PARIS, France — Romance is everywhere in the Olympic host country. Couples share French wine, soak up sun on beautiful beaches in the south of France, explore fairytale villages in Alsace and sample the food in charming outdoor cafes.
In Paris, there is a wall of love where the words "I love you" are written in 300 languages.
But, this is a story of a woman's pursuit of love in Paris.
"I'm an Italian-American based in Paris. And, I'm a writer," said Sabrina Marzaro. "What is there not to love about Paris?"
Imagine living and working in the Olympic host city. It would be a dream for many people, but it is real for Marzaro.
"Paris inspires me so much, every single day. I'm just so lucky to be here," said Marzaro. "I live right by the Eiffel Tower in what I've built to be my little nest. I just love the poetry that permeates the streets and the beautiful architecture and spirt. People that sit at the cafes," said Marzaro.
Her life sounds like a TV show.
"A lot of my time is spent writing the ad campaigns for various brands. Fashion and luxury. A little like 'Emily in Paris,'" said Marzaro.
She has also written two books based on her own life.
"It's been a really interesting journey finding love in Paris," said Marzaro.
She wrote poems about a passionate, yet tumultuous, relationship in "Brushstrokes" and penned a book about her dating experience in Paris.
"'Swiping for Prince Charming' is the first book I wrote," said Marzaro. "It is an illustrated tale of a woman's search for love."
Her experience with dating apps followed a six-year relationship.
"I decided to try out the apps for the first time, which terrified me because I had no idea how this worked to be honest. I created my profile and was swiping the wrong way. I didn't know what I was doing," laughed Marzaro.
She swiped and went on dates on and off for four to five years and learned the dating rules in France were different.
"In America we have this tradition of when we're dating, we're going out with different people — and then we finally ... we start seeing someone regularly and eventually, you have 'the talk.' Let's define this. What are we? In France, you don't do that traditionally," said Marzaro. "Here, when you start seeing someone, you're only seeing that person. It's inheritently understood that you are exclusive."
Marzaro wondered if she would ever find her Prince Charming in a city of 2 million people.
"It's a real fascinating journey. It's interesting seeing the diversity of people you meet within a single city and the different types of experiences you can have whether it was someone who proposed going to a museum for a day or ziplining," said Marzaro. "I'm actually an introverted person. Being on the apps forced me to be comfortable speaking with new people. You learn so much about yourself and the process in addition to the other person."
Ultimately, the American businesswoman who moved to Paris found what she was looking for.
"Jorge is my boyfriend and he's the most beautiful soul that I know," said Marzaro. "We're both very active, so we enjoy going on hikes or doing different activities. We love traveling. We enjoy going to museums or going out with friends whether it's little soirees at each other's apartments or going out to different activities together. It's nice because we get along with each other's friends."
"Paris lends itself so well to being in love, being in a romantic state," laughed Marzaro.
The woman whose life seems to mirror "Emily in Paris" has found love in the "City of Light" believing this relationship is for keeps.
The couple dated for more than two years before getting married in Malibu, California on April 25, 2024. They chose California because that is where Marzaro's 94-year-old grandfather is based.
"We thought it would be extra meaningful to have him as our honorary guest," said Marzaro.
The couple plans to have a larger wedding in the south of France in 2025.
