How did our paths cross?

Jhonny: On October 17, 2021 I was in Guatemala roaming through facebook when I noticed a “shoot your shot” post on a black travel group. Ironically enough Rachel’s favorite basketball player (Steph Curry) was on the main cover picture of the post. I noticed the post and decided to scroll through. Within a few minutes Rachel’s post caught my attention. So I decided to “shoot my shot” and sent her a DM. About 10-15 minutes later I got a reply and we started messaging each other. God continued to map out the rest from there. Now here we are happily engaged and soon to be married.

Rachel: October 17, 2021, I was on the beach in Puerto Rico and saw a “shoot your shot” post for women to post a short bio and a picture of themselves. I decided to join in, why not? Soon after I got a notification for a new message in my DM. I decided that there was no time like the present and responded. He grabbed my attention when he asked “Out of all the places you’ve been, where has been your favorite.” From that moment on we’ve talked every single day. A year and a half later and by God’s grace here we are, months away from being married.

#NewlyNoel

How was the proposal?


Jhonny: I knew months prior that I was ready to propose. From the beginning of the proposal planning I knew that I had to make it special. I decided to pick January 7, 2023 because there was a lot of significant coincidences important to both of us that would occur on that day. Firstly, seven is Rachel’s favorite number and January 7th is the 7th day of the year. Also, 17 is one of my favorite numbers and the date was 1/7. The Golden State Warriors is Rachel’s favorite basketball team. Chase is the bank that we both predominantly bank with and Warriors play at the Chase Center. The team the Warriors would be playing were the Orlando Magic, thats very significant because the first time I told Rachel I loved her was while we were on a trip to Disney in Orlando. Also 2023 ends in 23 and Lebron James is my favorite basketball player and he’s predominantly worn number 23 throughout his career. I thought what a better way to start ‘23 (Lebron James year) than to propose to the love of my life.


Rachel: I had just returned from Rwanda for my yearly NYE trip, 3 days later, we went to San Francisco to see the Warriors play the Magic. I didn’t think anything of it because attending basketball games is a norm for us. When we got to the game, I noticed that Jhonny was acting a little different, innocently I chucked it up to “New Year New Me”. Little did I know what would soon happen! Then as the game was nearing the end of the 4th quarter, he wanted us to go take some pictures; again, this was a norm so I didn’t think anything of it . Then as we were approaching the bottom of our Section- (game was still playing) I turned to ask him how much further down to go, (didn’t want security to make us go back) I noticed he pulled out a sunglasses case. I’m thinking “we are inside why does he need sunglasses? New year new me?!” Then I hear the people around us start yelling and screaming in excitement. Again still clueless, I’m like “why are they screaming?!” Then I noticed the ring box! I immediately ask him, “Are you serious? Here? Now?!” He says YES! And asked me to be his forever person!


Till this day I am still shocked!




Why him/her?


Rachel: Jhonny is probably the most caring and selfless person I’ve ever met. He cares for me more than I can ever care for myself. He loves me as is! Which was a major factor for me. The way he loves his mom proved to me that we can do life together! He makes me feel safe and covered. He loves to travel, just like me! He loves basketball and football, just like me! He honestly made it easy for me to love him! I will love him forever! ❤️


Jhonny: I love Rachel so much. Being around her makes my soul happy. She challenges me when I need to be challenged and at times when I have not believed in myself, she’s believed in me and encouraged me. Being with her has turned me into a better person and a better man. She is truly an amazing person and I thank God for her everyday. I love Rachel so much and I look forward to spending an amazing life with her.


How many countries have you guys traveled to? Combined we’ve traveled to 129 different countries & together we’ve traveled to 21 countries.


Why a destination wedding? Do you know US!!! #TeamBatZel


What’s your favorite activity together? Traveling and discovering great seafood and Spanish food.


A life goal? Create a wonderful family and have a great marriage led by God.