"You look vaguely familiar," were the first words Cleo heard from Herman, and with that, their story began. It was May 2018 when two people, worlds apart, found each other through a simple swipe. Through shared hobbies, they bonded. Through time, they built a history.

It’s a simple story, really—two souls, one in Los Angeles, USA, and the other in Leicester, UK, meeting online and discovering a connection that only grew stronger. Each year, as they spoke more and more, their bond deepened, and their care for one another became undeniable.

Google Meet and WhatsApp became their lifelines, the bridges across thousands of miles. Video calls and texts weren’t just occasional—they became daily rituals. Every single day, without fail, they talked, laughed, and shared their lives.

By 2021, love had blossomed. Then, in Tokyo, Japan, in 2023, Herman got down on one knee and asked Cleo to marry him. It was a moment that sealed their fate, and they both knew there was no turning back. Now, they are joyfully planning a wedding for May 2025—a celebration of a love story built to last.

For those close to them, this story isn’t new. Their friends and family know the challenges they’ve faced, the battles they’ve fought, and the lengths they’ve gone to be together. But not everything is for the world to know; some moments are sacred, just for the two of them. If you’re reading this and don’t know all the details, it simply means those parts of their story are reserved for a special circle of trust.

This love story has endured through the toughest of times. Four years of long-distance dating, navigating COVID, annual summer vacations just to see each other, and countless flights across the globe—all of it solidified their bond. Through new careers, highs and lows, and the adventures they shared, they were always by each other's side.

In six years together, they’ve written a story filled with love and laughter. From the bittersweet memories of their beloved chicken, Ossi, to raising kittens together, from exploring Scotland and Japan to eloping in Copenhagen, from moving from the US to the UK—they’ve built a life full of adventure and joy. They’ve shared endless moments, from indulging in salsa verde Doritos (probably more than they should!) to celebrating their triumphs, big and small.

Their love is a blessing from God, a testament to the power of patience, faith, and perseverance. With hearts bursting with gratitude and happiness, Cleo and Herman know this is just the beginning. Their journey together is one of love, resilience, and divine grace, and they can’t wait to see what the future holds.



This is their love story—and it’s only the first chapter.