Nona and Derek

With our wedding day fast approaching, we thought you might like to read about how we met and fell in love. Nona was working in Dubai at the time, as was Derek but in all the time living in Dubai, our paths hadn’t crossed until that Tuesday night. What started off as a very ordinary Tuesday turned out to be the day both our lives changed forever.
Nona’s Story
I had a good friend staying with me visiting from London and the whole week had been dedicated to sightseeing during the day, partying and lots of fun in the evenings! The Tuesday was her last night in Dubai, our initial thought was of having a quiet night in for a change; and then rather spontaneously we decided it would be a shame to waste the evening. So, we decided to go to a well-known Dubai club called the VIP Room along with my roommate.
The club is like lots of other high-end nightclubs in big cities. Beautiful people, tables, bottles and good music, overall a good party mood.
Within a few minutes of arriving at VIP Room, my friends went off to freshen up and I felt a firm yet gentle grip on my wrist, it was Derek, and he asked me if I would join his table of friends. I went willingly, I felt captivated from the moment I saw him and once my friends reappeared, they joined us as well.
I can’t tell you where the time went but it felt like the clock was working double-time. Time flew by. Derek was so attentive, it was as if no-one else was there, I was completely mesmerised by his good looks and obvious charm. He made sure I had my favourite drink (Hendricks and tonic) and made sure my glass was never empty. I loved how caring he was, he wanted to make me completely at ease and I was. Not only was Derek attentive,  he was also well-spoken, a good listener, obviously kind and funny too. He was also immaculately dressed with perfect manners. A true gentleman, unlike any man I’d ever met before.
Tough the music was loud, we talked for hours. I had to lean in close to him and could smell his intoxicating cologne - I don’t remember much else other than Derek’s presence and non-stop talking. I forgot about my friends but genuinely didn’t realize the time. When it got late, my friends and I had to leave, I distinctly remember hoping he’d take my number and to my relief, we exchanged our mobile numbers.
When I got home, I remember my last thought as I fell asleep being about Derek and hoping that he would call me. I didn’t want the game-playing, the guy that messaged you a few days later or not at all but I couldn’t be sure at that point if he would or wouldn’t message me.
In the morning I woke up to see a message on my phone. I was over the moon! He liked me and that message certainly confirmed those extraordinary feelings that I was experiencing. I felt like I might have fallen in love….
From that day on, we were never really apart!
Derek’s Story
I’d been living in Dubai several years running my company when on that day, I had a conference in Dubai where some of my team members were over from our offices in California. We’d all gone out for dinner. After dinner, we thought it was too early to call it a night so I decided to take a few of my co-workers out to show them the lighter side of Dubai deciding to go for a few drinks at VIP Room. We booked a table and went to the club.
On arrival, I am pretty sure I saw Nona and her friends walking in at the same time as our group. I thought I recognised one of her friends and remember saying hi as we entered the club.
As we were escorted to our table and ordered some bottles; we were ready to relax and unwind when, at that moment, I saw Nona, looking stunning standing by the side of my table, to my right, by herself. I gently put my hand on her wrist and asked her along with her friends to join our table. Nona agreed as did her friends.
After the introductions, I spent the rest of the evening chatting with Nona about anything and everything. For those of us who love and know my Nona, know this, there is nothing usual or predictable about her, and so it was that night, she wasn’t into the vodka or the champagne at my table, what she did want was her Hendricks and tonic with cucumber, which I obliging ensured she had all night long. Another memory etched in my mind forever is her audaciousness, as I leaned forward close to her and Nona thought (inaccurately) that I was making a move on her. She immediately told me she never kissed a man the first time she met him. Of course, I protested I wasn’t trying to kiss her – but maybe I was!
The night flew past and what felt like just a few moments was actually hours later. Then, just like Cinderella, Nona said she had to leave.
As soon as Nona left, I missed her. My friends and I even checked the nightclub to be sure that they had left. They had. I knew I’d met someone special and I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Even my colleagues noticed my absence from their chatter that night but I’d had no concept of time, and my time had indeed been well spent
The next morning I sent Nona a message to say it was great to meet her. She responded during the day saying the feeling was mutual – the rest of the day I had this big smile on my face. . We messaged again and again during the day I knew that this was definitely the start of something… good, maybe even great!
That night, as I was sitting on the patio of Roberto’s with a friend in the DIFC having a drink, I recounted having met Nona the previous night and decided to spontaneously invite her and her friend, they had spent the day on the beach, to join us for drinks. To my delight, she said yes.
I remember she said she’d be ten minutes. We waited…and waited. Ten minutes went by, then 20 and then half an hour. I messaged Nona to check if she was coming and she replied that they had arrived but were turned away because her friend was wearing flip-flops. They had to return back to her apartment to change shoes. The whole process took an hour but eventually, they arrived with Nona looking incredible and we picked up where we left off the night before. Time flew by, again – before we knew it, - it was 2 am, closing time. Bummer. , It was the end of another amazing night …… and the start of our journey, our story and our love.

Our first proper date was lunch at More Café in Dubai’s International Financial Centre (DIFC). Derek had a meeting in the area, earlier in the day and thought it would be the ideal opportunity to meet for lunch.
