Brunna and Michael’s story began the way many modern love stories do: with two swipes right and a match on Hinge. Brunna was instantly drawn to Michael’s profile, which included photos of him skydiving and visiting Japan. Hearing about his travels to Japan and China was exciting, since traveling is her passion! The skydiving showed he was adventurous. Michael was instantly captivated by the stunning photos showcasing Brunna’s beauty and the exotic backgrounds from her travels. Reading through her profile also revealed an intelligent, articulate person. Michael wanted to know more about her and her vast experiences of the world. What started as a simple conversation quickly became something neither of them expected. From the very beginning, talking to each other felt effortless. Conversations flowed naturally and were filled with laughter, curiosity, and the kind of connection that makes time disappear. On their first date, Michael took Brunna to her favorite restaurant, Fogo de Chão. Then, they went to an escape room, where they both got to show off to each other as they successfully escaped! It didn’t take them long to plan a trip to Chicago together, visiting the Windy City after only two months of dating. What began as getting to know each other soon turned into something deeper: two people discovering not only chemistry, but true friendship. But, like any meaningful love story, theirs wasn’t perfectly straightforward. After a bit over three months of dating, Brunna made the decision to part ways, mistaking that feeling of camaraderie for a platonic one. Yet, even during that time apart, they remained steadfast friends. Instead of losing one another, they took the time to truly get to know each other beyond the excitement of a new relationship. They continued to talk every day, and even hung out every now and then, checking out new dessert shops and restaurants. Over the next six months, they built a true foundation of friendship, and while Michael never stopped loving Brunna, he was happy for her, as long as she was happy. It took Brunna too long to figure it out, but she eventually realized what they had was rare. It was a connection rooted not only in romance, but in understanding, trust, shared interests, and genuine love. When they found their way back to each other, it was with certainty. The relationship they rebuilt was deeper, stronger, and filled with intention. They both knew what they wanted this time, and they knew it was each other. Together, they continued creating memories, sharing adventures, and dreaming about the future they wanted side by side. When the topic of marriage first came up, they decided that buying a house before marrying might be unconventional, but it was the fiscally responsible thing to do. So instead of planning a wedding right away, they focused on painting walls and building furniture, determined to set the foundation for their future together. But that didn’t put things off for too much longer, since 8 months later, Michael proposed to Brunna in her hometown of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. It was a beautiful proposal, and they had her family and friends as an audience. Luckily, Brunna’s best friend, Lexi, was there to capture the special moment in video AND photos. (Check out the gallery page to see her amazing work) Since the proposal, life has been a whirlwind with lots of wedding planning. Brunna and Michael started an online dance course for their first dance, which doubles as a fun date night! They have also really enjoyed being able to refer to the other as “my fiancé(e)” and keeping the countdown on the fridge updated. They’re having a long engagement, but are enjoying every moment of it! Now, as they prepare for their next chapter, Brunna and Michael are excited for a lifetime of adventures together. They are ready to explore the world hand in hand, support each other through every season of life, and continue to choose one another every single day.