The Vegas

It all started with a swipe. One small, simple motion that neither of us thought would mean anything. But somehow, that single moment changed everything. It happened on Facebook Dating, of all places. Two people scrolling without much expectation, not really searching for forever, when fate, or maybe just good Wi-Fi, decided to bring us together. When Ali saw his name, Andres Santiago, and realized he went by Santi, she laughed. That was her dad’s middle name. It felt like the universe was already in on something, quietly whispering, “Pay attention.” From our very first conversation, everything just clicked. There were no awkward pauses and no trying too hard. Only laughter, warmth, and that rare connection that feels like you have known someone your whole life. When we decided to meet in Tulsa, we both felt that nervous excitement that tells you something special might be waiting. Our first date was simple, yet unforgettable. We had sushi, which might not sound like the safest choice for a first date, but somehow it was perfect. Between bites of spicy tuna and unstoppable laughter, everything felt easy and natural. Then came Uno, and the friendly competition began. There was playful teasing, dramatic shouts of “UNO,” and plenty of laughter that neither of us wanted to end. Later, we opened a bottle of wine and watched the Love Island reunion, pure chaos in the best possible way. We joked about which couple we would be and laughed until it felt like we were the only two people in the world. That night, in the middle of all the laughter, Ali sent a message to her cousin and best friend. “I’m going to marry this man.” And she meant it. That night became the beginning of us. The start of something real and lasting, filled with laughter, comfort, and the kind of chemistry that feels like home. Ali even saved the wine bottle from that night and later turned it into a birthday gift for Santi. She decorated it with photos of us, covered it in the colors of the Colombian flag, and added one of our favorite quotes. “I love you to the moon and back… in turtle steps.” Our initials sparkle on it too, a reminder of where our story began. As our relationship grew, Santi fit into Ali’s family like he had always been there. He and her dad bonded over detailing cars and cooking, two perfectionists comparing shine and seasoning. With her brother, it was video games, DJ mixes, and that same contagious laughter that fills every room. It seemed like Santi had a little piece of connection with everyone, and before long, he was not just loved by Ali but by her whole family. Watching him joke with her brother, share recipes with her dad, and move so effortlessly through the beautiful chaos of family life only confirmed what Ali had known from the very first night. He was home. That wine bottle now sits as a quiet reminder of where it all began. Proof that love does not always arrive through grand gestures or perfect timing. Sometimes it starts with sushi and Uno. With laughter over Love Island. With a feeling that you cannot quite describe, except to say, “This is it.” From that night in Tulsa to every day since, we have kept laughing, kept loving, and kept taking those turtle steps together, one at a time, toward forever. 🩵