It all began on a Sunday afternoon, a spontaneous decision that brought Tande and Monique to the same Afrobeats music event. While waiting in line for a drink, they struck up a conversation that would end up changing their lives. Tande was drawn to Monique’s calm but vibrant energy, warmth, and the way she smiled with her eyes. Monique noticed his easy confidence, quick wit, and kind nature that felt both genuine and rare. When Tande reached the bar, he ordered drinks for Monique and her friend Monica as a simple gesture. Not wanting to seem too eager, Tande made a soft exit, planning to find her later. But as fate would have it, Monique had vanished into the crowd, and for a moment it seemed their brief encounter might end there. But fate had other plans, just as he was about to leave, Tande spotted Monique's friend Monica who, remembering his kindness and their lovely interaction made sure he left with Monique’s number. Their first coffee date flowed into dinner, dinner into laughter, and soon Monique was surprising Tande by cooking his favorite pasta, spaghetti vongole. What started as coincidence was starting to blossom into something special. Their connection grew effortlessly. They shared deep, intelligent and philosophical conversations, constantly laughing and creating inside jokes. Monique loved that Tande was smart, kind, listened deeply and made her feel understood. Tande admired Monique’s curiosity, intelligence, warmth, and sense of humour, a combination that made every moment feel easy. He was a gentleman, well dressed, charming and worldly with a nose for a great cologne. She was effortlessly beautiful, with a vibrant style and confidence which would light up any room. One evening, he cooked her a candlelit dinner with his favourite vinyl playing softly in the background. She was impressed not just by the meal, but by his thoughtfulness, something that continues to define their relationship. Life, however, had other plans. Tande’s work took him abroad just as Monique was navigating a difficult chapter of her own. When he accepted a role in the United States, it seemed their story might pause there. But love had different ideas. While Monique travelled through Europe and Tande settled into life overseas, they both realised they couldn’t imagine life apart. On August 14, 2023, they made their relationship official - from opposite sides of the world. From then on, their love became a story told through adventurous reunions, ice-skating in Central Park, helicopter rides over Manhattan, swimming to the edge of Victoria Falls, climbing Mountains in Cape Town, road-tripping through California in their beloved Jeep Wrangler, dune-bashing in Dubai, and sharing their love of food at restaurants around the world. They also managed to visit and formally introduce each other to their families in Zambia and Australia during that time. Both family’s felt familiar to each other and shared in their joy and love, welcoming them both into their homes as their own. Importantly, Tande also managed to pass the “Boof Test”, with Monique's dog Boof, known to be protective of her, taking an instinctual liking to him from day one, seeing their connection and knowing this was family. In April 2025, during a trip to Yosemite National Park, beneath the mist of Bridalveil Waterfall, Tande got down on one knee and Monique said YES - with the same radiant smile that first caught his heart. After nearly two years of long distance, they finally closed the gap, now back together in Australia. Monique and Tande look forward to celebrating their wedding in Livingstone, Zambia - next to the waterfall where they once stood which now marks the beginning of their forever.