I remember feeling I was particularly excited because it was a daytime date, rather than at night. That meant I had an opportunity to see him in daylight and really see just how good looking I knew he was! However, getting ready for a date with Derek was no mean feat because obviously, I wanted to look my very best so I made sure to take my time and feel that I looked “perfect!”
I arrived at the restaurant first, and sat waiting and watching out for Derek, feeling butterflies in my tummy. I remember Derek approached the courtyard from my left and I was again, completely mesmerized.
Derek was wearing a tailored dark blue suit with a yellow tie and he looked immensely smart and extremely handsome. With his beautiful smile and impeccable good looks, I was completely smitten – he looked like a movie star! I know I felt that I was falling in love and I wanted to be a part of his life.
Derek too was excited to see me again and he says that when he saw me, he also experienced an intense depth of feeling.
Lunch went by far too fast again and while Derek and I didn’t want the date to end, he needed to get back to the office.
That was our very first “official” date but we saw each other the very next day…and the next…it was definitely the start of the rest of our lives together. In fact, the weekend after that first date was International Women’s Day and Derek sent me a stunning bouquet of fresh flowers where not only I but also all my work colleagues at the Real Estate Agency where I worked were mesmerized. I remember feeling as if I was walking on air.
One other thing I remember is thanking Derek for the flowers by message but with his usual sense of fun, he first pretended that he didn’t know what I was talking about – he definitely knew how to make me laugh!
While it sounds like a cliché, both of us felt that we fit into each other’s lives with complete ease…as if it was meant to be, and it was!

We got engaged on Saturday, 21st October 2017 – it took a while to get here! Here’s our engagement story, told by both of us.
DEREK…
I’d decided that we’d dated long enough! Our relationship felt in exactly the right place and I knew the time was absolutely right. I just wanted it be very special and memorable and unexpected (as much as possible). So I contemplated going somewhere unique to create a lifelong memory for us. I’d considered Greece as Nona had never seen Santorini and she’d always remarked how she’d like to visit one day but it just didn’t feel “perfect” enough!
NONA…
I’d been lucky enough to travel to some awe-inspiring places with Derek while we’d been dating. In fact, leading up to our engagement, almost every time Derek took me somewhere on one of our trips, I wondered if it would be to get engaged…but each time, no matter how spectacular a location, there was no proposal! I began to wonder if it would ever happen. In fact, Derek often travelled to New York and he had mentioned several times it was the best place for engagement rings; so, every time he returned from there I always wondered if now was the time. Still, nothing happened so we carried on as normal, blissfully happy but without an official announcement.
DEREK
Once I’d made my mind up to propose, I set about finding that memorable venue.. There were a ton of options but I was also wanted the location to be close in close proximity to Zurich (no more than a 2 hour flight) for a long weekend – or perhaps even a drive.
Once I’d made the location decision, I had to execute the plan carefully so to throw her off the scent – I really wanted it to be a surprise because I knew she was expecting an engagement at some point and I didn’t want it to be too obvious.
I decided we would drive and planned to tell Nona to pack bags for a long weekend. I also planned to tell her that we would drop Hugo (our dog) at the Pet Hotel en route. Usually when going away we organize an Uber to take us but as I needed the car I had to think strategically. I made up a story saying that I’d be dropping the car off for service en route and have them take us to the airport. That way, Nona wouldn’t think twice about taking the car.
When we were ready to leave, we got into my G wagon but I drove in the opposite direction to the airport. At that point, Nona started to ask questions…I had to say as little as possible and said we weren’t going to the airport but somewhere else!
NONA…
One of my distinct memories at that moment was that as we were traveling in the opposite direction to the airport, we weren’t going to Santorini! I felt a bit deflated but I started to feel the excitement growing when Derek told me the destination was 500km away. I quickly started checking Google maps. I thought perhaps it was Italy – Verona was around 500km away and definitely known for romance! I was really intrigued and asked lots of questions – perhaps we were going to get engaged after all! Still, I had to give myself a reality check and told myself not to build up my hopes.
DEREK…
Nona was convinced we were going to Italy, perhaps to Verona, Milan; maybe even take a boat from Trieste to Croatia. I decided to really keep up the charade and told her that we needed to get the 8.00pm ferry. As time approached, I sighed that we’d missed the ferry so had to have a re-think on what to do. I pretended to make a call to see if I could get the ferry held or at least change the timing, the charade continued!
NONA….
As we drove into Italy, Derek took the exit towards Venice. I suddenly realised that this was where we were going but Derek continued to play games with me and he told me we were indeed going to Venice but to the port to go somewhere else.
DEREK…
As we got to Venice, parked and met up with my “contact” we were led to our water taxi.
NONA…
I thought we were taking the water-taxi to a ferry to get on the boat that Derek had referred to but actually, the water taxi took us to the Gritti Palace, one of the most magnificent hotels in Venice, even the world. The hotel is on The Grand Canal, with spectacular views of Venice. It really is a sensational location and I knew it was somewhere more than extra-special. I was so excited!
