Brandon and I first met at a rainy and cold University Of South Florida Football game, both Alumni at this point! We continued to cross paths for a couple weeks but never took the time to have a conversation. After sneakily being sat next to one another (thanks Eman), we decided to set up a more intimate setting to get to know one another. We met at a restaurant, and oh my...our waitress must have hated us that night! We were so caught up with each other that it took us about an hour to order our food and then when we did get our meals, we barely touched them! We stayed until the restaurant closed, just chatting about anything and everything. It was a phenomenal first date! Before we knew it, it was midnight and he walked me to my car like a true gentleman...the rest is history!

From the Groom's Perspective: The entire day I was giddy with excitement and looking forward to that evening.. this entire thing was a solid couple of months to put everything together (shout out to Stephanie & Eman!). The plan was set, everyone was in their places at the pier.. and there we were walking through the park because "the table isn't ready yet"... as we were walking through the park near The Columbia at Riverwalk, my eyes were nervously scanning to see if everyone was in position... and suddenly I saw them. At the same exact time Daniela happened to ask me.. "Where is your Mom?"... to which I replied while pointing my finger... "... Oh THERE she is... and there's YOUR mom, and your dad, and our whole family" as she quickly realized what was happening, those were the exact words that fell out of her mouth "W-wh--what is happening?!" she kept asking. At that point she finally realized what was in fact happening as I soon after asked her to spend the rest of our lives together... spoiler alert: she said yes! From the Bride's Perspective: That Sunday started out like any other day, excited for a beautiful dinner with Brandon's family to celebrate his mother's birthday. Or so I thought. Brandon did such an amazing job keeping his composure throughout the day, up until the drive to the restaurant. In the car he was flustered, anxious, and happy at the same time. As we get out of the car he beams the brightest smile I have ever seen and when asked about it he shrugged his shoulders and said nothing. We continue to walk down Riverwalk because our "table isn't ready," and then he tells me to turn and look at the pier, as I slowly start to realize that ALL OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS ARE THERE! I've never been so overwhelmed with joy and emotions! I cried...a lot! It was perfect! I'm so happy I was able to spend such a special moment surrounded by family and friends. We celebrated with lots of champagne and of course lots of food at the Colombia Café!