We remember everything about it. How we met. We probably would tell you different versions. My version would include me walking into the hallway of her dorm in 2017 and poking fun at a character drawing that hung over her bed only to find out that it was her and her boyfriend at the time. Natalia's version would probably include the same details but with the added flare of me leaving with a foot in my mouth which I certainly did.

Unbeknownst us, there was still a chance. Years passed and so did the memory of the lanky boy in her hallway. Somehow the wheels in the sky aligned and we got a second opportunity and we both remember how it happened.

We remember the laughs on the first date.

I remember how her hair sat, how her smile warmed the air around us, I even remember the music we listened to in the car ride from her apartment.

She remembers spilling water on my pants.

She remembers me not freaking out (because I'm not insane)

She remembers me scanning the street in case an unknown danger would present itself on the ever dangerous Hermosa beach.

She also remembers no kiss goodnight. Which to be fair, was a bold move on my end, and to this day something we still talk about. But if you are reading this far, I'm sure you know it worked out in the end.

We remember how fast it all happened and how naturally. At the time of our first date I was visiting California on a trip and was only supposed to be visiting for two weeks. But there I was kicking the can down the road and extending the trip. For no other reason other than her, and to me, that was the best reason possible.

While for some it is scary or embarrassing to admit, but we remember saying "I love you" within the first month of dating. What else was there to say when you kiss someone goodnight and you already know that you want to be with them and no one else. It almost felt wrong not to say it.

Now, 4 years later, it still feels as special as it did the first time we said it to each other. And while neither of us are mathematicians, we often say, "I love you exponentially."

N&J

Wedding Day