How It Started
Our Story
"Some love stories begin with sparks. Ours began with a university email."
A New Chapter & A Mentor
In 2020, Andrea was accepted into a university in Tallinn — a new country, a new chapter, and a lot of unknowns. To help her find her footing, the university assigned her a mentor. His name was Krister.
From the very first conversations, something felt easy. Natural. Comfortable. Krister still remembers noticing her smile. Andrea remembers realizing she had never felt this at ease with anyone before. What started as mentor and new joiner quickly turned into something much deeper: late-night conversations, daily messages, and a friendship that quietly became essential. He wasn’t just her buddy — he was her safe place, her confidant.
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Distance Didn’t Stand a Chance
Then life did what life does best: changed the plan. Before Andrea could even properly arrive in Tallinn, an unexpected twist sent her to Vilnius instead.
But distance didn’t stand a chance. Krister booked a flight and showed up — not with grand speeches, but with action. IKEA trips, heavy bags, groceries, figuring life out together. That weekend changed everything. The friendship deepened, the feelings became impossible to ignore… and not long after, they started dating.
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Building a Life Together
Andrea spent her first Christmas away from El Salvador with Krister and his family — during COVID, no less. Despite the world being quieter and colder than usual, she felt something powerful: home. Christmas markets, warmth, laughter, and the unmistakable feeling of being welcomed as family.
From there, life unfolded side by side.
They explored Saaremaa’s quiet streets and museums, went on countless dates (from simple ice cream walks to spa getaways), discovered small Estonian and Lithuanian towns, and learned bus routes by heart while traveling between countries during their studies. Every journey carried excitement when they were about to reunite — and a little sadness when it was time to part — but each goodbye only made the bond stronger.
There were also the quiet moments. The ones without many words. Just being there for each other — in silence, in uncertainty, in growth.
Together, they navigated ups and downs, crossed continents, lived through a global pandemic, moved from summer to winter (and back again), grew from students into graduates, from young adults into partners building a life. From their early twenties to buying their own apartment. From “maybe someday” to buying the cutest puppy, Thor. From mentor and student, to best friends, to partners.
Through Andrea's Eyes
Krister has always been steady. Patient. Loving. Present — especially in the hardest moments, through sickness and challenges, never once stepping back from loving her fully. He has an effortless way of making her laugh, smile, and feel deeply cared for.
Andrea still remembers the first time they met face to face — a tall man, slightly nervous, cute smile, kind in the most obvious way, trying very hard not to show it. His calm voice, thoughtful questions, and quiet care made her feel at ease almost instantly.
Through Krister's Eyes
Andrea is strength wrapped in warmth. He still remembers the first time they met face to face — a tiny woman in Vans, with that unforgettable smile. He remembers the first meeting with his parents: a hilarious mix of Estonian, broken English, brave attempts at new words, and confused but heartfelt conversations that somehow made perfect sense anyway.
She stood by him during moments when he doubted himself the most — especially when he felt stuck, uncertain about his future, scared to take one final leap. She believed when he couldn’t. And because of that belief, he did.
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Two Worlds, One Story
They crossed another ocean together when Krister visited Andrea’s family in the Americas — exciting, overwhelming, and filled with cultural contrasts. He faced his fear of the unknown, met her family, and survived endless shopping trips (20,000 steps a day) — and loved every second of it.
And then, on September 21, 2024, surrounded by family, Krister got down on one knee and asked the easiest question Andrea has ever answered.
She said yes.
Now, after years of love, growth, laughter, challenges, adventures, and quiet moments, they are choosing each other — again — and forever.
And this... is only the beginning. 💍✨
