When we met it was not a “meet-cute” story by any means. We met at work and existed as coworkers for the better part of a year. Passing like two ships in the night, we clocked in and clocked out; just some kids out of college using this job to springboard our careers. Fast forward a year or so later, we became friends sharing war stories about our customer interactions and how the customer, in this particular store, was usually always wrong. We traded snacks, music and movie recommendations, and quickly realized we had similar tastes and outlooks on a lot of things, while at the same time appreciating our differences. I grew more and more interested in how easy it was to be around him. I didn't have to be anyone but myself to impress him. Who I was, was enough.

I wanted to ask her out on a date because I wanted to discover more about who she is, where she's from, her ambitions, her dreams, and to share mine with her. When I came back from Ecuador, we started to hang out and to go out and talk more and more. It hit me that I had been 5,000 Kilometers away and I thought about her every day and I wanted to share the country and all the beautiful places I visited with her, knowing that she would love it too.

To tell the truth I've only met a handful of men that are as kind and respectful as he is. Even as we grew up as individuals and as a couple, disagreements never had to get out of hand. My thoughts, my feelings and my opinions were all valued and cared for and I strived to do the same, still to this day. ‘Let's tackle the problem, not each other’ became our thing and so far it has worked. That peace of mind is how I knew I found my person knowing that whatever life threw our way I have a teammate to tackle it with.

Our engagement story was an interesting and exciting one. One where we up until then had experienced great moments together and tough ones as well, and we realized that we’re not stopping but moving forward in our journey and life together. While on vacation in Cuba, one early morning we thought it was perfect to go to the beach and take some outfit pictures (her outfits of course). Before we left, as I looked out the window and saw the sun coming up and a mist low to the ground I knew it would be a beautiful sunrise. As we took some final pictures and were ready to leave the beach I stopped as if I found something in the sand. I waited until she turned around as I was on one knee. We both had tears, It was very powerful and very emotional. The setting on the beach was perfect, intimate and personal.

I honestly had no clue. I was just so eager to take a post-pandemic trip that I didn't stop for a second to think ``Hmmm this might be it``. I was busy enjoying the weather, the beach, and his company but it was a welcomed surprise. We then bolted to the lobby to get Wi-Fi to tell our families ASAP.

The reason I’m excited for our future is because I know that together we will shape our future and although not always certain, I always look forward to navigating the bumps, rocky roads, smooth hills and highways. Planning our future but living in the ‘now’ and cherishing each moment. Learning and loving our way through life.

I couldn't agree more