Woman seeks proposal on TV series

MIDDLETOWN — Darcy Silva is comfortable being in the public eye.

The 42-year-old city woman, who stars on this season of TLC’s “90-Day Fiancé, Before the 90 Days,” met Jesse Meester, 24, an Amsterdam, Netherlands, resident on a dating app.

The show, which premiered Aug. 5, follows couples before the K-1 Visa process begins (commonly known as the fiance visa, which allows a non-U.S. resident to enter the country for 90 days, during which they must marry to earn a green card).

The two were also featured on “90 Day Fiancé,” which aired last season.

Meester’s and Silva’s age difference is often a topic of discussion.

The plot involves how pairs found one another, meet in person for the first time, and travel to a foreign country “with surprises along the way,” according to the show’s producers.

“Despite challenges, including 20-year age gaps, language barriers and questionable pasts, these lovestruck hopefuls travel across the world to meet the person they believe is their soul mate” is part of the introduction to each episode.

During the course of the show, Meester and Silva showcase their sometime rocky partnership.

There has been internet chatter about the couple since the show began airing this month, claiming the two are separated, including a story posted on Heavy.com.

Like all reality shows, participants are sworn to secrecy until the final episode airs.

Silva is co-owner of the House of Eleven clothing line with her twin sister, Stacey. The sisters recently recorded the electronic dance single “Lock Your Number.”

Silva answered a casting call and wrote a letter talking about her journey of

love, both of which impressed the producers enough to choose her and Meester as guests.

The show’s premise is that, before their 90-day fiancé visa can be obtained, five Americans travel overseas, all hoping for a marriage proposal with someone they’re meeting for the first time.

Silva answered questions via email.

Day: “What was it liked to be constantly filmed?”

Silva: “It comes natural to me. I have been in the business and very comfortable around film crews. I’m just being me!”

Day: “Describe how you met Jesse and how your relationship first developed.”

Silva: “A while back on a networking/dating app. We met in person during filming when I went to Amsterdam filming for the show after months of talking and FaceTime.

Day: “Tell me about yourself.”

Silva: “I was born in Connecticut, and lived all over the world as an adolescent and young adult. I’ve worked, and still work, in entertainment, media and fashion since 2010 with my twin sister, Stacey. I have two beautiful intelligent daughters. I love to travel and live life. I follow my heart and aspirations.”

In episode three, which aired Aug. 19, Meester met Silva’s daughters.

“It is illusion to think I

will become a father in this stage of our relationship. At this point, Darcey and I don’t have a stable, grounded and functional relationship, so I have to be very cautious of every step I take,” he said.

“I am not sure what the future holds. I don’t want Darcey to have so many expectations. We’re meant to be together. No matter the storm, we have to wait it out.”

The show airs on TLC Sundays at 8 p.m. Past episodes can be viewed at tlc.com.

TLC photo “90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days,” which airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on TLC, features Darcey Silva, a Middletown resident. Here she is shown with her suitor Jesse Meester, of the Netherlands.