The Gentils

Stephanie and Leo’s love story began in the most unexpected way at the stunning Ben Hotel in West Palm Beach in 2023. Stephanie was there celebrating one of her best friend’s weddings. Leo was in town for work, enjoying a rooftop cocktail; one of his favorite rituals after a long day. Stephanie walked up to him out of nowhere (and with a bit of liquid courage) said, “I think you’re my future husband.” He was stunned to say the least, and this was quite out of character for her as well. His accent made it all worth it :) At the time, they were living on opposite sides of the world. Stephanie settling into her new home in Scottsdale, and Leo traveling everywhere from home in Africa to Portugal, to wherever yacht life took him. Although their connection that night was undeniable, life kept them long distance. They stayed in touch over the years, but it wasn’t until 2025 that Stephanie finally boarded a plane to Spain to visit her “friend” Leo, who was living there at the time. The moment she saw him waiting for her at the Barcelona Airport, she knew he was not in fact "just a friend". That trip changed everything. They spent the first night sipping wine on a rooftop over looking Barcelona in sweatpants, jet lagged, and laughing over gluten free pizza. They fell in love wandering the streets of Barcelona and soaking in the beauty of Mallorca (Leo's happy place)! When Stephanie flew back to the states, they knew the distance wouldn't be easy in the months to come, but they didn't question it. Months of intentionality, endless FaceTime calls, flight itineraries, prayers, and unwavering commitment strengthened what distance could not weaken. Then everything shifted: Leo was promoted, his schedule changed, and suddenly his time off could be spent in Scottsdale. Unless, of course, they were off chasing another adventure together. During the holidays, Leo joined Stephanie’s family in Arizona. He took her parents on a special day trip to Sedona while Stephanie was away for work and asked for their blessing. Stephanie still cannot believe they were able to keep the secret! Soon after, Stephanie traveled to Africa to meet Leo’s dear family and friends and experience the place that made him her favorite person. On a day she had already described as “the best day of her life,” thanks to the thoughtfully planned sunrise and sunset safaris arranged, he made it even more unforgettable. Leo got down on one knee in Namibia, as the sun was setting and asked Stephanie to be his wife… well he didn’t really ask or put the ring on the right finger, but she said yes nonetheless!! His beloved Gran had traveled from South Africa to Namibia with the ring and was the first person to see it in real life, which made it all even more meaningful. Not only can they keep “Future Husband” and “Future Wife” as each other’s contacts in their phones (entered on night one), but the connection they had felt from across the rooftop at The Ben Hotel proved to be the real thing after all- "Love at First Sight" as some might say. So many stars had to align for them to be on that rooftop at the same time that night and to be together now, three years later. Every chapter of their story has been beautifully unique…proof that this was never coincidence, but God’s perfectly orchestrated timing and answered prayer all along. The Future Gentils are so excited to see what adventure life has in store next, but in the meantime they can't wait to celebrate in Rosemary Beach (Stephanie's happy place!) with their favorite people from near and far!