Our love story is one for the ages! The first time I met Nathalie, I said to myself “wow, that’s a funny way to spell Nathalie”. Jk – I thought Nathalie was the most beautiful person I had ever seen. Her smile brightened my day, and the more I was around her, the more I wanted to be with her. I knew right away when I met Nathalie at Orientation at Harbor Beach Marriott, that I wanted to spend time with her, and get to know her more. I was her manager, and she did not like that I was her boss. But she got used to it! (I was a good boss).

Not only is Nathalie a beautiful person on the outside, but what Nathalie has in her heart, is what really won me over. I have never met anyone so thoughtful, caring, and is so genuine. We would go on soooo many dates and hang out all the time. Our first date, we went to the beach, and talked for hours. Nathalie thought it was going to be weird because she didn’t know what we would talk about. But I think she quickly found out that I talk a lot. I constantly wanted to see her. We went on sushi dates and movie dates. She even had her first Sake Bomb and Irish Car Bomb with me (both on the same night)! I knew what I felt in my heart for her was love – but maybe she just took longer to accept it.

We would go on to take a trip to New York together (not as a couple but as friends). I booked a very nice hotel room, and we had the greatest time together! We ended up getting confused, and missed our flight home (New York Subways are VERY confusing)!

We had to spend an extra night in Jersey City, and I just had to confess! I told Nathalie that I liked her and asked her if she wanted to date me. She said no. So, she rejected me. But that did not get my hopes down! A day later, I asked her out again, and she rejected me again (I couldn’t believe it). So, what did I do? I ended up hurting my arm very, very bad. But even though that happened, she rejected me once more!

I ended up having arm surgery just so she would feel bad for me. After my surgery, Nathalie and I had gone 5 days without seeing each other. I was missing her very much. She was on my mind constantly. I think even during my surgery, under anesthesia I was still thinking about her! She invited me to sleep over. She said she was going to make dinner for me and take care of me after my surgery. So, with 1 arm, I drove to her house and stayed the night. I wanted to ask her out again but was very nervous. Maybe she did not have the same feelings I had for her.

We were on the balcony of her apartment, looking out onto the intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale, and the sky was looking so beautiful. Everything was perfect. The only thing that was missing for me, was the girl that I grew to love. I felt like we were destined to be together and was not going to take no for an answer! I hugged Nathalie and finally gained the courage to ask her if I can kiss her. Nathalie replied “don’t ask, just kiss me”. So I kissed her! That was back on October 25th, 2021. Since then we have been to so many places! She’s met my family, and I even went to Brazil and met her family! We moved to Orlando. We live happily with our little doggy Miguel and share the most amazing life together. Who would have thought! 3 years later, our love story continues, for ever and ever, happily ever after!

- Raf