Our Story

It was on a trip to Rio Carnaval each with their close friends that they coincidentally met. A trip she wasn’t going to and decided to go 5 days before (living proof to take that recommendation of “book that flight”). From the second he saw her step on the plane to Sao Paulo, he was struck. Seeing her go through immigration as a Brazilian, he thought he would never see her again.

Until an hour later, seeing her seat on a table close by, waiting for a coffee and her next flight. Of course, that flight was his same flight to Rio, as learned when he saw her come on the plane. “Definitely going to Carnaval as well,” he guessed. And that would be the end of it, he thought. Until, going to baggage claim for his friend’s bag (which JF had insisted his friend not bring), there she was, waiting for her bag, and destiny waiting for both.

They started talking, and she offered her phone number, which she later claimed was because she was “just being nice” (lucky him she’s so nice). Fate had it that they would run into each other in their first Carnaval party, where they hit it off again. And then at another party. They would not see each other in Rio again. After fate again would have it that they would be on the same flight back to Chicago, but unfortunately on opposite isles.

Nearly two years later, 1.5 years of long distance and many, many, flights back-and-forth (she made Southwest A-List Preferred status), he proposed to the woman of his dreams. She moved to NYC shortly afterwards, unfortunately missing on using all those status benefits (but being able to spend every day with the man of her life). They’ve enjoyed many trips together, enjoying all NYC has to offer, and more importantly, spending time with family and friends, including all of you reading this. They’re very much looking forward to celebrating this special moment with you this coming November!