In April 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, life looked very different. Quarantine and taking online classes quickly became overwhelming once I realized the severity of the issue. During that time, I met Carlos, and what started as a simple conversation turned into something special. Before we knew it, we were texting all hours of the day and FaceTiming late into the night - sometimes until 4 or 5 AM. This went on for 2 months. After many FaceTime dates, we finally decided to go on our first date. It was during the height of lockdown, and I was nervous about meeting in person with everything going on in the world. At this time, I did not have a car so my sister offered to drop me off at our planned date - a picnic at a nearby park, perfect for social distancing. The weather was gorgeous.. until the drive there and the skies opened up and started raining. As my sister and I pulled up next to Carlos' car, he came rushing over to me to cover me from the rain as I stepped out of her car. Our picnic plans were ruined, so we decided to drive around and talk until the storm passed. Carlos had come fully prepared - he'd packed blankets, a cooler full of snacks, and even drinks. His thoughtftulness and chilvary instantly swept me off my feet! That same day, he asked me to be his girlfriend. At first, I was surprised and thought it might be too soon but, he said he just knew. After all those hours and months spent talking, laughing, and getting to know each other, it already felt right. From that day on, we began a beautiful four-year journey together.

My brother and his family live in Key West, Florida, so it wasn't unusual that my family and I planned a family trip to visit - with a little stop in Miami to visit Carlos' uncle. That Saturday morning, we woke up and it was pouring rain outside in Miami. Carlos strategically planned that we'd go visit his uncle and his newly born baby boy. I suggested that we wait it out because it was on the news that there was a Hurricane about to hit in Florida. Carlos was very persistent that we still go, little did I know he had plans to propose! During the drive, the rain poured nonstop, but as soon as we arrived at our destination - it suddenly stopped. To my complete surprise, there was stunning proposal setup waiting for me, with flowers and the ocean right on Miami Beach. The beach was quiet, the storm had cleared, and it was just the two of us. Once we took pictures and got into the car, it started pouring again. I truly believe God paused the storm so we could have that perfect moment. As we are leaving the proposal site, Carlos tells me there was another surprise! I was still in shock and assumed he'd made dinner reservations. We pulled up to a beautiful dock lined with boats, and he asked, "You want to get on a boat now?" I laughed and said yes, still wondering about dinner. He grabs my hand and takes me walking onto the dock, and then, "SURPRISE!", all of our loved ones - both our families - were waiting for us on a gorgeous boat to celebrate our engagement. Having everyone there to share the moment meant the world to us.