We're getting married!

Once upon a time, in an era where technology and social media seemed to dictate the course of love, our story unfolded in a refreshingly old-fashioned way. It began with the playful scheming of two well-meaning friends, convinced that their matchmaking skills were just what we needed. In a world where a swipe left or right could determine one's romantic fate, they chose to set us up on a blind date, a concept charmingly archaic and thrilling in its mystery. The rendezvous was set at Alba's Restaurant in Quincy, MA, a place where the ambiance whispered tales of potential love stories. The catch? We were to remain mysteries to each other until the very moment of our meeting. No names, no pictures, no social media snooping – just the allure of the unknown. In preparation for this unusual date, our friends allowed us each to ask three questions about the other. The rules were clear: nothing about physical appearance or names, just queries that would give a glimpse into the soul of the person we were about to meet. We posed our questions, and the answers we received piqued our curiosity. Despite a flicker of reluctance, the intrigue was too enticing to resist. We both said yes to the blind date. The next day, with hearts fluttering with a blend of nervousness and excitement, we arrived at Alba's. The moment we laid eyes on each other, there was an indescribable sense of something extraordinary about to unfold. What was planned as a brief encounter blossomed into a marathon date, stretching over seven enchanting hours. Conversation flowed effortlessly, laughter came easily, and it felt as if we had known each other for a lifetime. To our surprise and delight, that first blind date never really ended. It simply extended into days, then weeks, then years, each moment feeling like we were still uncovering the beautiful mystery we had stumbled upon that day. Our love story, born from a leap of faith into the unknown, reminds us how sometimes, the best things in life are the ones we never see coming. And so, we continue to live our lives as if each day is a continuation of that first blind date – a journey of love, discovery, and endless surprises. Our story is a testament to the power of blind faith and the beauty of allowing God to take the lead. In a world where so much is revealed and known, we found love in the beauty of the unknown, a blind date that led us where we are today.

In the heart of Downtown Boston, amidst the vibrant ambiance of Mariel's, a surprise was unfolding that would change Ainsley and Johnny's lives forever. Their love story, already blooming beautifully over seven months of dating, was about to leap into a new chapter. Johnny, with a heart full of love and a plan in mind, chose a seemingly ordinary Monday for an extraordinary moment. Ainsley, ever the inquisitive spirit with a knack for inquiry that could rival a CIA agent, was brimming with questions about their upcoming trip to Turks and Caicos. Little did she know, Johnny had a different kind of adventure planned. After a long day's work, Ainsley's enthusiasm for dressing up was waning. She opted for comfort in her Uggs, jeans, and a blazer, unaware of the significance this evening was about to hold. Meanwhile, Johnny had orchestrated a meticulously planned proposal with the staff at Mariel's, ensuring every detail was set for a romantic and unforgettable ambiance. As they sat at dinner, Ainsley's curiosity bubbled over. She pondered aloud why they were dining out on a Monday, when the comfort of home seemed so much more appealing at the start of the week. But as Johnny began his proposal, the atmosphere shifted. The entire restaurant burst into cheers as he knelt on one knee, extending his heart and a ring to Ainsley. In that moment, every doubt melted away. Overwhelmed with emotion, tears of joy, and a heart bursting with love, Ainsley said "Yes!" Her apologies for being a bit of a 'pain' en route and initially at the restaurant were swept away in the tidal wave of happiness that followed. It was a proposal that echoed the depth of their love and the joy of unexpected surprises. In a quaint corner of Mariel's, amidst the cheer of strangers who felt like friends, Johnny and Ainsley's journey took a beautiful turn towards a shared future, underlined by love, commitment, and a story they would cherish forever.

We're over the moon to introduce our little bundle of joy, Dallas Luis Charles, who made his grand entrance on July 2nd, 2024. His first name, Dallas, is a nod to our first trip to Dallas, Texas—where Ainsley first learned to fully trust Johnny in every way, sparking the beginning of our beautiful journey together. His middle name, Luis, is a special tribute to his late older cousin, Luis Alberto Bodden-Maximo. Dallas just couldn't wait to join the party and will be our tiniest, most precious guest as we celebrate love. He’ll have his amazing big brother, Eli, by his side as we welcome Dallas into our village with open arms and full hearts.