If you ever ask them how they met, Annel and Nate will tell you with joy and much laughter that they met a restaurant in the Spring of 2017. Nate was with his group of friends when Annel entered the restaurant with her group of girlfriends. According to Nate, he saw her enter and immediately told his friends “I call dibs!” Annel and Nate saw each other again at another group get-together, exchanged numbers and kept in touch that summer. After a few dates to Coney Island, Noodies Thai Kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen, and the movies, Annel introduced Nate to her family. Nate passed the brutal interview and close inspection led by Annel’s father, and shortly after they began officially dating - December 2017. What followed were years of growth, challenge, love, and many fun times. They’ve enjoyed spending time with each others families/friends, taking long walks around NYC and Yonkers, eating at Mexican/Italian restaurants, going to comedy clubs. Placing God at the center of their relationship has been the firm foundation that have helped them reach this point.

After speaking to Annel’s parents and getting their blessing, Nate started looking for the perfect ring and planning a proposal that Annel wouldn’t expect. On Saturday November 13 Annel started setting up Nate’s 30th Birthday party early with the help of Carol (her sister) and AJ. They set up a backdrop and balloons when Carol pulled out a letter labeled “#1.” The card said: “ Stop what you’re doing and start getting ready. This is our moment. I love you so much and I’ve been looking forward to this moment since the day I met you. … be ready by 3pm. - Nate.” Annel was shocked and overwhelmed with emotions in realizing that this was the start of her proposal. She finished up decorating and started getting ready. She was given letter number 2 “..I’ll meet you at Untermyer Park at the Stairs.” As she was getting ready the house toilet flooded twice and it started to rain! On her way to Untermyer Park she was handed letter number 3 “I promised your dad that I would protect your family and raise our children in faith…I promised your mom that I’m not perfect but I will continue to work my hardest to make you happy…” Although the park was closing just as Annel arrived, they walked together infront of the park castle where Nate read the final letter out loud “I’cant imagine growing old with anyone else. Will you marry me?” And believe it or not, as Nate got down on 1 knee, the rain stopped and sun came out. We’re not kidding. And in typical Annel fashion she said “Well-Duh Nate!.” They were joined by friends and family for a celebration of their engagement that evening.