Monika Ruggerino recounts how an unexpected series of events at a Sydney restaurant led to meeting her future husband, Antonio.In early 2015, while helping organise a friend’s 30th birthday at Verde restaurant in Darlinghurst, Monika first encountered Antonio, the restaurant’s charismatic head chef and owner.She and her friend were immediately struck by his charm and appearance during a tasting ahead of the event.On the day of the party, Monika accidentally broke a decorative lamp that Antonio treasured.

Although he initially rushed upstairs furious about the damage, his anger disappeared as soon as he saw her, responding instead with humour and flirtation.

The following day, Monika returned to collect decorations from the venue and ended up sharing coffee and conversation with Antonio, discussing her jewellery career and travels to Italy.At the time, Monika was going through major personal changes.

Her long-term relationship had ended, she had resigned from her sales role at Bvlgari, purchased an apartment in Sydney’s CBD and begun focusing on creating her own jewellery brand.Some months later, Antonio contacted her after hearing she was newly single and invited her to dinner.

Monika recalls feeling an immediate sense of comfort and certainty when she arrived at the restaurant and saw Antonio smiling at her across the table.She describes the moment as feeling “like home” and says she knew instantly that she was in love.The couple married four years later and now have two children together.

The restaurant where they first met has remained central to their lives, hosting celebrations including Monika’s hens party and baby showers, and eventually becoming the home of her jewellery studio.She reflects that breaking the lamp unexpectedly changed the course of her entire life.