Once Upon a Time - Falling in Love in France

On our wedding website (which was fun to do and extremely useful - I definitely recommend making one), we posted the story of how we met. The English version is my version of the story and the French version is his. I know our wedding site won't be around forever. We don't even look at it anymore. So I thought I'd bring the story over here to avoid forgetting the details over time.



Her Story


Two years ago, I left America for my year long study abroad program in France. My first weekend in Grenoble I met Laurent at church, and it was love at first site. I was "struck by lightning" as they say in French. C'était le coup de foudre. Later that same afternoon, I called my mother to let her know that I had just met "the most beautiful man in the world."

It wasn't long before Laurent and I started seeing each other more often. At first it was at Sunday get-togethers with his family and friends. I then later convinced him to give me driving (stick shift) lessons in exchange for English lessons and the rest is history. We never did get around to those English lessons, and I never got past 2nd gear... But we had our first real date March 27, 2011 and we've been ridiculously lovey-dovey ever since.



I returned to America this last school year (2011-2012) to finish my degree, and he patiently waited the full nine months for me. After my return to France this summer, we knew that we didn't ever want to be separated like that again and decided to tie the knot!!


Prince Charming!!!



His Story

Une rencontre qui a commencé en 2010, alors que Patricia était étudiante sur Grenoble. Ce dimanche matin, il a suffi d’un regard et de quelques mots en français pour que je tombe sous le charme de cette belle Américaine. Jusqu’à là, je n’osais pas l’inviter mais son regard et son visage en mémoire je ne pensais qu’à une chose, là revoir ! Tout doucement, nous nous sommes rapprochés et  après quelques semaines, nous nous sommes retrouvés dans le  « romantique » parking d’Échirolles. En échange d’une leçon de conduite, j’avais droit à un cours privé d’anglais! Le deal était trop beau pour être refusé!  Je n’ai pas réussi à aligner une phrase correcte et elle, à aller au-delà de la seconde vitesse mais ce fût le début de notre histoire…




Les  premiers baisers échangés, c’était malheureusement bientôt l’heure de se dire au revoir.  Patricia devait rentrer aux Etats unis pour terminer sa dernière année d’étude.  Malgré la distance, nous nous somme promis de nous retrouver et toute jeune diplômée de plus jamais être séparé… Depuis nous nous sommes plus quittés.  La suite de l’histoire, vous la connaissez et désormais nous souhaitons l’écrire avec vous!!! Rendez-vous le 1er Décembre.




When he came to visit my family.


You can check out our entire official engagement shoot here.

Comments

  1. Too too cute! Love your blog!!! Where exactly do you 2 lovebirds live now?

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! We're living in the Grenoble region at the moment :)

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  2. I stumbled across you blog from the Collective bloghop and I'm so glad that I did. First of all I LOVE meeting other expats. Second of all, your story is very similar to mine- I met my love while I was studying abroad, had to return to America to finish my degree and then returned to Europe to be with him. Can't wait to read more in the future! xx

    Amanda @ Rhyme & Ribbons

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  3. Patty, of course I remember you!!! you are so darling and so so sweet! you look so happy and in love!! I am so excited to follow along with your blog and your story.
    xoxoxo
    ashley

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  4. Hey! Found you through a blog hop and now I'm your newest follower.

    You two are WAY too cute! I have to ask: Are you two of the same culture? I don't mean to sound ignorant. I ask just because my other is half is Guyanese while I'm Canadian. It's nice meeting other mixed couples! Even if you're of the same culture, you're both adorable and I'm excited to follow along!

    Alex[andra]
    letlifebelikemusic.blogspot.ca

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    1. Thanks for stopping by! I'm American, and he's French/New Caledonian. That's why he's so gorgeously tan. I don't mind you asking at all. He's really proud of his origins. We're a multi-cultural and multi-ethnic couple, and have different mother tongues (English/French). Your blog is super cute! I just started following you and can't wait to read more :).

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  5. I loved this. I cant believe you met only 1 week after moving to France! ahh fate...

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  6. I just discovered you and your blog. I wish I saw before your suggestions for the differences between France and America.I regret that we didn't have a proper photographer in my wedding!!
    Love your blog and your family!

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