Happily Ever AfterHappily Ever After

In the summer of 2014, Annalise and Estevan attended a week-long overnight Catholic church retreat through St. Raphael’s Church. Little did either of them know, it would become the beginning of their love story. On the very first morning of the retreat, July 5th, 2014, everyone gathered for breakfast followed by praise and worship. That morning, the retreat leaders introduced the theme song for the week: “Where I Belong.” During the instrumental bridge, the lyrics played: “When the earth shakes I wanna be found in You, when the lights fade I wanna be found in You.” And at exactly 9:59 a.m., a 4.6 magnitude earthquake centered in Big Bear shook the retreat during worship. What felt like a surreal moment at the time would later become one of the most symbolic memories in their story together. After worship, everyone was divided into small groups that they would spend the rest of the week with and by fate, Annalise and Estevan ended up in the same group. Neither of them could have imagined then that this retreat would mark the very beginning of their journey together. As the retreat continued, so did their connection. Throughout the week, they grew closer and closer, bonding over their shared faith, countless conversations, and surprisingly enough their mutual love for Eminem. What began as a friendship slowly grew into something much deeper over the years. Their bond became stronger through every season of life until, on September 14th, 2018, Estevan asked Annalise to be his girlfriend with a song he had especially created for her officially beginning their journey through love, academia, faith, and life side by side. After seven beautiful years together, Estevan proposed on October 27th, 2024, beginning the next chapter of their story. Now, surrounded by the people they love most, Annalise and Estevan are beyond excited to celebrate this long-awaited moment with all of you on May 30th, 2026 a day they will cherish forever.