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Maria & Andrew

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Andrew Joseph Alderete

and

Maria Elizabeth Arroyo

May 9, 2026

Bakersfield, CA
296 days296 d2 hours2 h20 minutes20 min4 seconds4 s

Our story

Andrew and I connected through mutual friends on Facebook, and after a playful first message, a friendship began during a difficult time in his life. He was grieving the loss of his grandmother, who had been his rock and raised him since he was eight—after his mother passed away from cancer. As Andrew navigated this profound loss, I was finishing my bachelor’s degree and preparing to start my teaching credential program. Our bond grew slowly—from movie nights and drives to encouraging each other to step out and embrace life. After nearly a year of dating, Andrew asked me to be his girlfriend, and a year later, he asked me to be his wife. Over the past two years, we’ve not only grown individually but have also become stronger as a team. I proudly completed my first year of teaching, embracing the challenges and joys that come with shaping young minds. Meanwhile, Andrew took a courageous leap, leaving behind his previous job to start his career as a special education teacher—a path fueled by passion and purpose. Together, we’ve supported each other through every step, turning dreams into realities and building a future filled with hope and love. Looking back, it’s clear that God brought us together at the exact moment we needed one another most. Through grief, growth, laughter, and love, we’ve become each other’s home. This journey hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful—and it’s only just beginning. We’re stepping into this next chapter with faith, joy, and a love that reminds us daily of God’s grace in writing our story.

For all the days along the way
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