We’re so excited to get married!!! Thank you for being part of our day!

Her story: It was during Christmas concerts 2021. I was hanging out with my friend Andie during break and pouring my heart out to her about stupid boys. Suddenly, this guy comes over and starts talking to her. After a couple minutes she said: do you know Debbie btw? And she introduced us. I was not having it. How rude of this guy to interrupt my heart to heart conversation with my friend. I said a simple: I'm Debbie, nice to meet you - and thought I would never talk to this guy again. His story: It was during Christmas concerts 2021. I was greeting friends during break and saw a friend, Andie, sitting with another girl. They seemed to be having a deep conversation, but I thought I could say hi and participate in the conversation. I went over to say hi, and after a few minutes of pleasantries she said: do you know Debbie btw? And she introduced us. I could tell immediately that she was not having it. She then gave me one of the weakest handshakes ever, said her name, and abruptly ended the conversation. After a few more minutes of talking, I turned around and walked away - and thought I would never talk this girl again.

Her story: Our first date was on May 3rd. By this time, we have already hung out in group settings and were being friendly with each other (even though our first time meeting wasn't a meet-cute). I didn't think of him in a romantic way up until maybe 3 weeks before he asked me out, when we started texting a lot, talking on the phone, and spending time in group settings - I started developing interest and feelings. Shortly after, he asked me out and before I left the house I told my housemates: this is my last first date ever. I just knew this is it. The date lasted 6 hours. We went to Americana, walked around, talked and laughed, and then went to Din Tai Fung (which now is a regular for us). There was no doubt in my mind at the end of the night that this is it for me. I was already falling for him then and there. His story: I had started thinking about asking her out several weeks before I actually did. By this time I was already smitten with her and very interested in pursuing her more. I had held off asking her out because a good friend of mine was interested in her first, and I wanted to be the brother who supports. However, it became clear that there was a connection between her and I, and we talked more and more, until I finally asked her to go out to dinner with me in Glendale. The whole week before that was a blur of excitement and nervousness, as I had no idea if the date would go well or not. But I decided to go through with it and be as open and honest as possible, and thought I would be able to hang out with one of the coolest and most passionate people I know, which was enough for me. Little did I know that I would be swept away that night and fall for her more and more.

Her story: I don't even know where to start. I was looking forward to this so so much, and kept trying to figure out when it might happened. The week of October 22nd, my friends who I call "my brunch girls" asked me to grab brunch that Saturday. I said sure. I went thinking "what if Matt is gonna show up and propose". He didn't haha. We had brunch, went shopping, and then starting driving towards my house to bake cookies and watch Gilmore Girls. They were very nonchalant so I convinced myself it wasn't happening that day. I get to the door and there was a note on the door with my name on it. I started crying and asked my friends for a hug. I opened the door and there was a rose petals and candles pathway leading towards the backyard. I don't remember what he said, I was so giggly and nervous. But he got on one knee and I screamed "yes". This was perfect because in the months that we've been dating, my house has been our number one place of hanging out. We spent so many nights cooking together and dancing in the kitchen. And there have been times when I said: "if you would propose to me right now, as I am in my sweats with no makeup on, but spending time together cooking and talking and laughing in my home, I would say yes in an instant". Little did I know that he was truly listening and planning. His story: My story started several months prior. From the first few dates we had, I had known in my heart that I wanted to propose and continue our story with a clear goal in mind. I began researching and thinking of all the places, ways, and methods of proposing, and made a list in my mind. However, I knew (and Debbie made it clear to me) that it should be a special moment and place between us. While I had first thought of proposing at many and different spots (a beach in Santa Barbara, the trolley lane at the Americana in Glendale, a fancy restaurant at dinner), none of these reflected “us”. My desire was to serve her and maximize her joy by proposing in a way that was memorable and humble. I finally settled on proposing in the one place to her (and us) that meant warmth, coziness, safety, and love: her home. Over the months, we spent much time together there, watching movies, cooking many dinners together from scratch, dancing in the kitchen to music, laughing and joking together and with her housemates/family, and spending time quieting ourselves out of our busy schedules and enjoying precious time the Lord set for us. With the help of many of our dear friends who I couldn’t do it without, and after weeks of anticipation and nervousness, I finally proposed to the true love of my life and joy on earth. She was the most giddy and all-over-the-place bundle of joy and nerves, and I couldn’t have had it any other way. The Lord was so kind and gracious that day, paving the way for us and our families and friends to enjoy a time of laughter and love that could only come from Him. I’m so very glad to share this story, and pray it encourages others, and most of all Debbie, soon-to-be Ignacio.