We met at our friend’s son’s 5th Birthday party (Can I get a Cheers to DJ!). We were helping in the kitchen as we both really enjoy cooking. Little did we know that food and cooking would become one of our favorite things to share together. That day Felipe asked if I would like to go salsa dancing with him, I immediately said yes! (Salsa dancing still pending 🤣🫶🏽)

The photo above is from our first hike at Table Mountain in Jamestown, this would be the location where he proposed to me on May 12th, 2023. A place that I will always hold very dear in my heart.

At the time, I was in the process of moving to San Diego to peruse school. Felipe offered to go with me to learn about the area and explore. Here I met one of his good friends Joey who christened me with my nickname (tiny tank, iykyk) and the three of us had the best time that weekend scootering around the city. I moved shortly after and we kept in contact. Felipe invited me to spend both Thanksgiving and Christmas with his wonderful family that year. They welcomed me with the warmest of hugs.

Shortly after, and a series of events, led me to leave So Cal. The timing wasn’t aligning and I sought the comforts of home. Felipe became home for me during this time. He represented safety, kindness and understanding- something at the time I needed.

Through our few years together we have both grown tremendously. I am half way through my Master’s program at the University of the Pacific and Felipe recently received higher certification and a new position within his company that he loves.

It was a Friday, May 12th and I had just gotten off of a stressful day at school. Felipe asked me to go for a hike and we went to Table Mountain where we had hiked previously. Once we were at the top, I was walking around collecting wild flowers. While I wasn’t paying attention, he set up a tripod and had his phone filming. He called me back and got on his knee. He began to tell me how he loved me and I excitedly fell to my knees kissed him and said yes. He had me stand back up and said he wasn’t finished yet. (I still fall apart laughing every time I tell this part of the story) He continued as I pranced back and forth on my toes anxiously waiting until it was my turn. I still get butterflies remembering how excited I was knowing we would be each others’ person from here on out.