note: The discounted booking process with the Elisabeth by the Sea has recently been updated to a fixed block rate. If you’ve already booked, nothing about your reservation has changed and no action is required! If you would like to rebook with the updated rates, please contact the hotel as they will not automatically adjust your reservation.
For your joy & convenience, Matthew and Johanna have secured a block discount to the lovely Elisabeth by the Sea Hotel. The Elisabeth is a stylish Mediterranean stay a 15-minute walk from the wedding ceremony site.
The block is active for Friday (6/12) and Saturday (6/13) nights. The hotel may be able to extend it upon request.
To confirm booking, guests will need to contact the hotel directly via e-mail (reservas@bondiahotels.com) or telephone (+34 93 769 03 00) and mention that they are guests at Matthew and Johanna's wedding. Please find a list of updated room rates linked here (also linked below) and follow the instructions, noting the booking terms and additional details.
After contacting them, the hotel will e-mail you a booking link that must be filled out with credit card details to secure the reservation. Please confirm terms when booking, but the Elisabeth does not require pre-payment and allows free cancellations until 8 days before your stay (e.g. June 4th, 2026) in the event your plans change.
e-mail: reservas@bondiahotels.com
phone: +34 93 769 03 00
More stay options!
Everything in Tossa’s beachfront area is walkable and there are many hotel and Airbnb options close by — anything in the area will work great! Please note that the block discount is only active at the Elisabeth by the Sea. A selection of hotels close by:
Hotel Deflín - Has a rooftop pool and additional family room options. 2 minutes walking from the Elisabeth.
Hotel Diana - A historic modernist building with Gaudí vibes and excellent views. 2 minutes walking from the Elisabeth.
getting there
Flights to Barcelona (BCN)
From Boston (BOS):
Iberia/Level and Delta offer direct flights and TAP Air has routes with one stop in Lisbon.
From New York (JFK, EWR) and Philadelphia (PHL):
Iberia, Delta, and American offer direct flights from JFK, and TAP Air offers one stop routes from EWR. American Airlines offers direct and one stop flights from PHL.
From Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), and Seattle (SEA):
Iberia offers direct flights from LAX and SFO. From Seattle, Delta offers direct flights and Condor offers one stop routes.
From Papeete:
Expect a multi-leg journey with stops in LA and Paris—plan to leave by Tuesday or Wednesday to comfortably arrive in time for Friday.
From Metro DC, Baltimore, and Richmond:
Washington Dulles International (IAD) offers direct flights to Barcelona via United.
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA), Baltimore/Washington International (BWI), and Richmond International Airport (RIC) have no direct service—expect at least one stop on Iberia, TAP Air, or Delta.
From Minneapolis and Chicago:
Minneapolis—Saint Paul (MSP) has no direct service to BCN, but a range of one stop routes. Chicago (ORD) has direct flights on American and United.
BCN to Tossa de Mar
Shuttle Bus
Shuttle Bus Operators: Moventis Sarfa, Flybus
Moventis bus departs from BCN airport (T1 and T2) every ~1 hour (running from ~8 am - 11 pm), ~2h 15m travel time, fare around €24 per person. Arrives at Tossa’s central bus station. Moventis hasn’t published bus schedules yet for 2026, however example schedules can be found here. If you are already in downtown Barcelona, shuttles also leave regularly from Estació del Nord (~1h 20m travel time). Recommended to book ahead of time, though 2026 schedules and ticket’s aren’t available at the moment.
Rental Car
Travel time is ~1h 22m, depending on traffic.
Estimated cost is €60–€100/day, plus fuel ~€15–25 each direction. Parking in Tossa is ~€20-35/day depending on the parking lot.
Tossa itself is very walkable, but if you are extending your trip, a car provides flexibility to explore other gems in Costa Brava.
Private Transfer or Taxi
Many hotels can help arrange airport pickups and a range of car services can also be booked directly for this purpose.
GRO to Tossa de Mar
Bus: Moventis, Line 86
Departure times: ~10:00 am, 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm from Girona Airport. Moventis hasn’t published bus schedules yet for 2026, however example schedules can be found here.
