'I married a man I met on Instagram'
New UK|February 12, 2024
Ella-Mae Michalski, 35, from Hampshire, tells new about her whirlwind romance with American Geovanny Figueroa, 36, and how their relationship has progressed to marriage and kids
KATE SKELTON
'I married a man I met on Instagram'

was busy studying for my law degree in August 2017 when a message pinged on my phone, interrupting my thought process. I usually only got messages on Instagram from people I knew, but I didn’t recognise the sender so I took a quick peek at his profile. There were lots of pictures of him with his family and he was good-looking so, intrigued, I decided to reply.

Soon we were messaging every day. We had loads in common – we both loved football and discussed the Premier League, we had similar taste in music and movies. Geo lived with his family and was studying to be a teacher. I was also studying and I’m family-orientated.

We were both single. I’d had several relationships before but always seemed to go for unsuitable boyfriends, causing myself heartache. My last relationship ended when I realised my boyfriend was cheating on me.

Every time Geo got in touch, my heart skipped a beat. Talking to him online was one of the highlights of my day and I knew I was falling for him.

After a few months he suggested we meet for a coffee. “Where are you based?” he asked. I explained I lived in Chelsea and was delighted when Geo said that wasn’t far from him. But there was a complication – while I meant Chelsea, London, Geo thought I was in Chelsea, Massachusetts.

I couldn’t believe it. I’d assumed he was in the UK, he’d assumed I was in the US and there were oceans and thousands of miles between us. I typed back. “We should forget this. It’s not going to happen. You are so far away, how could things possibly work? I don’t think we should message anymore.”

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEW UKView all
'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'
New UK

'SECRETS DON'T STAY BURIED'

Bad Sisters returns for a second series with the Garvey siblings in the spotlight again after the dismembered body of JP's father turns up

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'
New UK

'I WAS KISSING HIM AND RUBBING HIS BELLY!'

Interior Design Masters host Alan Carr chats about meeting Pudsey Bear, Simon Cowell's toilet paper and his own dubious home purchases

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
New UK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes have never been more popular, but vaping isn't as risk-free as people might think it is

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too
New UK

Teen murders mum then lures stepdad home to shoot him too

Carly Gregg fired her mum's gun as she searched her bedroom for drugs

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I took one huge gasp and ran in'
New UK

'I took one huge gasp and ran in'

Lifesaver Emily Greenwood tells new how she rescued two people swept out to sea

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Clair's married to the biggest fool'
New UK

'Clair's married to the biggest fool'

James and Clair Buckley on having fun at home and their hilarious new podcast

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Louise set for best year yet
New UK

Louise set for best year yet

As loved-up pop star Louise Redknapp celebrates her 50th birthday, a source tells new that marriage 'could be on the cards'

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'
New UK

'Surprisingly, I quite like the muscle aches'

Jamie Borthwick reveals how he juggles filming for EastEnders alongside long rehearsal days on Strictly

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024
It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'
New UK

It's been on my vision board - I've loved it'

Reality star Molly Smith on manifesting her new lingerie campaign and setting up home with boyfriend Tom Clare

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'
New UK

Chloe is ready to 'find happiness'

After her turbulent split from James Haskell, Chloe Madeley is learning to love herself again, a source tells new

time-read
3 mins  |
November 11, 2024