Love Story with Lee & Eiten

How did you both meet?

Eitan and I both moved to Tel Aviv in 2014 and met there through mutual friend. Although we both travelled regularly we would always make an effort to see each other when we were both in Tel Aviv.

During March 2019, I was filming in Europe and Eitan had an unexpected business trip to Israel. Our mutual friend asked me who they should introduce to Eitan during his trip. I suggested myself and so Eitan texted me and suggested a ‘date’! Unfortunately our travel dates clashed but I was persuasive and Eitan spent an extra week in Tel Aviv to enjoy one date with me…

2020 Love Story Magazine Campaign Film captured by Motion Reel Film starring Lee Levi and Eitan Neishlos

What did your first date involve?

We only had one evening and one day together. I just landed from Europe and rushed home to get ready. Eitan collected me with a chauffeur and flowers whisking me away to a private penthouse at the Normal Hotel to enjoy champagne and treats followed by a romantic dinner.

The next day Eitan took me to meet some of his best friends. We then went on a personal tour at Safari Ramat Gan to meet all the beautiful animals. Next, we went to a school for young adults with autism which is something that is close to both our hearts. It was a perfect 24 hours.

Sunset views overlooking glorious Watson’s Bay

When you both met, you were living in different countries. How did you begin and sustain your relationship?

It wasn’t easy, especially with such a different time zone. Although we are both busy working people we made sure to keep in touch with each other as much as possible and communicate every day.

Every morning and every night started and ended with a ‘good morning’ or ‘good night’ depending which side of the world we were on.

What tips would you give other couples in a long distance relationship?

I think it is really important to make each other feel valued and special. Distance is not a reason to prevent us from being there for each other in good times and bad.

Distance is an opportunity to share information in modern ways and learn more about one another. We always made sure that we were a part of each other’s lives and shared pictures, videos and stories with each other as much as possible.

Lee, when did you know Eitan was ‘the one’?

After 6 weeks apart with continuous online communication I was excited to meet Eitan in Hong Kong to start our trip to Cannes to celebrate his 40th birthday. Those first few days in Hong Kong were magical and we fell madly in love.

When did you decide to move to Australia to be with Eitan and how have you found the move and adapting to a new country?

We decided I would visit Australia and his family in September 2019. It was spectacular and reminded me of my hometown beaches in Denmark. I fell in love instantly.

I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to keep my roots to Denmark and Israel and spend time in Australia where we plan to have a family.

In three words how would you describe each other?

Lee on Eitan - Most caring person. Big Heart. Intelligent.

Eitan on Lee - Kind. Intelligent. Drop dead gorgeous (can that count as one word?)

You are currently engaged. What sort of wedding are you planning or what are your initial thoughts? How far into the planning process are you?

Our dream is to be married in Jerusalem and hoped to do so on Eitan’s birthday on the 25th of May as we were engaged on my birthday on 23rd of December. We are patiently waiting for a better and safer world so that we can make the commute and celebrate with our loved ones.

Lee how did you feel wearing all the stunning Steven Khalil gowns for our cover shoot? Which style was your favourite?

I have the privilege of working with incredible Designers globally. Steven Khalil is not only a unique talent but a unique person. His direction, vision and smile radiates through all of his designs. Each design spoke to me, and the stand out design was the ‘Opulence’ Gown. It was unearthly and magical. I felt like a character from a fantasy story.

What does becoming ‘Mr & Mrs’ mean to you both?

Lee - Svend Brinkmann (my favourite Danish author) wrote about marriage:

‘’Marriage can prevent you from becoming a super-egoistic piece of driftwood on the great sea of self-development. Marriage can’t only prevent you from becoming narcissistic, self-adorating and deeply lonely, marriage can also give you something that 1000 psychologist coach healing hours can’t. Marriage can give you the greatest freedom of all, as true freedom is to be loved for everything you are, both the good and the bad. Marriage can also teach you how to become a team player. Marriage can teach you to love this sentence: Ok. I’ll take one for the team!’’

Eitan - I once heard and believe that marriage is giving it your all, and appreciating that you are but a half.