At the time, Alex had recently moved from Connecticut to attend the University of Florida for his master’s degree, while Shyann was still completing her undergraduate studies. Like many nights before, Alex was out with friends at one of his favorite spots, The Loft for Latin Night. It was also one of Shyann’s favorite places and yet somehow, they had never noticed each other until that night. Throughout the evening, Alex and Shyann exchanged glances from across the room. There was an undeniable curiosity, but neither made a move until the very end. Just before closing, Alex finally worked up the courage to approach Shyann and ask for her Snapchat. She hesitated at first, but eventually said yes. They spoke briefly but didn’t reconnect until months later, despite crossing paths a few times. After returning from a trip abroad, Shyann went out with friends to The Lab, another Latin club. As fate would have it, so did Alex. The moment she saw him, she ran right up to him. From that point on, they were inseparable for the rest of the night. Despite arriving with different groups, they spent hours talking, laughing, and dancing, picking up right where they had left off. At the end of the night, Alex asked Shyann out on their first official date. They went to an arcade bar in town, and what started as a casual afternoon quickly turned into hours of effortless conversation. They discovered how much they had in common from their Puerto Rican roots to the similarities in their families and faith. From that first date on, everything just clicked. Alex and Shyann became inseparable and made their relationship official just a week later. Less than a year later, they took a big step moving to a new city together and rescuing their dog, Missy. Over the years, they continuously fell in love with every part of one another and have grown deeper in their shared faith. Sometimes the best love stories aren’t the ones you plan, they’re the ones that find you when you least expect them. What began as a glance across a crowded room has grown into a beautiful life together and this is only the beginning. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” — Jeremiah 29:11

On August 31st, a day that began with quiet anticipation became one of the most magical days of their life. In the days leading up to the weekend, she felt a flutter of excitement. Alex’s best friend had flown in, and even while Shyann was back home in St. Petersburg, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something extraordinary was about to unfold. Alex remained calm and composed, never letting a hint slip, but with each passing moment, Shyann’s heart raced a little more. When Sunday arrived, Alex invited Shyann to dinner. As she got dressed, she opened her suitcase and discovered a delicate white dress waiting for her, strategically placed by Alex. As the sun began to set, a bright pink glow surrounded them on the downtown St. Pete Pier. Alex held her hand, his nervousness evident, but even more so was his love. Hidden just out of sight, a photographer captured every moment as he dropped to one knee, shared a heartfelt story, and asked Shyann to be his forever. Surrounded by family and friends who had gathered to celebrate, they embraced the moment under a radiant sunset, the first of many beautiful days to come.