Well, it all started on classic Halloween night, right?

I actually met Matthew through his sister, Miranda, who I knew from our Hispanic Student Society in college. That night, a group of us were hopping from house to house, trying to find the next party that wasn't already busted. Somewhere in between all the chaos, Matthew asked if I was going, and once he found out I was, he showed up in no costume at all (typical).

I still remember him saying hi to everyone in the circle except me. I thought, Wow, who is this rude guy? (Yes, the sass was immediate.)

A few parties later, we ended up playing beer pong, Matthew and his (very drunk) partner, Brittany (yes, we remember the stranger's name), against me and my friend Emiliano (who, by the way, is also at this wedding!). Let's just say Brittany's enthusiasm for Matthew that night gave me strike two. Definitely not impressed.

But then he picked up the dog at the party. And of course, everyone loves the dog. That somehow broke the ice, and we had a short but sweet conversation, all thanks to that pup.

Later that night, I was the designated driver trying to get five-plus friends home (not easy when everyone's stumbling), and Matthew offered to help. I figured, Okay, he's Miranda's brother, he's safe, so I let him help me take everyone home. (tuck the homies in goodnight)

And that was it. No phone number. No social media. No contact. Just that one random Halloween night that neither of us really forgot.

My first impression? Honestly, he actually made me mad. But somehow, within 24 hours of meeting each other, something just clicked and I realized, that's my husband. I even called my friend (who's here at the wedding!) to tell her exactly that.

My first impression? She's so hot. I have no chance. I actually used to ask Miranda about her all the time. That Halloween day, I had just failed an exam and was in a terrible mood. I went to eat at Twin Peaks, and then Miranda called, saying, Fati's going to be at this party. I didn't even hesitate, I said, On the way. Fast forward to our first date (less than 24 hours later). I couldn't stop complimenting her. Somewhere between the laughs and conversation, she told me to help stop so we could actually talk. That's when I realized this girl wasn't just beautiful. She was it.

On January 5, 2021, Matthew actually had already asked me twice to be his girlfriend, and both times, I said no.

But when the timing finally felt right, I looked at him and said, "Okay, you can ask me now." (Bowling Alley parking lot in Plano, Texas)

Omg's proposal was literally curveball after curveball. I had a feeling it might happen, but every time I thought I was onto something, he'd throw me completely off. From the days leading up to the trip, to the trip itself, to the very moment before it happened, it was all one giant game of misdirection.

Wearing matching outfits with his family wasn't new, and neither was walking on the beach, so nothing really screamed proposal at first. What did make me suspicious was when he insisted we go for a walk and took me the longest possible route, full of sharp rocks. I was literally saying ouch, ouch the whole way, asking why we couldn't just walk closer to the water. Apparently, Matthew was so nervous he didn't even realize we weren't walking on the sand.

Then I spotted this cute gazebo ahead and thought, IT'S HAPPENING! THIS IS THE SPOT! But nope. We walked right past it. I was like, wow, okay, guess not.

A few steps later, I pointed out an ice cream on the ground and said, Look, ants! And when I looked back up, I saw a huge Marry Me sign on the beach. Everything after that was a blur. We both completely blacked out; neither of us remembers what was said. We were both so shocked and emotional.

Thankfully, the videos confirm what I said

It honestly took me a day (or maybe a few) to fully process what had happened; it all felt like a dream. That night, we had the most beautiful candlelit dinner by the beach and pool area, under a full moon, with live music and heart-shaped everything. It was so private, so intimate, and so us.

From hiking in Palo Duro Canyon and Arkansas to beach days in Destin, Florida, skiing in Vail, and exploring Atlanta and its beautiful Botanical Gardens, every trip has been an adventure.

We've wandered the San Antonio River Walk, soaked up the sun in Tulum, and even made new memories in Philadelphia. No matter where we go, it's always laughter, good food, and a story to tell.

Some of our favorite memories together... COMING SOON!

When did we realize it was more than a crush?.... COMING SOON!

"Send me your playlist for the next 20 years"