Although Christina’s and Richelle’s paths had crossed thousands of times, it wasn’t until a friend’s wedding that Richelle stopped – stared – jaw dropped – saw Christina – and decided immediately “she’s the one.” Je ne peux pas vivre sans toi.

At the wedding, Richelle had stolen a plate of cookies, encouraged by her aunt, and was running them back to her assigned guest table when Christina turned and said, “so that’s where all the cookies went.” Richelle froze – turned red – stared again at Christina – then proceeded to take the cookies to her aunt without losing Christina from her mind. This was in November 2016.

From that night on, Christina and Richelle have been inseparable.

In November 2018, Richelle decided to propose to Christina. While it was scary and incredibly exciting to think about proposing, Richelle knew she wanted it to be special. It seemed like a cliché, but Richelle could not think of a more romantic place than in front of the Eiffel Tower from the Trocadéro during planned their European vacation. And was it ever romantic! "Getting down on one knee, saying Christina's full name, asking her to marry me, veux-tu m’épouser - hearing her say yes, knowing we are the loves of each others lives – I couldn’t have been happier," said Richelle. "Cliché and all."

Christina and Richelle married on New Year’s Eve – celebrating and reflecting on their love while 2019 was ending and 2020 was beginning. The Gatsby inspired wedding was elegant and timeless – with a view overlooking the entire city, three foot tall letters of LOVE, balloons dropping and fireworks popping, and at mignight loved ones whispering “bonne année.” 

Paris, the City of Love