(Narrated in the manner of a Disney fairy tale)
Once upon a time — not in a kingdom, but in Finland — two Mediterranean souls met during an Erasmus winter in 2010.
They had travelled north in search of adventure and, allegedly, beautiful Nordic princes and princesses.
Instead, fate had a different plan.
From that unexpected encounter, a story began.
One made of distance, curiosity, laughter, and a growing certainty that this was not just a chapter, but a journey.
To stay closer to his Princess, Marco crossed borders and followed the call of both knowledge and love, settling in France, in Lyon. Years later, in 2014, during a return to the North for a friends’ wedding, he dared to kneel on the steps of a cathedral and offered a ring. The Princess, surprised and slightly overwhelmed, answered with a hesitant but sincere “yes”.
The tale, however, did not rush to its happy ending.
Life sent trials, as all good fairy tales do.
Paris, studies, work, and challenges tested their bond — only to make it stronger. Then came the wandering years: vineyards instead of kingdoms, Tuscany instead of castles, and a knight in search of his place, while his Princess waited patiently, believing in the return.
At last, another castle opened its gates — back in Lyon — but destiny was not done yet. Distance returned, and time reminded them how precious it truly is. So, when Marco turned forty, he knew the spell had lasted long enough.
Under the stars of a summer night in Revere the Prince, disguised as an emperor among friends dressed in togas, he set a final scene worthy of legend. With witnesses, memories, and a new ring, he asked once more.
This time, the Princess got promoted to Empress, and answered with a clear and joyful yes.
And so, on 18 April 2026, on the anniversary of their very first true date, Marco and Myléna will finally seal their story in Revere, at the Ducal Palace, where fairy tales belong.
Because every long journey deserves its celebration.
And every story, its happy ending.