This tale is a story of star-crossed lovers on different paths, both fueled by ambition: Florence in her second year at Stellenbosch University, and Daniël embarking on a journey from the Netherlands, traveling across many lands and seas to complete an internship program as part of his university prerequisites

Their paths crossed on a dating app called Tinder, as they matched on a starry night through a phenomenon known as the 'Super Like.' Most people consider that a shot in the dark — not even a step in the right direction on the journey to finding true, unconditional love: a soulmate, a person to call home, the sparkle in your eye. As the story continues and exam season progressed, there were no moments to spare, especially in the attempts to escape the hustle and bustle of student life.

Although the match had been made in the heavens, on earth the two lovers were unable to meet in person for some time. They had no choice but to cultivate an online connection and maintain it from the early days of March to April 27th, 2018, when they finally stood face to face outside a restaurant in the Tyger Valley Mall, Cape Town.

Their first date and contact with each other outside of cyberspace.

Here, we enacted the classic dinner and a movie routine — romantic, right? — filled with Florence rattling on about everything and anything, trying to calm the flutter of emotions, racing thoughts, and adrenaline. Daniël, nervous but with his heart on his sleeve, displayed eagerness and gentleness. This led to one of our first heart connections, as a discussion about his late grandfather followed, filled with love and fondness for the memories they shared together… Lord bless and rest his soul.

With an experience of such depth and sincerity, we wished the night would go on forever. Hope was not lost on us, though, as many dates followed that drizzly night, in accordance with their giddy desires. We discovered many things, such as the joy we find in adventuring together, our silly sense of humor, our shared value for deep, honest conversations, and our love for music and animals. Hence, the Two Oceans Aquarium at the V&A Waterfront became the backdrop for some of our most significant love scenes.

Now, this all sounds very pleasant and sweet...

pretty straightforward, right?

Actually, the majority of our story took place over a long distance—12,721.5 km to be exact—which equates to 172 hours by car or 15 hours and 30 minutes one way by plane, with a time difference of an hour during certain parts of the year.

Essentially, it took us about two and a half months to evaluate the odds and ultimately decide to become a couple, committed to the long haul and taking on the challenge of being in an interracial, long-distance relationship at the ages of 19 (Florence) and 21 (Daniël).

We were able to see each other again the following year, 2019, when Daniël visited the Bosa family. However, the world had its own plans, and the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, bringing with it numerous trials and tribulations, including international borders being locked down and travel restrictions.

We were unable to see each other for an extended period of time, so back to cyberspace we went—our roots.

This created an optimal opportunity for us to grow, appreciate, and love all the other aspects that make us human, even without physical connection. Our communication skills, as well as our mental, emotional, and spiritual intimacy, were cultivated, allowing our souls to intermingle and preparing us for the God-given covenant that is our union in marriage.

Eventually the pandemic restrictions regarding international travel bans had relented and Florence was able to visit The Netherlands and met the Gerards Family, in person for the first time, where we celebrated Christmas 2022 and welcomed the new year 2023.

Later that year, Daniël returned to South Africa, and we planned a trip back to our beloved city of Cape Town. We revisited and toured the grounds of the Two Oceans Aquarium—both the guest and behind-the-scenes sections—fed the marine life on exhibit, and concluded yet another fantastical adventure, or so Florence thought… until the proposal for her hand in marriage on the 13th of September, 2023.

Isn’t it lovely how Love transcends all things—obstacles, oceans, and even the constructs of our understanding of the natural world?

Anyway, this has been the misadventures of D&F in terms of what was; we stand in what is, and we invite you into what is to come by God’s will, grace, and mercy.