We're having a wedding!

During the summer of 2020, when everything felt like it was on an indefinite pause, Kimberly and Diego’s paths crossed in the most unexpected and delightful way. Kimberly, a Georgia native who had embraced Portland as her home since 2012, was navigating the uncertain waters of a world reshaped by the pandemic. Her cherished photography job had slipped through her fingers, leaving her with more questions than answers. Diego had just embarked on a new chapter, moving to Portland from Florida at the end of 2019 with dreams of exploring the Pacific Northwest. Little did he know his grand adventure would soon involve an unplanned staycation, confined to his apartment as the world hit pause. So, what does one do when faced with months of solitary confinement and a global pandemic? Why, they dive into the digital age of romance! Enter Hinge, the app that would soon be the bridge connecting two hearts. Their initial connection was a slow dance of video calls, where they navigated the quirks of virtual dating—awkward pauses and pixelated smiles—until they decided that the real-life version of their story was worth the leap. Their first date, set at the Rambler, felt like a scene from a movie. With masks on, and butterflies in their stomachs, they were just hoping they would recognize each other. Once they finally saw each other’s faces, their anxiety melted away, well… mostly, replaced by the warmth of shared laughter and genuine conversation. They discovered they both had a passion for travel, a mutual love for emo music, and a united front against pineapple on pizza. Their early dates quickly blossomed into cherished memories: walks through sunflower fields that seemed to stretch forever, sunny river days, and dining at every open restaurant they could find. Their first out-of-town adventure was to Bend, where their bond grew even stronger. Kimberly also discovered an important lesson on that trip: when Diego says, “This hike isn’t hard", he’s definitely stretching the truth. To be fair to Diego, a trail named Misery Ridge should have come with a hint of difficulty to Kimberly! Diego had never been a cat person until he met Kimberly’s beloved feline, Miles. Their bond was instantaneous, and Diego quickly found himself charmed by the affection and cuddles from Miles. This newfound love for cats inspired them to expand their family in 2022, welcoming Osa into their home. Osa, a delightful mix of chaos and affection wrapped in fur, has brought even more joy into their lives, and they wouldn't have it any other way. Their story is one of serendipity and love, finding each other in a time of uncertainty and turning it into something beautiful. So, here’s to the future: a never-ending quest for travel, passion, food, drink, and cozy days together. Because if you can find love in a year like 2020, you can weather through anything. ❤️Donde hay amor, hay vida❤️