I had just returned from living in Paraguay—nine days back in the States—and decided to go to a church activity. I wasn’t expecting much that night, just a low-key evening reconnecting with people. But then I saw him. He was in the middle of a dance circle with his friends, completely in his element. There was something about his energy that caught my attention right away. As the night was winding down and I started heading toward the exit, he stopped me to ask—in Spanish—where the door was. After spending so much time immersed in Spanish, I couldn’t help but light up. I responded, and we struck up a conversation. It was natural, easy, and just… fun. Before we parted ways, he asked for my number and invited me to the Spanish-speaking congregation he attended. I said yes. And that moment turned out to be the beginning of everything.

Alex knew he wanted to surprise me, so he chose an ordinary Monday night to make it unforgettable. He secretly teamed up with my sister-in-law (who’s a photographer) to take me out for “practice shots”—complete with a fresh manicure and a gentle nudge to wear a white dress. She took me to the Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve, a place Alex and I had once visited on a date. As we walked the quiet trail, I noticed a flicker of movement in the distance. Then I saw it—a gazebo glowing with lights and flowers. At the top of the steps stood Alex, waiting beside a beautiful setup of rose petals, candles, string lights, disco balls, and a red carpet. Paper bags spelled out “Cásate conmigo” (Marry me). With teary eyes, he told me how much he—and his family—loved me, then asked me to be his wife. I said yes. Moments later, our families and friends came out from hiding to celebrate with us. It was pure magic—and we can’t wait to share that same love and joy with all of you on August 29th.