Amid the revelers and the beating drums during Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, Charles met Marcela. This particular trip was Charles’ fourth time visiting Rio, a city he considered a second home, and a place with close friends who provided a deep connection with the local culture. Packed in a crowd of thousands, parading through Rio’s downtown, Charles saw Marcela wearing a gold shooting star outfit and went over to introduce himself. In retrospect, a coin toss of an effort... between his inadequate Portuguese and the limited English in Rio, it very likely could have been a hilariously awkward strikeout. They had an instant connection. And more than just what his friend’s mom referred to as “Carnaval Love” when Charles told her about Marcela the following day. They spent every minute of the next 72hours together in Rio, before Charles boarded a plane back to New York. They promised to keep in touch. Fast forward 3 years, after a job that took Marcela to Norway, and a Pandemic which shut down borders, Marcela and Charles live together in Brooklyn, New York. Having navigated their relationship through the uncertainty of the world over the last couple years, they’re thrilled to finally have roots together during their next chapter in New York. To celebrate their love with friends and family, Marcela and Charles are hosting a celebration - very much inspired by their Carnaval story - in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Prepare for an evening as electric as Carnaval, filled with live music, local cuisine, and the energy so well associated with the culture of Rio de Janeiro. Charles and Marcela are honored to host you, and have you part of our evolving story together.