Chris and Ellie first met in Tijuana in January 2020 when they were both volunteering at a clinic for migrants and refugees with the Refugee Health Alliance. They worked for several months at a clinic in the Zona Norte district until the pandemic came and forced them back to their respective homes. In 2021, they both returned to volunteer again, but this time they kindled a new romance. After Ellie invited him, Chris rearranged his flights to visit her in Philadelphia for a week. Chris had just accepted a new job that would have him living in Nelson, BC, in the Kootenays. Despite having previously resolved to himself that he would never be in a long-distance relationship, Chris soon found himself in one with Ellie. The two were video chatting every night without fail. Ellie, who had just moved to Philadelphia, PA, and loves to sleep, found herself waking up in the early hours of the morning to take a 24+ hour journey to visit Chris. Her travel itinerary involved taking a bus Kettle Falls, WA, where Chris had to drive 4 hours round trip to pick her up. For the next couple years, they would make the odyssey to visit each other as often as feasible while plotting their next move. In 2023, they moved to Toronto to finally be together. We are happy to announce that Ellie and Chris will be getting married on November 7, 2026!
📸 Our first photo as a couple in September 2021 👻
🌸 Getting engaged in April 2025🌸
Ellie Hekker
Ellie was born in 1994 in Nyack, NY. She hails from many generations of New Yorkers. She is a nurse and she’s run 3 marathons! She loves sour things and gazing at her engagement ring.
Chris Pan
Chris was born in 1990 in Toronto to Chinese immigrant parents. He is a doctor who once took a year to travel eastward around the world. He loves spicy food, despite getting embarrassingly sweaty, and gazing at Ellie.
wedding deets
Saturday November 7, 2026 in Peekskill NY
when & where
Saturday, November 7, 2026 ceremony at 3:30pm Factoria at Charles Point 5 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill, NY 10566, United States
party sched
✨ Ceremony at 3:30pm✨ 🎉 Happy hour at 4:30pm snacks and gossip! 🪩 Reception at 5:30 dinner and dancing until 9:30 🙂
hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Peekskill-Lower Hudson Valley 2 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill, NY 10566, United States
Ellie’s contact info- 1(845)826-4768 (Whatsapp, iMessage, or SMS in the United States), elizabethmichaela8@gmail.com
questions
What is the dress code?
Either semi-formal or cocktail.
What’s the vibe?
Kid friendly (until bedtime!) The theme of the decorations is sparkly, sequins, pastel, blue, purple, yellow, thrifted, handmade, and upcycled.
What’s the food and drink situation?
The food is served family style. There will be an open bar.
Is there a registry?
No, we don’t have a registry. The only gift we request is your attendance! If you feel compelled, make a donation to Refugee Health Alliance, which is how Chris and Ellie met in the first place! 💖
butter knife, what a life, anyway
ANDRE 3000
visiting new york
Many people are traveling for the wedding- including the bride and groom! Here’s some info about Peekskill.
Peekskill is a town 35 miles north of New York City. It lies on a bay on the east side of the Hudson River, across from North Rockland, where Ellie grew up.
Accommodations
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Peekskill-Lower Hudson Valley walking distance from venue 🙂 You can make reservations by calling (855) 803-5828 (ask for Hekker-Pan wedding block), or online using the group code “HPW.” room block info Other hotel options: Bear Mountain Inn Westchester Marriott
getting around
If you’re interested in using public transportation, Peekskill has a Metro North station, which easily connects you to a larger network of public transportation in the tri-state area! Click here for Ellie’s inside scoop of public transit
