A Love Story: They Found Love During a Vacation, Parted Ways, and Reconnected Four Years Later via Email

In 2002, Gabriella Vagnoli had a brief encounter with Dan Watling during a trip to Scotland. Despite the short duration, the memories lingered in her mind. Years later, as her long-term relationship in Italy waned, Gabriella found herself thinking about Dan and decided to search for him online in 2006. To her surprise, she found Dan’s photos from a European trip. Intrigued by his changed appearance, she mustered the courage to send him a message, asking, “Remember me?”

Their initial connection had occurred during a tour of Loch Ness, where Gabriella, a college student from Italy, and Dan, a software developer from the US, discovered a mutual attraction. As they explored the Scottish Highlands, their bond deepened, particularly during a hike to the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye. Despite the connection, Gabriella was in a relationship in Italy, and both believed their romance wouldn’t extend beyond the short trip.

When the tour concluded, Gabriella and Dan exchanged email addresses, but their communication was short-lived. Gabriella, wanting to focus on her life in Italy, decided to break off contact and even blocked Dan’s email. The decision left Dan distraught, and he found it challenging to move on.

In 2003, Dan traveled through Europe, incorporating a visit to Pisa in the hopes of encountering Gabriella again. However, the reunion did not happen. Despite dating others, Dan couldn’t forget Gabriella. In 2006, when Gabriella reached out to him, expressing surprise that he hadn’t forgotten her, it marked the beginning of a rekindled connection.

They started exchanging messages regularly, delving into various topics. Coincidentally, Dan was planning a trip to Oktoberfest in Munich, and upon receiving Gabriella’s email, he decided to include a visit to Italy. In September 2006, they arranged to meet in Siena, Italy, and the reunion was emotionally charged. The encounter in Siena sparked a realization of their deep connection, prompting them to consider the possibility of a genuine relationship.

Gabriella decided to take a bold step and planned an extended visit to the US to be with Dan. The visit included Gabriella teaching Dan to cook pasta, a humorous challenge given Dan’s limited culinary skills. In 2007, Gabriella returned to the US, and discussions about their future became more serious. Dan proposed during a vacation in Galena, Illinois, and they had a small wedding ceremony in the US in 2008, followed by a grand celebration in Italy in 2009.

The couple started a new chapter in the US, welcoming their first child in 2009 and their second child a few years later. The transition to life in the US was challenging for Gabriella, who missed Italy, but she discovered a passion for art and pursued a career in children’s book illustration.

Today, Gabriella and Dan live happily in Seattle with their two teenage children. They share a love of adventure and continue to explore new places together. Despite their differences, they emphasize the importance of family in their lives. After 15 years of marriage, Gabriella humorously refers to their relationship as a “vacation fling gone wrong,” highlighting the unexpected journey that began in Scotland in 2002 and led to a lasting and fulfilling marriage. Both Gabriella and Dan express gratitude for their unique connection and the extraordinary journey that brought them together.