Hey guys, its Nati here. Esti will give you her version of the story later but let me just take this special moment to tell you a little bit about our netflix love story!

(Sorry Esti, but I have to!)

Growing up in LA I lived in a lively duplex on a very fun block called Detroit street. I was kinda like the weird tree climber who would play cops and robbers with my neighbors, and ripstik up and down the block imagining I was the superhero in my own action movie. Little did I know, the movie of my life would turn out to be more of a romantic comedy than an action-packed Marvel flick.

One day, 8 year old me comes home and discovers we have a new neighbor who moved upstairs (I lived downstairs). The dad was sweet, kinda tall, had a beard, and claimed to be part of the UCLA basketball team in his college years. They were a family of 4 siblings, the younger one being Sruly who always looked like he had no idea what was going on but was just happy to be there (just kidding! love you sruly lol). But the truth is, while I was impressed with the new basketball celebrity living upstairs, 8 year old me was experiencing my very first crush on Esti Glabman, the cute green-eyed girl next door.

Esti had this mystery to her. Outside of the house she was a bit shy and would like to observe. But inside of the house we all eavesdropped on all the Glabmans running, laughing, and joking, and Esti was usually leading the pack.

I think I was 10 years old when I decided to make my first move on her. (Sorry Mr. Glabman, just close your ears on this one). It was Sukkos of 2008, and like every NJB I would go sukka hopping every year and collect bags of candy. 10 year old me was rich rich rich with candy. Esti and her family would always build their sukka next to our sukka in the backyard. One day after the meal was over, I bumped into Esti downstairs and wanted to take this opportunity to talk to her. I didnt know what to say so the only thing I could think of was "hey wanna see our sukka?" And Esti couldn't resist my charm of course so as any gentleman would do, I gave her a proper sukka tour. We sat in the sukka, I brought out my bag of candies, and I shared my favorite stash with her. We hung out for like 10 minutes until Esti was called to come upstairs.

Magical moments!! My very first "date" just happened.

I can confidently say that the next 5 years of my life was young Nati trying to process this love island situation I was in. Except not really since I would barely get the chance to speak with her. But let a kid pretend okay??

Fast forward a few years, and 12 year old Nati get his heart broken for the first time... the Glabman family decide it was time move out and live somewhere else. What. The. Heck. Why didnt y'all consult with me?? Lol

Life goes on though. We both live our lives and this crush I am feeling gets shoved under the rug. I always thought about her but never really knew what was gonna happen or if I would see her again. Why would we? We come from different worlds, ya know? She was this innocent cute Chabad girl, and I was a bit of a trouble maker Israeli-Moroccan kid who got kicked out of high school. Night and day to say the least.

12 years go by. I'm taller, stronger, and confident as one can be. Strolling through the streets of Jerusalem I see the one and only Esti Glabman walking down Agripas with Lieba. THE SHOW BEGINS!! I was not gonna let this opportunity slip.

Yes, I went up to her. Yes, we spoke about our families for a bit. Yes, I asked her for her number. No, she didn't give it to me cuz she was playing hard to get. But yes, you bet I messaged her on Instagram haha.

The following 2 years consisted of me attempting to slide in her DM messages, calling her randomly, and me just trying to convince her to go out even though we were so different at the time. Truth is, even though she wouldn't admit it, I think she was intrigued by my craziness. She was a tough cookie but those are the best kinds am I right?

2 years later, I am now 25 and Esti finally decides to go out with me. And this time its more than a sukka tour and candies... I learned so much about Esti and knew since the day we started going out that I wasn't gonna let her slip away this time. Many of you already know this, but she is the most incredible person in the world. She's creative, and kind to everyone. She's funny, loves to have fun, beautiful as one can be, and creates an energy of love in every room she walks in. I am truly blessed and so excited to marry you, Esti.

I like to say that Yaakov waited 14 years to marry the love of his life Rachel. One of the most romantic lines in the Torah is when Yaakov said that all those years he spent working for Rachel felt "like days" now that he can marry his love. I too waited 14 years to see you again, Esti, and looking back at my crazy journey it feels like a few days knowing that it was all Hashem's plan to find you again. The journey was so worth it. I love you!

I cant wait to dance with everyone reading this and to build our lives together! And don't forget to check out the Registry!

With Love,

Nati

Wedding Day