Richie and Jose met in late summer of 2015 through Instagram. Richie, being as forward as he is, made the first attempt at getting Jose’s attention by adding Jose on Instagram, and then causally liking two of Jose’s pictures. In the social media world that was considered flirting. Jose, no sooner then, reciprocated the same by adding Richie back on Instagram and liking two of Richie’s pictures. A couple of days pass and Jose made the biggest move by adding Richie on another social media platform through Snapchat. After adding Richie on Snapchat, Jose then “slid” into the DM’s with sending a picture of a tall can of Modelo and a corny caption. Well, that corny caption was what got Richie’s attention to spark a conversation between the two that lasted a couple of hours. The conversation eventually ended with plans to meet up for some drinks and dinner. After a short few months Jose asked Richie to be his boyfriend October 11th, 2015 before the two headed to Disneyland.

Through the years Richie and Jose grew closer with one another. Their love and relationship had the good, the bad, ups and downs, like any other relationship would endure. They both had learned a lot through each other and discovered themselves as individuals that made themselves and their relationship stronger. They both connected on the love for many music festivals, traveling and the strong love and appreciation of family and friends. They built their relationship on wanting to make each other happy and truly taking the time to understand one another. When you hear the phrase “opposites attract” you can definitely relate it back to Richie and Jose. Both have grown up and experienced life in two different worlds. You have Richie the extrovert and Jose the introvert. Both equally balancing one another out.

In August of 2022 Richie and Jose took a family trip to Hawaii, this was their second time on the Islands and this time on the island of Oahu. During the trip Richie and Jose were also celebrating their 7-year anniversary of the day of when they first met. Jose secretly planned a day excursion to tour the entire island of Oahu on a private helicopter. Flying on a helicopter was both Richie and Jose’s first time, especially having no doors attached. The helicopter ride was an experience for the both of them that they will never forget. After the landing of the helicopter ride, they were both in a complete adrenaline rush. Richie not knowing that Jose secretly had other surprises planned once the two got back to the hanger office. As both walked back into the office Richie was still on a high from the helicopter tour not paying attention to his surroundings. All that was present was Richie, Jose, and the girl who worked in the front office. Jose got Richie by both hands, started talking, and slowly got down on one knee. Richie’s heart had begun to race as well as processing what was about to happen. Richie looked at Jose and then over to the girl who was now filming them with a phone. Jose then pointed to a banner that Richie completely didn’t notice when walking in that said, “Will You Marry Me”. That moment was the best moment of their lives. Richie instantly said yes and seen the ring Jose had gotten him and couldn’t hold back the tears. This moment was their moment, it was done their way, on their time.

This is Our Story and the new chapter to the beginning of our happily ever after.