Chris and I have met online.

That’s pretty common nowadays, but it was not that ordinary 12 years ago. It was especially extraordinary when you consider I was in my early 20’s and a student attending Advertising college in Brazil. That’s right. When we met, I was all the way down in Brazil, and he was way up here in Minnesota!

One day we started chatting online through an international dating website, all because of a cute photo he had posted with his nephew. I messaged him first. I literally said “nice photo!” and BAM, he was in love with me.

Not really. LOL

Ok, so while we were still just getting to know each other, we started chatting and within a short period of time progressed to very (unbeknownst to us) expensive international phone calls (ouch!). We did all the late night calls, downpour of back and forth of emails and video chats that were scheduled as allowed by our different time zones.

One day, out of the blue, I asked him out. Truth be told, I had no expectations, no plans, I had no idea what would happen. I mean, this guy was all the way up in Minnesota, and I had my whole life shaping up in Brazil, so what COULD happen, really? Still, I asked him out. And he said yes. This was about May 2005.

In August of that same year, he flew to Brazil for the first time, and we met face-to-face. Without knowing a word of Portuguese, without even being sure I was 100% honest, he bought a plane ticket to come see me, almost driving his parents crazy! I used to think that was brave, now I just think it was madness…

Back then we were just two kids, quite different in many aspects, living so far away from each other and simply connected by technology. But somehow he thought he should make the trip. And I’m glad he did.

This photo was actually taken in 2005, but we really like it. It was taken during one of Chris' many trips to Brazil while we were dating long distance.

This photo was taken after a party at a friend's house, during one of Chris' many trips to Brazil while we were dating long distance.

At first, things did not go so well. We were awkward and nervous around each other. Plus he arrived wearing boots and high waisted pants and I was NOT attracted to that (to this day it’s still unclear how he felt about my hippie clothes… I know, one look at 2005 me and you would agree that I really had no right to judge ANYONE’S style…).

A sample of our trendy styles for your personal amusement. You're welcome.

FYI: This is Chris AFTER I took him out shopping for "Brazilian" clothes. Yup, I know.

And so after the first few days, when he acclimated to the scorching weather and the humidity level only the tropics can offer, things started to make sense for us. We both were who we thought of each other. We both recognized that person we had been talking to over the phone for so many nights in the past few months. And our first kiss happened in the kitchen of my mom’s old house. I remember his heart about to beat out of his chest. It was really sweet. <3

We dated long distance for about 2 and a half years, travelling here and there, exchanging letters, photos, gifts and even breaking up a few times.

I moved to the U.S. in 2007 and we got married in Vegas in 2008.

Us kids, lathering on sunscreen before baking bathing in the sun.

It still personally amazes me how we were so far from each other, and yet were able to travel great lengths to be together,  to grow together, and commit to one another, through different upbringings and the obvious challenges posed by any long-term relationship.

How about you? Do you have an inspirational, unique, weird, funny story about how you met your significant other?

Check out this promotion I am running on Facebook for this Valentine's day and share your story for a chance to win a mini photo session with me and a $50 gift card to the restaurant of your choice!

Quick rules to enter for the promotion:

1. LIKE Laine Torres Photography, LLC on Facebook AND the **ORIGINAL** post with the specific photo you see above
2. WRITE in the photo comments how you two met (include all the awesome details!)
3. SHARE the original post with your family and friends

The prizes:

- (1) 30min Valentine Mini Session worth $447
- (5) fully edited digital files
- 20% discount on any additional purchases
- $50 gift certificate to a restaurant of your choice

The fine print:

Limit 1 entry per couple. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Both people must be at least 18 years old to participate. Winners must sign a photo agreement and model release. Session will be booked directly with you at a date that is convenient for both you and photographer, however you must book and redeem your free session no later than March 15th. A $50 gift card to a restaurant of your choice will be gifted to you when you receive your photos, after the session is complete. By entering this contest you agree with all terms and grant Laine Torres Photography, LLC permission to share your name and the information you submitted at the time of entry. You also agree to receive future offers and promotions by Laine Torres Photography, LLC. You may unsubscribe at any time. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Inquire directly for more info.

PROMOTION ENDS ON VALENTINE'S DAY - FEBRUARY 14TH, 2017

WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED THE DAY AFTER, ON FEBRUARY 15TH, 2017