Fernando, born in Lima, Peru, was living in Miami, building his career as a chef. Alexandra, originally from Miami, was closing the final chapter of a fifteen-year life in New York City. While she wasn’t planning to return to Florida anytime soon, her brother had other ideas, encouraging her to consider moving back that summer. Despite friends warning her about the Miami dating scene, curiosity won.

From New York, she began swiping and then stopped on a pale blue-eyed man whose quirky eyebrows made her wonder if he might be Russian. He wasn’t, but the mystery was enough.

They matched on Bumble, where she opened the conversation with a question that felt simple but revealing: “Windo or aisle?” A question whose answer says more than you might think. What followed were three months of long conversations, stories about travel, shared loves with tennis and Formula 1, and the kind of connection that builds long before two people meet in person.

Eventually, Alex planned a trip to Miami for what was supposed to be their first date, a date that unfortunately never happened, a story Alexandra insists Fernando explain himself. But they did finally meet at Tap 42 in Coral Gables, where Alex was determined to watch the Miami Tennis Open. From that moment, things moved quickly.

Just a few months later, Fernando was driving Alex’s life, and her most important passenger, Darcy, across seven states from New York to Miami. Somewhere between gas stations and playlists, Alex discovered Fernando’s love for road trips, dogs, fast food, tactical sunglasses, American military history, and an awful curated Spotify rotation.
Needless to say, he will not be in charge of the music for the wedding. 

They had five months together in Miami before Fernando moved to Italy to further his culinary studies and work at two Michelin restaurants, beginning their chapter of long distance. But Alex didn’t need much convincing to return to Italy, a country she had once worked in herself. Together they spent weeks exploring Piemonte and Tuscany, and in the uncertainty of that season, their relationship deepened into something undeniable.

Eventually, Fernando returned to Lima, introducing Alex to Peru, its vibrant city life,
its beaches, and a rhythm of living she quickly embraced. He also introduced her to $40 massages, $15 blowouts, and surprisingly affordable healthcare, making the idea of moving feel less like a leap and more like the obvious next step.

Once again, Fernando helped Alex move her life, this time lighter, though Darcy, of course, flew first class into their new adventure.