OUR
STORY
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
"From Mutual Friends to Forever: A Tale of Love, Laughter, and Long-Distance"
Once upon a time, in the bustling world of mutual friends and chance encounters, fate decided to play cupid and bring together two souls destined for a lifetime of laughter and love. This is the whimsical yet heartwarming story of how Mati and Terence found each other, braved the challenges of long-distance love, and emerged stronger and more in love than ever before.
"The Beginning: A Match Made by Friends"
In the summer of 2017, amidst the shimmering lights and hustle and bustle of the crowds coming from a Mariah Carey concert in Edmonton, Canada, fate decided to pull out all the stops and play matchmaker. Little did Mati and Terence know that their chance encounter that night would spark a love story worthy of its own ballad.
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It all began with a simple task—a favor for a friend. Terence, ever the dutiful friend, found himself playing the role of "taxi" driver for the evening, tasked with ferrying a friend home after the concert. Meanwhile, Mati, with her infectious laughter and undeniable charm, was simply enjoying a night out with the same friend and instantly hit it off with Terence and his witty banter.
But here's the kicker: their chance encounter wasn't entirely left to fate. Oh no, their mutual friends, the masterminds behind the scenes, had orchestrated this meeting, nudging them towards destiny that would set the stage for a love story that will surely stand the test of time, just like Mariah's greatest hits.
"_We both owe our friends a lifetime supply of gratitude for bringing us together,_" Mati chuckles, recalling the serendipitous moment.
"From Friendship to Romance: Love Blossoms"
As fate would have it, Mati and Terence remained friends for the better part of a year, sharing laughter, inside jokes, and meaningful conversations. But as the seasons changed, their bond deepened and their friendship blossomed into something more in 2018 when they realized that the spark between them was too bright to ignore.
"It was like realizing your favorite song had been playing in the background all along," Terence quips, reflecting on the moment they transitioned from friends to something more.
"Navigating the Distance: Love Knows No Borders"
With Terence residing in Canada and Mati across the pond in the UK, their love story took on a transatlantic twist. They found themselves embarking on a journey of long-distance love—a tale as old as time, yet fraught with its own unique challenges.
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Despite the miles that separated them, their bond grew stronger with each passing day, fueled by late-night calls, many (oh so many) WhatsApp messages, and virtual adventures across time zones.
"We became experts in time zones and WhatsApp video and FaceTime dates," Terence jokes, "It made us appreciate every moment we spent together, no matter how far apart."
"From Friendship to Romance: Love Blossoms"
Just when they thought they had conquered the trials of long-distance love, fate threw another curveball their way. As if long-distance wasn't challenging enough, Mati and Terence faced the ultimate test when the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe. Suddenly, travel restrictions and lockdowns threatened to keep them apart indefinitely. But armed with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of FaceTime dates, they weathered the storm together, finding solace in each other's company even in the darkest of times.
"The pandemic taught us the importance of cherishing the little moments," Mati reflects. "It was like something out of a
rom-com, except instead of grand gestures and serenades, we had WhatsApp calls, FaceTime dates and care packages."
"Motivation: Story Behind The Love"
Love stories often unfold in the most unexpected ways, weaving together moments of laughter, joy, and heartfelt connection. For Mati and Terence, their journey was no exception. With a blend of humor, humility, and unwavering love, they share their witty tale of romance and the sweet surprise that sealed their bond forever.
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Mati knew from the moment she met Terence that he was someone special. "His gorgeous smile caught my attention and drew me in," she recalls with a grin. But it wasn't just his charm that captured her heart—it was his kindness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, and unwavering dedication to those he loved. "He has the largest and kindest heart of any man I'd ever known," Mati shares, her love for Terence shining through her words.
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As for Terence, it was Mati's grounded presence and unconditional love that stole his heart. "I felt centered and grounded when I was with her, she really is my True North," he explains. "She loved me unconditionally, even when I was being difficult and stubborn." With her humble demeanor and down-to-earth personality, Mati created a loving and cozy home that Terence cherished.
"The Road To “I Do”: The Proposal"
The proposal, like their love story, was perfectly suited to their personalities—low-key and full of love. Taking place in Edmonton on a Spring evening in 2022, Terence surprised Mati with a heartfelt question that left her speechless. "He didn't go down on one knee because of his bad back," Mati laughs, "but I still tease him about it."
"I had this whole plan in my head," Terence chuckles, "but in the end, sometimes the best laid plans don’t quite go to plan. So there I was, pacing like a nervous wreck until I finally mustered up the courage to ask". Through tears of joy, Mati said yes, overwhelmed by the love and thoughtfulness behind Terence's gesture.
Mati's tearful "yes" was the perfect ending to a perfect moment, made even sweeter by the fact that Terence had somehow managed to nail her ring size without giving away any hints. "He won't tell me how he did it," Mati laughs, "but I like to think it's just one of his many hidden talents."
"A Future Full of Promise: Forever Starts Here"
Despite the challenges they faced, Mati and Terence emerged from the trials of long-distance love and the pandemic stronger and more committed than ever before. With laughter as their constant companion and love as their guiding light, they weathered every storm and obstacle that came their way.
As Mati and Terence stand on the precipice of forever, they look back on their journey with fondness and gratitude, knowing that every moment, every laugh, and every challenge has brought them closer together. Despite the challenges they've overcome, their love remains steadfast, a beacon of light guiding them through life's adventures. And as they say their "I do's" and begin their new chapter together, they do so with hearts full of love and a lifetime of memories yet to be made.
"We may have started as friends, but now we're partners in crime, ready to take on whatever life throws our way," Mati says, gazing lovingly at Terence.
One thing is certain: Mati and Terence's journey is a testament to the power of love, laughter, and the magic of finding your happily ever after in the most unexpected of places.