Keko and I first met in the summer of 2023 at Boozy Bingo, hosted by our favorite spot, Glory Bound. What started as a simple acquaintance - two people whose paths aligned through life’s choices - quickly grew into a friendship and then blossomed into something more. Within just a few months, Keko was already woven into most parts of my life. He met my friends and family, and I got to know his. On December 8th, we made it official. A few weeks later, on New Year’s Eve, surrounded by friends, we shared our first “I love you.” Even though we already knew the feeling was there, I wanted to playfully lead into it, so I asked, “How do I say ‘I love you’ in Spanish?” He smiled and answered, “Te amo. Why?” I replied, “Te amo, Keko.” That was the first moment we spoke the words out loud, even though our hearts had known it long before. As our relationship deepened, we began talking about and making plans for our future - moving in together, meeting his parents, and sharing what we both wanted in life. It became clear that our paths were meant to be one, as The Palacios. Leading up to his proposal, I had a feeling it was coming - I just didn’t know when or where. I had even shared with my mom that Keko and I were planning to go to the courthouse, with the intention of having a larger wedding celebration with our loved ones later. With my mom and I both being detail-oriented and sentimental, we came up with a plan: to have my dad officiate and surprise Keko with a backyard ceremony. On May 17th, 2025, the day began like any other. Keko and I grabbed our morning coffee at Mulvi’s, and then I was unexpectedly called into work. Nothing seemed too unusual - until my mom arrived at my job with a letter and a bouquet of flowers. The letter revealed that the day we had been waiting for had finally arrived. From there, the day unfolded with surprises that prepared me for the moment Keko got down on one knee. Months earlier, I had written him a letter to open on the day he proposed; that day, he gave me a letter of his own - asking me to marry him. That evening, my mom and I shared with Keko our secret plan: a surprise backyard ceremony the very next day, May 18th, 2025. Surrounded by our families, in person and virtual, we exchanged vows and became husband and wife. Later, we set the date for our big celebration: October 10th, 2026. We hope to see and celebrate our love story with each of you!