Charlyne and Darling

#WedwithCourtly: Charlyne & Darling

Charlyne and Darling’s love story began online, where a simple friendship blossomed into a deep and lasting bond. Despite the challenges of being a queer couple living in different countries, they found a way to make their dream of marriage a reality through Courtly, allowing them to marry legally. Their journey, featured in the "Courtly Love Stories #WedwithCourtly" series, is a testament to the power of love to transcend any obstacle.

How did you two meet, and what was your first impression of each other?

We met online through a dating and friendship website. Initially, I was very clear that all I wanted was a friendship. However, over time, what started as a friendship blossomed into our love story. Eight months into our relationship, we finally had the opportunity to meet in person. That first meeting was filled with nervous anticipation, but as soon as we spent time together, we confirmed that our connection was strong and real. Almost two years later, after countless trips to see each other, we decided to take the steps to get married.

Why did you choose to get married through Courtly, and what was the experience like?

As a queer, long-distance couple, our options to get married were extremely limited since, in her country, the Dominican Republic, it is neither legal nor recognized. Initially, we considered traveling to another Latin American country to get married, but after some research, we learned about the possibility of getting legally married online through Courtly. It was, by far, one of the best decisions we could have made. Every person from Courtly who helped us throughout the process did so with kindness and respect, even when faced with multiple questions and a few challenges along the way.

What was the most memorable moment from your wedding day?

There were many memorable moments on our special day, but the one we remember the most was the ceremony itself. Our officiant was incredibly sweet and understanding, especially when we were running a little late. Another unforgettable detail was being able to share our special moment with our loved ones, even though we were not all in the same space.

How has married life been so far, and what are you most looking forward to in your future together?

We are currently working on the immigration process so we can finally be together without having to come and go.

Do you have any advice for other couples getting married soon?

Our biggest piece of advice for other couples, especially those in long-distance relationships, is to be patient with one another. Communication and understanding are key to any relationship, even if you are miles apart.