Our Story

My memory must be fading me... I don't remember the exact month nor am I sure if it was 1999 or 2000 but I do know we met my last season in Brazil 1999/2000! That's a long time ago to recall! Anyway my agent at the time told me that he knew someone who was "apaixonado" for me (in love with me). I was like, "really, who is it?" He went on to tell me that the person was Pezao, a famous" monster" of a volleyball player in Brazil, a long time client and good friend of his... I remember being stomped by the name. "Pezao?" He says, "Yeah, you know what that mean? Big feet!" This was already starting off interesting, monster, big feet...yikes. It was another few conversations with the agent telling me how much this big foot, monster liked me before he arranged for me to meet Eduardo "Pezao" after one of my matches. It was a very brief conversation. I think I was a bit shying (scared) about the encounter. But it was fine, I could see his sense of humor and I felt a kindness about him; so we exchanged numbers.

Of course I don't remember who called whom first. But what I do remember is the diamond bling bling in his ear, which I associated with being a playa... it, seemed especially so after Eduardo stood me up a few times... Yes, this man who was so in like with me, left me dressed and waiting for even a phone call to let me know he wasn't going to make it! Not a pretty picture so far huh? However whenever we finally hung out, it was so nice He was always a gentleman. We got along well, laughing and enjoying each others company. I'd met his family who were warm and friendly. He'd met my mom and even asked her if I could be his girlfriend. Cute...but though the times we shared were fun and our friendship was growing, end the end I figured I was leaving shortly and since it didn't appear that I would be contracted to return to Brazil, I didn't want to start a long distance relationship. On top of the fact that I didn't think that he was serious about me

Fast-forward....November of my 2004/2005 season we were put back in contact with one another. My right eyebrow lifted in curiosity. He was supposed to call or write me, but it didn't happen. After some time passed I found his number and thought I would give him a call. We talked for a few of hours.... it was wonderful catching up. Then we entered the world of email as of course it was a lot more practical. VIVA THE WORLD WIDE VITUAL INTERNET! So periodic phone calls, emails and finally a plan to see one another after all these years. Eduardo asked me to go on a cruise with him. But for some reason or other it didn't work out. So I thought if something was meant to be rekindled then it would, just be patient...

And here we are... December 2005 Eduardo proposed to my via email! WHAT? Well, after ten million email and conversations back and forth, a paper ring made for me during dinner, sleeping on it, praying about it... In March I woke up in the middle of the night and awoke my mom too, who was visiting with me in Italy at the time, with the date July 15 for the wedding date on my mind. I immediately checked the dates to see if it conflicted with my National team schedule. It didn't. So there you have it....that's how it happened.

Grooms Story

It was in January of 1999 Sao Paulo "Brazil. I had never have seen Danielle personally but only on TV. I've always admired her performance as one of the best volleyball player in the world and her incontestable charm and sweetness. Coincidentally we had the same volleyball manager Rogerio Hangai, who'd invited me to watch a game where Danielle would play that night... Upon entering the arena I saw that beautiful black woman in action. I really felt something strong and a wonderful feeling was ignited. After the game was finished, I met her in the club hall. She tried to pretend not to be very interested in me, but I could see in her eyes some brightness that even she will not admit:-)

Since that day, I tried to convince Dani my sincere intention to give her my love. But it seemed she judged me by my ear ring and clothing style Well!! What's wrong with a man wearing an ear ring?

We hung out a few times in Sao Paulo. We really were having fun developing our friendship and it seemed becoming more and more compatible with each date. Once time her sweet mom Mrs. Vera went to Brazil to visit Dani. I appealed to her to persuade Dani to be my girl but Dani was really unyielding, even though Mrs. Vera seemed to be in agreement about our relationship. (People!!!I was really falling in love...)

OK! I failed in my attempts to have my Queen, but I was prepared to wait for a long time for my blessed turn... (And I really waited for 7 long YEARS) Yeah my friends, I waited for 7 year!!!

Finally, Christmas of 2005 we again switched e-mails. Through our communications at that time I realized she was more compatible with me than ever, so I decided to take my last risk. I asked her to marry me via e-mail. Since she thought I was joking, she bombarded me with one ton of question to know exactly what my intentions were. We later met in Italy. After 7 years we seemed wiser and love was awaiting us there. (Time made her more beautiful) Italy always will be a romantic place and there was the perfect scenario to join us together again after such a long time.

Here we are now, with ours hearts filled with love and passion. We will await you to meet us in Baton Rouge July15, where we will have our blessed weeding.