A Greek engagement session in Paris!

Jenelle and Yinanni are both Ophthalmologist living in New York, and they have a beautiful story how they met…

In fact, this couple have such a great story that I thought it would be best to let them share it in their own words:

“Within my first week at my new job at SUNY, all my new coworkers made sure I met all my fellow Greeks in the building. There were two, one of which was Yianni, the Contact Lens resident. He was handsome, quiet and shy but we managed to ask each other all the appropriate questions Greeks ask when they first meet each other, “Where are you from? Where are you from in Greece? Jenelle?! What’s that name in Greek?” and so on. From there, we went on our way and for the next 12 months, we would say ‘hi” to each other and that was it.

A year later, it so happened Yianni took a full time job at SUNY and they happened to put his office across the hall from mine. Everyday, Yianni would peek in and ask how I was doing, questions about me, and eventually it turned into us getting lunch multiple times a week. I learned how similar we were: we’re both the youngest (by a lot), have parents who are very hard working, obviously the Greek connection. I also saw how caring Yianni was about his family, especially his nieces and nephews as he would always talk about them. And he was a wonderful listener. Since Yianni is so quiet and opening up like this seemed unlike him, I thought he may be interested in me, but I didn’t give it much more thought.

In November of that year, my friends and I were going to a Greek Gala event so I invited Yianni along. He said yes immediately even though he did not know anyone else coming. He showed off his dance moves and made it very clear he was interested in me. I continued to resist as I didn’t think mixing work and dating was a smart idea. Yianni knew where I stood and he continued to be my friend, get lunch with me, and take care of me.

In the middle of December I went to the emergency room for breathing issues I was having. Yianni drove into the city from Long Island and stayed at the hospital with me until 1am. When the nurse asked if he was my boyfriend, I quickly responded “no” to alleviate a potentially awkward situation and 100% made it way more awkward. However, this was the time when I realized how comfortable and safe he always made me feel.

I went home for Christmas, got the flu, and Yianni insisted on picking me up from the airport to drive me to my apartment. As I was getting out of his car he says, “Wait! I made you avgolemono soup (egg lemon soup).”

“What do you mean you made me soup? Like from scratch? Or you bought it?”

“No, I made it!”

I was confused. What Greek man would cook for me?! I took it. Ate it. It was amazing. And then 10000 lightbulbs went off in my head. I met a man who was incredibly patient, selfless, caring, and the nicest person I ever met. I need to wake up and go on a date with him.

A week later, we went on our first date overlooking Central Park…and that was just the beginning…

From fun cooking lessons to walking around Central Park to eating at different restaurants around NYC the following 10 months flew by.

For anyone who knows us well, I think it’s fair to say traveling is one of our passions. We’ve been fortunate enough to travel within three continents, four countries, four islands, ten cities since we’ve been together and don’t plan on stopping!

Everyday we’re together Yianni makes me feel like I’m the most important woman in the world and I am forever grateful our work put his office right across from mine.”

 

 

You can see another engagement session in Paris here!