It all started at the annual Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s Halloween party. Paolo was working the late shift, but found 30 minutes to slip upstairs to watch the costume contest and enjoy some much needed libations. When he arrived, Jess approached him with a bottle of wine and a glass. They made some small talk before Paolo returned to his desk. To his surprise, Jess came down 15 minutes later with the wine and kept him company while he worked. As the night ended, they were the last people in the office. As they waited for the elevator, Jess surprised him again by saying she was hungry. Naturally, Paolo asked her if she wanted to get dinner and one would assume the rest is history. One would be wrong. They enjoyed our time in K-Town, but nothing was official. Much of the same happened the next few months. He enjoyed their romantic sunset walks; she not so much. She enjoyed watching Young Frankenstein; he fell asleep. Paolo invited Jess to hang with his friends; their lives were acclimating despite how opposite they were. Soon after, Paolo decided to ask Jess to be his girlfriend. When he asked her, her face seized up and she shook her head and said, "No". Paolo prided himself for being able to ‘read the room’. He was in such shock that she wasn’t interested the only words that came out of his mouth were, “Oh, I’m sorry are you a lesbian?” Not Paolo’s brightest moment (they still laugh about it). In hindsight it did cut the awkwardness and elicited laughter from her. Nonetheless, they didn’t speak for weeks. Not wanting to seem desperate, Paolo ignored Jess at work. He avoided going to public spaces until she wasn’t there. He was determined not to crack. Weeks later she messaged him. Jess thought about it and decided to give Paolo a chance after realizing that someone else in the office was interested in him (jealousy is a pretty good catalyst). Fast forward seven years: they’re living happily together with their two cats and are planning their wedding.

Thank you for your love and support throughout the years. We hope you can join us for our wedding in Mexico! Some important information about the resort: Due to COVID restrictions, all wedding guests MUST stay at the resort. If this changes, we will make updates to the website to let you know. A minimum of 3 nights stay is required. The resort is adults only. The resort is all-inclusive! For more information on the resort, including how to get there, please see the Travel tab, the Things to Do tab, and the FAQ tab. We hope you’re able to join us to celebrate our wedding, but also to relax, have fun, and eat some good food! The Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya resort has white sand beaches, secluded pools, snorkeling, an amazing spa, 6 restaurants, 7 bars/lounges, plus proximity to Mayan ruins. Again, this is an all-inclusive resort so the cost of food and drinks are included in your room cost! Visit the Things to Do tab for information on activities the resort offers. We appreciate all of you for being in our life and we look forward to celebrating our wedding with you all! ~Jessica and Paolo~