Our Story
February 2020
Danny and Joselyn’s story starts in the beginning of the infamous year of 2020.
Just as the world was about to change forever, Danny took a three-month break from his MBA to chase one of his lifelong dreams—backpacking solo through the Andes. His journey took him across Bolivia, where he climbed Potosí Mountain (over 19,000 ft) and captured stunning photos of the otherworldly Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, before making his way to the magical city of Cusco, Peru.
At the same time, Joselyn had just arrived in Cusco to begin an adventure of her own. As the self-declared tour guide for her siblings and cousins, she was leading their group trip through southern Peru, Bolivia, and Chile.
One evening, scrolling through a dating app, she paused on a photo…
The Salt Flats.
The photo caught her eye—the endless light, the quiet, the way the horizon seemed to go on forever. She was heading there soon herself, and maybe a few travel tips wouldn’t hurt. She swiped right.
And just like that... a match.
01
The Match
"I loved his Salar de Uyuni photos and wanted tips for my trip. Little did I know I was asking for directions to my heart."
- Joselyn
When she mentioned she was from Lima, Danny told her he’d be there in a few weeks. He promised he would reach out once he arrived—and, true to his word, he did.
Even though they were in Cusco at the same time, Danny and Joselyn never met in person.
Some promises feel small at first, but this one would change everything.
Danny and Joselyn met on a Friday in February 2020 at a small, cozy bar in Lima. Joselyn had originally planned to meet Danny for just a quick drink before heading out to celebrate with her friends... but as fate (and her wonderfully unpredictable girlfriends) would have it, those plans were canceled, leaving the evening entirely open.
What followed felt effortless: Joselyn became Danny’s guide through Lima’s buzzing nightlife. They hopped between lively bars and ended the night dancing at Lima Bar, laughing and moving like they’d known each other far longer than a few hours.
By the time they said goodnight, it was clear: there would be a second date.
02
When Plans Fall Apart (In the Best Way)
Over the next few weeks, Danny continued exploring Peru, but he made regular weekend trips to Lima to spend time with Joselyn on the weekends. One of them, on a whim, they headed to Huaraz to explore the mountains (best place for hikers in Peru).
Together, they hiked to Laguna 69 (yes, that’s really its name!), an alpine lake framed by jagged, snow-capped peaks. There, Danny was impressed by Joselyn’s hiking skills as they made the climb, but it was the little moments that made the trip more special.
03
The Hiking Test
March 2020
04
When the World Stopped
As March 2020 approached, Joselyn had plans for a solo adventure through Cancun and Guatemala, while Danny had to head back to the U.S. to finish up his MBA at the University of Rochester's Simon Business School (Meliora!). With Cancun conveniently on the way, he met up with Joselyn for a few days of sunshine and tacos.
Then came the whispers—COVID-19 was spreading fast.
Danny flew back to the U.S. just as in-person classes were canceled and borders began to close. Joselyn continued on to Guatemala, but soon Peru started shutting its borders, and flights were disappearing.
Quickly adapting, Joselyn booked one of the last flights to Mexico, landing just twelve hours before Peru sealed itself off completely. Her connecting flight never came, and she ended up stranded there for two months.
Eventually, thanks to a repatriation flight, she made it home. And between you and me, she was perfectly content sipping margaritas by the beach while the world shut down… ssshhh.
Dec 2020 -May 2022
The Golden Age of Remote Work
05
During those strange early days of the pandemic, Joselyn and Danny stayed in touch through Instagram DMs. With a little nudging from her mom, Joselyn even agreed to a few video calls with Danny—and with each one, the distance between them felt just a little smaller, and the connection a little deeper.
Then came what Danny calls "The Golden Age of COVID": borders reopened, remote work became the norm, and the world felt just a little more flexible. Taking full advantage, Joselyn and Danny began traveling and working remotely together, exploring Costa Rica, Peru, and Mexico with a couple of close friends.
August 2022
After over a year of long distance, paperwork, and patience, Joselyn finally received her student visa to pursue her MBA in the U.S.—in the very city where Danny lived.
When she arrived in St. Louis, it was the first time since their story began that they were truly in the same place. After chaotic times and shared adventures across continents, texts, and video calls, being together at last felt calm, effortless, and completely right.
06
Closing the Distance
Our Greatest Adventure Yet
From a chance encounter in Cusco to building a life together in the U.S., our love story has unfolded across countries, adventures, and quiet moments alike.