We checked-in to the magnificent hotel before being shown to a Venetian-style palatial suite fit for Royalty, lavishly decorated with ornate furnishings and opulent fabrics and complete with a four-poster bed. I was in heaven! I remember feeling nerves building up. I definitely knew something was going on – could this be it?! I reminded myself that I was used to going to beautiful places with Derek and I shouldn’t build up my expectations.
We had dinner and went to bed – no engagement! The next morning, we had breakfast – no engagement! So I started to think maybe this wasn’t “it”.
DEREK…
After breakfast, Hugo, Nona and I did the usual Venice tours. I did tell Nona that we had very early dinner plans and therefore we both needed to be ready by 4.00pm that afternoon.
NONA…
We were ready at 4.00pm, dressed to the nines, the three of us left to go to the hotel dock. There was a spectacular gondola with a gondolier waiting for us. The gondola was actually an original once used by the Dolce di Venezia (Duke of Venice) so you can imagine how breathtaking it was! I felt like a Princess – everyone was staring and even taking photographs.
I remember feeling nervous because there were so many eyes on us but once we were on the water, it felt very private and incredibly romantic. While travelling through the canals, the tour guide told us stories of the Venetian landmarks - it was perfect.
DEREK…
Although I had exclusively booked the gondola for us, to throw Nona off the scent I mentioned that there might be more passengers to pick up along the way. I’d organized champagne on board which we enjoyed together with juicy, red strawberries.
NONA…
Over the years of knowing Derek, I knew he was good at spinning stories to surprise me – that I almost always believed him! I truly believed there might be other passengers and as we approached a dock where two elderly gentlemen that I assumed were passengers boarded our gondola... Derek was acting as if he didn’t want anyone else to join us, and voiced his views too. I told him it didn’t matter and it wouldn’t be for long.
DEREK…
So these two elderly guys board with their luggage and I’m pretending to feel uncomfortable. They were speaking in Italian with our guide as they moved down to the back of the gondola and began to open their bags. One took out an accordion and the other his guitar.
NONA…
I watched the men unpack and realized something was happening as one gentleman stood up and began singing in operatic style. Together with the accordion and the guitar, all three men (including the gondolier) serenaded us while we travelled through the canals. It was exceptionally romantic and people were staring at us as we drifted through the canals until we reached the Rialto Bridge.
DEREK…
I had planned it all. As we approached the Rialto Bridge, the singers started to sing one of our favourite songs, “Quando, Quando”. This was it! I was about to propose!
I got down on one knee, took out a ring and proposed to Nona asking her to be mine..
NONA…
Hearing the lyrics to the song “When will you be mine” was the moment I knew we were getting engaged and I remember shrieking, “Yes!” in a crazy voice!
Derek gave me a jaw-dropping pear-shaped diamond engagement ring – we were both so emotional. He had managed to surprise me and I couldn’t have dreamt of anything more perfect. It was the most wonderful moment of my life.
Later that evening, after dinner, as we returned to our hotel room it was decorated with fresh rose petals along with the most magnificent bouquet of the longest-stemmed red roses I’d ever seen. It was the perfect ending to a night we will both never forget, a fairy tale ending but really, a beginning!

Falling in Love With Croatia – Our Wedding Venue
We decided that we definitely wanted a destination wedding, rather than something local in Switzerland or in Nona’s home country Lithuania, but definitely Europe. Both of us have traveled to lots of places – originally, we thought of Bonifacio, Corsica because of its sensational scenery, dramatic cliff-side landscape and of course, the beautiful marina but it turned out to be logistically challenging to get people from all over the world to travel to.
So we knew we needed somewhere just as breathtaking but with a rustic atmosphere. We considered Italy, but we wanted somewhere different. For us, Croatia seemed the right location because of its scenic beauty and its accessibility.
DEREK…
Over the years I’d traveled to Croatia for business and leisure and I knew it was a place of rare scenic beauty but Nona had never been so we planned a summer vacation to explore the area and to find our dream wedding destination.
NONA…
Nature has always been important to me, being a Taurean; I have an affinity with greenery and lush, colorful gardens so I knew that any wedding location had to feature natural landscape.
NONA AND DEREK….
We traveled from Zurich to Croatia by car – it was our wedding destination road trip! We had researched local wedding planners and organized to meet them during the trip and factor in a vacation with wedding planning.
The Croatia vacation was one of the most beautiful we’ve ever had together. We got to spend time driving through the historical cities, pretty towns and small villages – building our dreams, singing our songs and soaking up the scenery. We stopped off at many places, traveling North to South along the Dalmatian Coast and then we found our magical place!
We saw an old castle on the island of Solta, very close to Split. It was as if it was created especially for us, just where we imagined our wedding would be. With mature gardens, a fabulous rustic surrounding and the sea – everything about it was what we wanted. It was on the Adriatic, a blue sky, gardens and a castle that wasn’t too overbearing or ostentatious. Even better, it was available on our chosen wedding date! The place also inspired my wedding dress and the first person I telephoned was my wedding dress designer (sorry mom!).
We both feel utterly blessed to have found each other along with our dream wedding location and hope that all of you, our wonderful, loved guests, will enjoy our wedding day as much as we will.