While it has been 10 years, it feels like just yesterday we were celebrating (one of) Luiza's best friend's 21st birthday. We met, we danced, we said goodbye. A few days and different spelling attempts later, Stephen tracked Luiza down and asked for her number and a date. We met for lunch at a sandwich shop, and spent so long talking Luiza "forgot" to leave for class. Through the next 2 weeks we planned several more dates and have been inseparable ever since!

Within a few months of dating, Stephen graduated and moved to New York City. Luiza still had a year of school left, and thus began a year of long distance. Thankfully, with Luiza's airline perks, trips were frequent. As soon as Luiza graduated, everything was packed, stuffed into a car and driven to the Big Apple. We got our first apartment together in Alphabet City, and had so much fun exploring everything the City has to offer. We called New York City our home for nearly 8 years, and finally decided to move on to a different city. Before doing so, we are taking a year away from work to sail our boat across the Caribbean.

Luiza's parents were in town to send us off to our caribbean trip, so it was a perfect opportunity to celebrate together. Early in the morning, when it was just the two of us on the boat, Stephen got down on one knee and asked the big question. We joined our families to celebrate for the rest of the weekend!

Búzios has always been a special place for Luiza and her family, with many memories throughout childhood. Each time we visit Brazil, we always plan a getaway to this cute beach town. We have spent many weekends and Christmases there, and can't wait to add to the wonderful memories by celebrating our love here with our friends and family.