Itzel & Tyler
Itzel & Tyler
How it Started
Itzel and Tyler first met one another in early winter of 2018, December 21st. What was initially meant to be a “simple hangout” became the couple's most memorable first date. Itzel and Tyler spent time getting to know one another by walking around the mall. Later, they grabbed dinner at Cheesecake Factory and then ended the night at the movie theater where they saw, "Spider Man: Into the Spider-Verse". On this special day they both spoke about their current lives and future goals. Tyler revealed that he would be leaving for California to study Psychology in the upcoming year. Itzel was finishing up her time at Oakton Community College and was looking into applying at Northeastern Illinois University for Psychology as well. Despite knowing long distance was in their future, they decided to roll the dice and see where things would go. Together, they dated for 8 months before Tyler left for Biola University. Itzel and Tyler made the decision to continue dating and committed to a 2 year long-distance relationship. Fortunately, due to Covid-19, Tyler was forced to come back home and take a pause on his studies and their time in long distance was shortened to a year and a half. Despite Covid-19 being tragic for the world, both Tyler and Itzel were able to make the best of a bad situation and it was during this time together that their relationship evolved and their bond grew significantly. Since then, they have continued to enjoy one another's company and have their mind and heart set on growing and walking together with their faith leading them as they plan the upcoming wedding.
Tyler's Perspective:
Sometimes the best way to find something is to stop looking all together and just let it come to you. Before I met Itzel, I spent a considerable amount of time searching for what I thought would be the ideal partner for me. Much of my efforts led to disappointment and heartache. They say that each time you commit yourself to another person you leave with them a small piece of yourself. In the fall of 2018 I had been accepted to Biola University in California. I had made it up in my mind to take an indefinite break from dating and to focus on my studies. Ironically, it was in the fall of 2018 where I first met Itzel. I truly believe what people say about God having a sense of humor. In comedy, timing is everything and I find that to be equally true when searching for the right partner. When I met Itzel for the very first time I felt like a deer caught in the headlights (Minus being hit by a car). Our first date felt natural and came with ease. I felt no pressure to impress her or act different in any way. Time flew by because it was spent with a friend. Over the course of 5 years that Itzel and I have been together, we have gone through many challenges and trials, and all have allowed us to grow. As we approach this next period of our relationship I am eager for all that is in store, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Itzel’s Perspective:
What can I say, I’m a keeper ;)
Over the course of five years, I’ve learned a lot about Tyler, about myself, and what it means to be in a loving relationship. I have learned that those three things have one thing in common, they require time and effort. But that is what it’s all about. Nothing in this world is perfect, therefore our relationship isn’t perfect. It’s lovely, messy, chaotic, and fun. Meeting Tyler meant meeting someone completely different from myself. It took a person so genuine, passionate, and strong minded like Tyler to bring what was missing in my life. With opposite personalities we can sometimes bump heads, but we have also learned how to come together and learn from one anothers unique perspectives. In a way, I think that's what makes us a perfect match. Over time our relationship has faced many growing pains. Together, we endured long distance, crazy work hours and different schedules, and always supporting each other’s own personal battles. Our relationship has seen it all. The challenges and trials are worth it because we both have: A person we can lean on when things get tough. A team that knows we are playing the same game for the same goals. A therapist for when the days get long and challenging. And a home we can feel safe in and be our authentic self, the good and ugly.
Some say, you have to experience life to the fullest in order to find out who you are. I believe that life can be lived to the fullest when you share it with someone like a friend, a partner, or a family member. And I am so happy to have found all those three types of people in one person. Now we are taking our first big step, into a wonderful yet terrifying life experience, marriage. I can’t wait to dive in and maybe even gain five more pounds of pure joy.