How we met
Born and raised on opposite sides of the world, fate had them move-in a block away from each other just before the world turned upside down in 2020…
One a seasoned New Yorker, the other just freshly landed, they only needed a gentle push from a dating algorithm to start their journey.
After an iconic first date, things took an unexpected turn; Thomas disappeared into the (ahem) texting ether...Which prompted a swift - yet temporary! - block from Marielle. But he managed to make a strong comeback by locking down a reservation at a top-tier pasta spot, leading to an incredible, carb-filled second date.
Three months in, lockdown was looming, and they had to make a quick but pivotal choice: head back to their families in France and the Dominican Republic, or ride out the chaos in the city? They chose to stick together. Thomas moved in, and suddenly, their kitchen became the hub of comfort, filled with sourdough experiments, Alison Roman recipes, and a whole lot of love. It still is! And they aim to keep it that way until they’re old and wrinkly.
The Proposal
On a sweltering 110°F summer day in florence, italy…
On what probably was the hottest day in their entire lives, Marielle and Thomas were strolling through the city snapping film pics, and stopping for the occasional Aperol spritz. Equipped with chic neck fans, they later made their way back to their quaint little Bed & Breakfast to get ready for their scheduled sunset gondola tour.
Marielle started to get the sense something was going on when she found Thomas had changed into a pressed linen shirt and pants. Not completely out of character for his stylish self, yet perhaps slightly overdressed for the next activity? “For a public boat tour!?” She asked? To which he replied, “Of course! We’re early, want wine? I’ll pour us a glass downstairs”. Little did she know that the tour was in fact private and a celebration of what was to come.
Marielle walked downstairs and there was Thomas on one knee, in his linen shirt in the sun speckled, golden-hour garden, holding a ring. After much tears and squeals Marielle said yes. They continued on to their scheduled Sunset Gondola Tour where they toasted to their engagement passing under the Ponte Vecchio.