The entire trip takes about 1 hour including the walk from the Tossa bus station to Elisabeth by the Sea Hotel. It costs €5–10 per person.
packing list
passport!!! (with at least 3-6 months validity following your travels).
light lovely linens or silks in blues, terra cotta, or olive for friday night (come over for inspiration).
sandy/shell whites for the wedding! (come over for inspiration).
bathing suit(s).
comfy walking/skipping/frolicking shoes to better navigate the ancient cobblestone streets.
knits or jackets for cooler evenings.
reef-safe sunscreen.
plug adapter (spain uses type C and F plugs; 230V).
e-SIM or update your phone carrier’s travel plan (check FAQs on the rsvp page for more info).
small daypack for hikes.
one note to someone you have yet to meet but will meet in tossa, to be given to them when you realize that it was indeed meant for them.
explore
La Roca de Tossa
A family favorite for lunch. Classic Catalan cuisine with a cozy, no-frills charm. Get the paella or the grilled fish, and ask for the house wine.
Bar Josep
Order vermouth, a small beer (canya) and a plate of anchovies with potato chips.
Can Sophia
Elevated Mediterranean dining tucked inside a stone-walled hotel courtyard. Take your date! Or your new best friend!
Vila Vella (Old Town)
Wander the cobbled paths of the medieval fortress (inside which, the wedding will take place)
Cala es Codolar
A tiny, protected cove just below the old city walls (best way to access is through a hole in the castle walls). If you go, invite Johanna and Matthew. Their family enjoys snorkeling here and there is a chiringuito on the beach that sells beer, wine, and snacks.
Platja Gran
The main beach. Ideal for families with little ones—it’s big, soft, and calm, with gelato shops nearby for bribery.
Camí de Ronda Coastal Path
A gorgeous hike with flexible entry points. Please be aware of the terrain before leaving for this trek and prep accordingly!
Massís de Cadiretes Hike
For nature lovers. Peaceful pine-scented paths and rocky overlooks. You might spot wild rosemary and thyme growing trailside.
Calonge (40 min drive)
A beautiful medieval town where Johanna's family lives. Ride bikes through ancient stone streets and along vineyard trails that roll through the quiet countryside. Hit up Sky Cline for more details.
Cadaqués (2 hr drive)
One of the places where Matthew and Johanna fell in love. This whitewashed coastal village is perfect for a pre- or post-wedding reflection escapade. The town was also an inspiration for Salvador Dalí —visit Port Lligat, where his home still stands. You will be in the constant company of cats and olive trees.
Barcelona (1h 22m drive)
A very cool city. Amazing food, art, music, and architecture. A great place to see examples of Catalan Modernism. The Sagrada Familia is scheduled to be completed in 2026, the centenary of Gaudi’s passing (and just in time for the wedding!).
tossa de mar
for your information
Tossa de Mar is a coastal town in Catalonia, Spain, with roots stretching back to pre-Roman times. Originally settled by the Iberians, it later became a Roman villa known as Turissa—you can still visit remnants of Roman mosaics nearby.
By the 12th century, Tossa was growing into a small but fortified town. In 1387, construction began on the medieval walls and towers of Vila Vella (old town), still remarkably intact today. It remains the only preserved medieval walled town on the Catalan coast, and offers panoramic views of the sea from its turrets.
At its heart stands the Església Vella de Sant Vicenç (or the Old Church of Saint Vincent), a 15th-century chapel now in soft, sunlit ruin. High above the turquoise bay, this old chapel once served as a beacon — a spiritual and literal lookout. During the 19th century, due to coastal raids, changing tides of war, and a declining population within the walls, the church was gradually abandoned and a new church was built, Església de Sant Vicenç, outside the city walls.
Note: the wedding is at the Old Church of Saint Vincent. If you find yourself in a church with four walls and a roof, you are at the wrong place.
In the 1930s, Tossa became a refuge for modern artists and creatives. Painter Marc Chagall famously referred to Tossa as “el paradís blau” — "the blue paradise." Artists from across Europe came to Tossa for its tranquility and dramatic landscapes. Today, the Municipal Museum still exhibits works from this period. Pandora and the Flying Dutchman (1951), starring Ava Gardner and James Mason, was filmed right here in Tossa de Mar. Ava Gardner spent several months in town, and a statue of her now stands overlooking the sea near the ruins. You will undoubtedly pass her on the way to the ceremony.
