It’s not often that you meet the love of your life while going for your regular morning workout. Sonali Narang and Derrick Staten’s love story played out along these lines at a New York City gym. They both shared the same trainer who happened to introduce the two and it wasn’t long before sparks were flying as they bonded over coffee , smoothies, spin classes and workout tips.
What followed was a whirlwind romance as the couple spent time travelling the world; from scuba diving in Bali, Indonesia, to snowboarding in Colorado, USA and exploring the vibrant culture of Taipei, Taiwan. Staten, who is the co-founder of a dating app in the US, whisked away Narang, a data scientist working with a Pharma company, for a special holiday to the South of France . It’s where he intended to propose to her, but there were a few hiccups.
Given his love for wine, he booked themselves a stay in the Rhône Valley, a well-known wine region in France. He chose a picturesque beach with a lighthouse in the distance for the perfect moment to go down on one knee, but when they arrived, it was crowded with beachgoers. “He proposed in front of hundreds of French locals who were sunbathing, so there was definitely some humour to the situation.
The French were not impressed and neither did they applaud when he slipped the ring on my finger,” says Narang laughingly. Scouting for a location for their intimate wedding was easier said than done. They initially considered Los Cabos, Mexico, owing.