I began to have eyes for Ruby in November of last year. We have had many mutual friends and have been in the same places because of our campus ministries. We had never really talked before and I didn’t even think she knew I existed, and I didn’t want her to think I was weird for sliding into her DM’s randomly. So I asked the Lord to provide an opportunity for me to talk to her and it not be weird.

One day that January, she posted on her story that she wanted people to submit anonymous questions for her to answer. I saw my opportunity, and took it. We began to converse for a couple days and from there everything is history!… at least that’s what I would’ve said if that’s how it happened. Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t as smooth as I thought I was. My nerves were getting the best of me. And instead of wooing her with my charm and good looks (especially the good looks) she ended up thinking I was… weird.

We had stopped talking after that and went about our lives. But right before spring break, March 7 to be exact, I went on a run. I have to admit, I’m pretty fast for a big boy. And she took notice. She slid into my DM’s and this time, I was ready. I said “the Lord has brought her back like a boomerang, I won’t mess up this opportunity again.” And this time, things were different. I asked for her number a few weeks later and from there, I called her to ask her out on a date. Naturally, she said yes ;)

A month and a half later, we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Many people say I take after my dad with many of my characteristics. Knowing when to propose to my lover was no exception. 2 weeks after their first date, my dad bought the engagement ring for my mom. 7 months afterwards, they were married. I knew in my heart that Ruby was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And so, not too long after the first date, my family and I went to look at rings.

Ruby and I have been long distance for our entire relationship. And I have been extremely direct with her about my intentions going into this. I told her on our first date that I was looking for marriage, not fun. And she agreed. We’ve spent countless hours on FaceTime having the hard conversations, fleshing out our convictions, and learning how to choose love in all circumstances.

I proposed to her at the end of September, and naturally, she said yes ;)

I can confidently say that I have 0 doubts about my decision to marry her, there is no other woman in the world I’d rather build a life with than Ruby Lopez. Every hour I spend working and every sacrifice I’ve had to make to get her this ring have been worth it, because the smile on her face when I asked her to marry me was worth more to me than any of that. To all of our friends and families, thank you for your support and prayers. I believe God brought us together because of every prayer you’ve sown into us. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in February!