Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving (to find each other).
Romina was born in Santiago, Chile, and moved with her family to Washington, D.C. when she was four. Growing up, she split her time between soccer fields and adventures with her brother and sister (Jojo and Paula). Her path eventually led her to New York City, where she studied at Barnard — and unknowingly set the stage for what came next.
Peter grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, with roots stretching back to Norway on his mom’s side and Italy on his dad’s. Officially Dennis Peter Barba III, he spent much of his childhood with his two brothers (Owen and Andy) and on basketball courts, a passion that carried him to Columbia University. And it was there, through sports and city life, that his world collided with Romina’s.
Peter & Romina first crossed paths between the rectilinear boundaries of 114th street, 120th street, Broadway and Amsterdam, frequently known as Columbia University, while they both studied there between 2015-2018.
This planted the seed for 2021 when they were both living on the Upper West Side of New York just 10 blocks apart, and Peter asked Romina to grab a drink. The couple describes that first drink as exciting, refreshing, with signals that this could be "meant to be." Quickly followed by 2nd, 3rd, and 4th dates in NYC momentum was building...until Romina was scheduled to go on a family trip to St. Petersburg Florida.
As a former basketball player, Peter knows the importance of momentum. He can also navigate his way around the Gulf Coast of Florida! A few flirty text messages later and Romina had accepted Peter's offer to meet her in St. Pete and to drive together to Miami for a fun-filled week...What fun!
During a first "Florida date" at the Dali Museum in St. Pete, the couple never could have imagined that they'd just 5 years later get married in a hotel where Dali lived for years. This adventurous trip to Florida set the tone that Romina & Peter could match each other's vibe.
Today ✨
Romina followed her passion for art all the way to Paris, where she studied before building her career as an arts professional at multiple major fairs and galleries. She’s a talented & quick marathoner and devoted Pilates enthusiast. Now based in Brooklyn, she balances her love for art with long runs, great coffee, gardening, and the occasional chess match (often with Peter).
Peter channeled his drive into entrepreneurship, moving to Oslo to launch Lectrium — a company helping advance EV adoption across the U.S. A former college basketball player, he now spends less time on the court and more time building, dreaming, and enjoying life in Brooklyn. Above all, he loves Romina deeply. He asks: Will the Cavs be making an NBA Finals run late Spring 2026?!