Tossa is part of Catalonia, an autonomous region with a distinct language, culture, and deep sense of identity. You will hear Catalan spoken alongside Spanish. Please be mindful of historical sensitivity around Catalan independence.
tossa circa 1960s
FAQs
where should i stay?
Note: The discounted booking process with the Elisabeth by the Sea has recently been updated to a fixed block rate. If you’ve already booked, nothing about your reservation has changed and no action is required! If you would like to rebook with the updated rates, please contact the hotel as they will not automatically adjust your reservation.
For your joy & convenience, Matthew and Johanna have secured a block discount to the lovely Elisabeth by the Sea Hotel. The Elisabeth is a stylish Mediterranean stay a 15-minute walk from the wedding ceremony site.
The block is active for Friday (6/12) and Saturday (6/13) nights. The hotel may be able to extend it upon request.
To confirm booking, guests will need to contact the hotel directly via e-mail (reservas@bondiahotels.com) or telephone (+34 93 769 03 00) and mention that they are guests at Matthew and Johanna's wedding. Please find a list of updated room rates linked here (also linked below) and follow the instructions, noting the booking terms and additional details.
After contacting them, the hotel will e-mail you a booking link that must be filled out with credit card details to secure the reservation. Please confirm terms when booking, but the Elisabeth does not require pre-payment and allows free cancellations until 8 days before your stay (e.g. June 4th, 2026) in the event your plans change.
e-mail: reservas@bondiahotels.com
phone: +34 93 769 03 00
More stay options!
Everything in Tossa’s beachfront area is walkable and there are many hotel and Airbnb options close by — anything in the area will work great! Please note that the block discount is only active at the Elisabeth by the Sea. More options close by:
Hotel Deflín - Has a rooftop pool and additional family room options. 2 minutes walking from the Elisabeth.
Hotel Diana - A historic modernist building with Gaudí vibes and excellent views. 2 minutes from the Elisabeth.
what language do locals speak?
People speak both Catalan and Spanish—and often a bit of English too! Saying “Bon dia” (good day) or “Gràcies” (thank you) in Catalan is a lovely gesture!
when do locals eat?
Lunch is the main event (usually 1:30–3:30pm). Look for the menú del dia—a generous fixed-price meal.
Dinner starts late—8:30pm or later is totally normal. Don’t worry, the wedding reception is on American time.
Snacks are allowed at all times.
should i tip at restaurants?
Tipping isn’t expected, but rounding up or leaving a euro or two for good service is appreciated.
do i need to pay to use the beach?
Nope! Beaches are public! If you'd like a lounge chair or umbrella, bring a few euros in cash.
why is everything closed in the afternoon?
Welcome to siesta! Many shops and small businesses close between 2–5pm for a break, especially in coastal towns. They will reopen in the early evening.
can i drink the tap water?
Yes! Tap water is safe to drink across Spain. That said, restaurants often default to bottled water
can you tell me more about catalonia?
Catalonia is a distinct region of Spain with its own language, government, and identity. It has a long history of cultural and political independence, and many Catalans identify more with Catalonia than Spain. You will see red-and-gold Senyera flags, hear Catalan spoken proudly, and feel a unique local pride.
what should i look out for when driving?
In Spain (and much of Europe), pedestrians often expect cars to stop, especially at marked crosswalks (pasos de peatones). Locals may walk into the street confidently without looking, assuming drivers will yield. Please be wary of this as a driver!
Additionally, the roads around Tossa de Mar are winding, narrow, and coastal, often with sharp curves, steep drop-offs, and minimal shoulder space.
There will be shuttles available from the ceremony to the reception. All of Tossa is walkable. Matthew and Johanna highly recommend that you take advantage of these amenities. They are there for you!
what do i do if i have a question/concern?
Wedding coordinators, Clàudia & Jordi, are here to put your minds at ease. For any questions regarding, travel, timing, nearest playground, best breakfast spots email them at info@emocionsdeblanc.com. A WhatsApp phone number will be provided closer to the wedding date.
“dude, this would be a really cool place to get married.”
— Johanna to Matthew in 2023 and vice versa, although Matthew excluded the “dude.”