He was happily enjoying his bachelorhood and she was in a seven-year relationship when they first met in October 2003.

Despite that, and the fact that he was based in Belgium while she lived in Singapore, they were married in eight months.

Goovaerts had come to Singapore to give a talk on nutrition at Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre and Rynna was one of more than a thousand participants.

Sitting in the last row, she was touched by the fact that he had helped his 130kg mother lose 51kg in six months, and wanted to meet him in person.

Up close, she was surprised to see how handsome he was, but after getting his autograph and having a quick chat, she didn't think they would cross paths again.

About one month later, they did. He showed up at the hair salon where she worked when he was in town for another business trip.

Although he asked her out for dinner, she turned him down, telling him 'I don't date customers'. She turned him down twice more over the phone, finally relenting when he showed up for a second haircut. 'He had no more hair left to cut,' she jokes.

She didn't expect anything of it, but was 'blown away' after their first date at Halia Restaurant at the Botanic Gardens.

Her relationship with her boyfriend had gone stale, and she had asked him to commit 'so many times I got fed up'.

After a three-hour conversation with Goovaerts, she realised 'from that day on, I wanted to be with him'.

He returned to Belgium a week later, but the two made an effort to meet each other every 10 days, either in Singapore or Belgium or somewhere in the middle.

Although he had strong feelings for her, he had no intention of getting married until a dinner in March 2005.

She organised the dinner at the Ritz- Carlton during one of his visits. After dinner, she got the hotel staff to lead him to a specially prepared suite with rose petals leading to 10 gifts and then to a bathtub with champagne and chocolate.

He proposed there and then.

When her ex-boyfriend found out, he wanted to marry her too, but she turned him down flat.

On Valentine's Day, the family will move to Pattaya, Thailand, to a seven-room villa overlooking the ocean. They plan to divide their time between Singapore and Thailand.

MIQHA'EL GOOVAERTS

Did you think you'd end up marrying a foreigner?

I've been attracted to Asian girls since going to the Philippines 10 years ago. In Europe, women often feel they are superior to men, but here, they like to take care of the husband. I know happiness comes from giving, because I'm a giver.

Did the different cultures cause any problems?

I was a free-thinker but I became a Muslim when I married Rynna. I'm easy-going. I read up on circumcision before doing it and found it didn't hurt much. And I studied a bit of Islam, which is good. My parents have no problem with me converting because they love Rynna.

Secret to keeping the love alive

There are so many ways to spice up a relationship. I read a lot of self-help books on raising children and relationships. Doing things with the kids makes her proud, so I change the diapers 95 per cent of the time. The love you give to your children comes back to you.

Most memorable Valentine's Day

In 2004, three months after we started going out, I received a big box that was 2m high. It contained a huge card, a teddy bear and pillows. The postage alone cost $200. I was blown away.

Ideal way to spend Valentine's Day

Not in a crowded restaurant, for sure. I think just the two of us on our boat, with someone playing music and great food. Actually, I'd like to do that every week.

RYNNA ATMAREH-GOOVAERTS

Did you think you'd end up marrying a foreigner?

My Dad wanted to me to marry a simple conservative Malay guy, but I threatened to run away from home if he made me do that. With my dressing, I don't think any Malay mother would want me to marry her son.

Did the different cultures cause any problems?

No. I'm loud and extreme. Here, most couples don't show affection, but we cuddle, hug and kiss in public. My mother-in-law is even more conservative than I am. We get on very well, but when I wear revealing clothes, she uses a shawl to cover me up.

Secret to keeping the love alive

Be a good listener and never nag. In our three years together, we've had only two small fights. When we can feel tension building, we'll sort things out so we don't hold grudges. I'm always willing to admit my mistakes and say sorry.

Most memorable Valentine's Day

Every day feels like Valentine's Day to me. I've never made so much effort to surprise a guy until now. This guy is really worth it, and I think he deserves it.

Ideal way to spend Valentine's Day

On a boat, waking up to the sunrise and frolicking in the sea. It would be a dream come true. And since Miqha'el just bought a catamaran and named it Catrynna after me, it will become true soon.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Feb 08, 2007.

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