Our love story is one that neither of us could have imagined happening, but now I'd say we both agree that our love story is our favorite. Cruz was the silly boy growing up that would always keep everyone around him laughing. He was and is infectious to be around but I never imagined him as a partner when I was young. The summer before 8th grade (2017), my best friend and I went over to his house to walk around our neighborhood with him and his friend. I still remember how shocked I was when I saw him, the young silly boy that I had once known, had matured into a young man. That night was the first time both of us realized there could be something between us.

For months I kept Cruz on his toes, not quite saying yes to being his girlfriend yet. Cruz however was all in telling me he loved me before I was truly his. On September 26, 2017, I finally said yes to him without realizing all that it would intel.

Many people say they know the exact moment that they knew they were going to marry their partner, but it wasn't a specific moment in time that I realized I was going to marry him, I just knew he was going to be my husband fairly quickly into our relationship. I have always heard growing up that couples are only in a "honeymoon phase" for a little bit and then their relationship is put to the real test, but I honestly don't know that Cruz and I have ever lost the excitement in our relationship. When I wake up in the morning Cruz is the person I long to see, and when I do finally see him I have just as much excitement as I did 6 1/2 years ago, if not more.

Our relationship has had many tests, but the one thing I love most about our love for each other is that it is unconditional, forgiving, and most importantly unbreakable. Our love story is my favorite because when we started dating we were 13 and 14 year olds that had no idea of who they were, and we don't necessarily have that all figured out now, but over 6 1/2 years we have grown up with each other. I have had the privilege to see Cruz find his independence, become a hard worker that wants to provide for his future family, and slowly become the man that God made him to be to be able to lead our family. On September 23, 2024 almost exactly 6 years after I said yes to Cruz for the first time, I got to say the most important yes of our relationship (as of now). Now, only a few months away, Cruz and I will be able to stand in front of the friends and family we care about most and celebrate the most beautiful gift from God, marriage.