​OUR STORY Begins
​

The two of us met at our previous apartment complex, Ninety Degrees at Paradise Ridge, in Phoenix, AZ in 2010.



​(Thomas's version)

I first saw Tatiana at the pool, lounging in a chair, soaking up some sun on a hot summers day. She was the only person at the pool that afternoon, however I was certain to grab a nearby chair next to her. Just as I was getting situated, an apparent male friend of hers passed by and began speaking to her. My initial first impression, a hot Australian woman just moved into my complex and I've missed my opportunity to introduce myself. Obviously, Tatiana is not Australian and very much Russian. I should of known, growing up in Chicago, surrounded by many Russian friends...maybe the desert sun distorted my mind. Anyway, I left the pool later on and did not speak a word to her. I would see Tatiana weeks, maybe months later in passing, usually driving away, top down in her convertible BMW Z4. We began talking to one another, usually in the parking lot while she was on the go. After weeks of small talk, I asked Tatiana if she wanted to meet up at the hot tube later in the evening. She agreed to 9pm, after her Spanish class. I arrived 15 minutes early, Tatiana, she was late. Nevertheless, we spend hours talking to each other in the hot tub. We have been inseparable every sine. It was definitely, love at first site.​



​(Tatiana's version)



​The very first time I remember speaking to Tom was .. in the hot tub! It was one of those nights when I wanted nothing more but to relax and read my new Russian detective story. However, as it always happens, my solitude was disturbed: two guys joined me and began chatting. One of them immediately gave up on talking to me as I was very much into my book. The second one was very persistent. He was capable of talking for the both of us. I have to admit, I liked Tom's sense of humor immediately. After that night I was always happy to chat with him at any occasion. However, his hippy appearance prohibited me from considering him as a "dating material". 

In my mind, I have two days which can be counted as our "first date". Tom's aforementioned remark, followed by an unexpected kiss and my rapid departure. However, after some thought, I decided that I liked the kiss and looked forward for more to come. The next day and long awaited promotion at work required me to find a co-drinker to celebrate. And the night in Blue Martini where I was too happy to count drinks but was very much amazed of how much I liked my new companion. Few days afterwards, I knew that I found my future husband.