The perfect love story does not exist. Although romance movies and drama shows often make it seem like somehow love is all about that one moment, the most layered love stories are the ones they never show on TV. That is not to say perfect love stories are impossible, this is merely an emphasis on perception. As humans, we often picture a flawless ending, even if that’s never what we actually experience. But love is complicated and takes hard work and dedication. It needs commitment as much as communication, and sometimes sacrifice. It needs boundaries and respect, as well as empathy and softness.
We interviewed Kelly and Dani, who met on a dating app and found love irl. Their love story is one for the books, not because it resembles a romcom or reality TV drama, but because it is real, natural, and meant to be. Breakups, reunions, and cross-continental, long-distance love were all factors for Dani and Kelly. Yet the love never faded, and they always found their way back to each other. They share with us their day-to-day together, workflow as creatives, engagement story, and advice for any hopeless romantics out there needing reassurance. Even if perfect love stories don’t exist, real ones do.
Tell us a little about yourselves and your relationship:
- Where/How did you meet?
- What does your day to day look like? What are your careers and passions?
- What do you like to do together in your free time?
Kelly: Well we are two people from completely different backgrounds and countries, but who are in so many ways similar. Crazy we found each other on this big planet! We met on a dating app called Raya.
Our day-to-day is always better when we’re together! We both love a slow morning. Usually consisting of coffee first, walking our dog, I make breakfast for us. Then usually there’s some reading or social media work. There’s usually work being done at home or out in the world. Dani is a content creator for social media focusing on Fashion, sneakers, and lifestyle, and I am an artist and model. We both also love to practice the art of cooking, so making dinner together is a goal a few times a week.
Dani: Since I’m a content creator, free time and work often blend together, so a lot of what we do for fun also becomes part of our content. We love going to museums, trying new coffee shops or restaurants, and traveling together; those moments often turn into great content we create as a team. But when we really want to unwind and just enjoy each other’s company, there’s nothing better than staying in and watching TV series together. That’s our real quality time, no cameras, just us.
Has meeting via a dating app made any part of the dating process more complicated? How long did it take before you met in person? Have you ever been long-distance?
K: Meeting on the app didn’t make it hard, but being in different countries definitely did. When we started talking and Dani had already had a ticket to come visit LA, arriving the day after my birthday. I mean kismet! So I knew we’d meet, but I was very much in a casual state of mind. But we fell in love very deeply within, I’d say, 2 weeks? So when she arrived, we were already very invested. And what a nice birthday gift to me!
How has both of you working as artists impacted your relationship? Does it hurt, harm, or is there no substantial impact? Do you sometimes work together on projects? If yes, how has working together professionally impacted you privately?
D: It definitely keeps things interesting! We get each other’s creative chaos, which helps, but since I’m a total workaholic, Kelly’s constantly reminding me to take breaks and just be a human. We do work on projects together, and it’s usually fun… as long as I remember to eat and she gets final say on aesthetics! Working together has actually brought us closer. We’ve learned how to balance hustle with humor (and snacks).
Congratulations on your engagement! Tell us about it: who proposed to whom? What are your engagement/wedding plans moving forward? What would be your ideal ceremony/party?
K: Thank you!!! Well, Dani proposed last year while we were on holiday in Greece. She had the company of my favorite card game, “We’re not really strangers,” make a special card that said “Will you marry me?”. If you’re not familiar, it’s a purpose-driven card game about empowering meaningful connections. She told me she had a job with them, so for three nights she filmed us playing a little. On the third night, she somehow rigged that the card I picked said, “Will you marry me?” We had talked about getting married, so I just laughed and put it back. We always skipped ones that were about things we had already discussed or already knew about each other. She kinda was like… well?? I was very confused. And then she got on one knee. This is when I realized it was happening!! I was very shocked but very happy. She then presented me with a diamond Cartier love bracelet, which we have matching. It was very magical and I’ll never forget that day. It’s all on film!
D: We’ve definitely talked about it. It’s something we’re both excited about, just taking our time and letting it unfold naturally. When the moment comes, we imagine something magical but laid-back: maybe an outdoor ceremony at sunset, somewhere surrounded by nature, with string lights, our favorite music, and all our close friends around. Nothing too formal; just something that feels real, intimate, and full of love (and good food, obviously).
A celebration that’s more about the feeling than the fancy. But of course, still cute though.
Kelly, you moved from LA to Berlin, back to LA, and now back to Berlin. What is your impression of both cities? Does either city make you feel comfortable or represented? What are you looking forward to most about coming back to Europe?
Aww, well before I met Dani, so going back to 2020, I felt a huge push to move to Europe. This built over time, and I wasn’t sure how that would look. When we met, I was very eager to leave LA. I’ve lived here for almost 20 years and am by birth a So Cal girl, but in my heart (and some blood), I’m a European. Being in Berlin the first time was a HUGE adjustment and a lot of work. Going back to LA felt against my core desire. So when I came back to Berlin, it felt like home. Instantly. Looking forward to being with my community, I have such amazing friends and family here. Excited to explore more deeply. Berlin has so many layers, which I feel maybe LA doesn’t have as much. But again, I am a bit jaded and very ready to move on. I definitely feel like being in Europe represents me the most. The way of life, how you maneuver through the city, and how connected you are to everything around you. So much opportunity for spontaneity!
What does home mean to both of you? Where do you feel most at home, or what gives you that same feeling?
K: Home to me is a feeling, a place, or even a person. Always consisting of the feeling of calm, safety, and being inspired. It is how I feel with Dani. And how I feel in the carefully decorated space I call home or sanctuary.
D: For me, home is my safe space, my “Rückzugsort” where I can recharge and just breathe. It’s really important to have that kind of environment to recover and refill my energy. Since I mostly work from home, it’s also a space where my creative and professional life happens, so it has to be both calming and inspiring at the same time.
In today’s age, many find dating to be difficult. Finding deeper connections and being vulnerable can feel impossible sometimes. What is one advice you would give to young couples, especially within the community?
K: Omg yes! It’s hard out there. My recommendation is to always be yourself and never live for others. Always being authentic! Growing together but also individually is very important. Honor yourself with healthy boundaries, listen to each other’s needs, and never stop having fun and being sexy!
D: Don’t give up. It can be exhausting out there, and that’s okay. Take breaks when you need to. If your gut says, “Today’s not the day for another date,” listen to it. Trust yourself. Not every moment has to be a search for love; sometimes, the best connections happen when you’re just being kind to yourself first. And when something does feel right, don’t be afraid to show up fully. It’s worth it.
Photo credits: Isabella Behravan
