We met quite unexpectedly. Aila was studying to begin a new medical degree while Tim was wrapping up his travels in Brazil. We were both bored, lonely, and new to the city so we went online, looking for a friend to explore the city with. After swiping right on each other and exchanging just a few messages we decided we had to meet in person. We planned to meet at the most American of all places in Brazil - Hard Rock Café. It was fireworks from the beginning. Meeting each other only intensified our initial fear and curiosity. How could we fit each other so well? We immediately became new friends and used every day we had remaining to discover the city together. Starting early in the morning with coffee we shopped, watched movies, went to parks, tasted new restaurants and even shared math tips. It was obvious that we were perfect friends with a fleeting magical moment but Tim’s vacation ended and Aila went back to her studies.

After some time talking everyday and feeling more and more attached, one day on his way back from his sister’s house, with a beautiful sunset in front of Tim, Aila was saying that she was amazed and falling in love for a song that Tim sent to her, but before she finished the sentence Tim said “I have fallen in love with you, too." That made Aila freeze in joy for a moment and ask, “Are we dating?” He answered “Yeah, I think we are dating.” That was the first time we spoke what we already knew in our hearts.

Almost a year after we met, Tim came to Brazil to help Aila move from Curitiba back to the center of Brazil, stopping at her parent’s house to meet them and spending some time to get to know each other. In both the city and the jungle Tim had an amazing time becoming a part of the family and learning where Aila grew up.

6 months later, it was Aila’s turn to meet the parents, so she came to Maine to see how Tim lives and meet the people that raised him. After meeting his parents and big family Aila was feeling more confident with the man that was making her so happy.

After meeting both sets of parents, it was now time for our first international trip as a couple: Visiting Olivier in Quebec. It was a really strange feeling dropping off Aila at Boston airpot and driving all the way to Quebec to pick her up at the airport in the same day. They had an amazing time with Tim's old friend. From Quebec they then drove all the way to Florida! An incredible and memorable trip for both of them.

For Aila a house without a pet is just too quiet. So, to make things more interesting for her while Tim was not around, Tim gave her this cute little thing called T.i.n.y. The newest member of the family.

On their second year anniversary, Tim decided to make a surprise for Aila, after saying he was home feeling sick he asked her to pick up something at the front door because he sent a gift for her on their anniversary. To her big surprise he was there in person to give her a happy mini heart attack. During that trip to Brazil, he already knew what was to come, and before the end of that trip, he had a bigger moment to share with her. Taking her on a trip to Pirenópolis, a small and historical city near Goiânia, where the water fall Bonsucesso (good success) is, he prepared the most amazing and heart felt speech asking her the most amazing question: “Aila Zittlau, will you marry me?” and she immediately answered YES.

Wahoo, engaged. Now how were they going to get the parents together before the wedding? Well, Aila’s parents were already planning a trip to the NorthEast of Brazil - what a great opportunity to test if 10 days could be enough to get everyone together. Perfect plan, but there was one problem, convincing Tim's dad Don to fly to Brazil. That was a challenge, but Tim's mom, Ginette, handled it so well that the trip happened, Don loved it, Aila’s parents were happy and the trip ended with everyone exclaiming "10 dollars" for everything.

To be continued ...