We got married!

It was a warm night during our summer program at Yale. We were both in a small group of people that was chatting on one of the quads. Dani and Brad found each other and quickly sparked a connection. We talked, got to know each other, and even danced a little bit (surprising for Brad, we know). Dani was going on a trip to Boston the next day, so she asked Brad if she could take his hat so that they wouldn’t forget each other. We found each other again when she got back from her trip, and the rest is history.

Brad hired a string duo and a photographer to come up to the rooftop of our building at sunset. He scattered rose petals around and told Dani to meet him at sunset. She came through the door, and the strings began to play “Can’t help falling in love with you” by Elvis. With the sunlit background of New York City behind us, Brad told Dani that whenever he looked at a sunset, he wanted it to be with her. He got down on one knee and asked Dani to marry him. She said no...kidding!

Saturday, October 8th, 2022. Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia. The day started with morning showers. A good sign, Dani’s dad told us. This way the clouds would be all watered out by 4 pm. Dani wasn’t convinced. It had been raining every day, after all. She kept bargaining with the rain gods, “As long as it doesn’t rain before 10 pm we’ll be fine!” Then, “As long as it doesn’t rain by 8 pm it’ll be fine!” Finally, “As long as we can make it through the ceremony I’ll be happy!” Brad and Dani said their goodbyes as she headed over to her grandma’s house to get ready and Brad stayed behind in San Jose. Shower, pressing, steaming, priming, primping, buttoning, fastening, curling and straightening. 10 am to 4 pm passed in the blink of an eye. Not truly believing that today was their wedding day, Brad and Dani were nevertheless ready to get married. The time had come. Brad made his way down to the ceremony area to meet guests. His nerves were distracted by excited hugs and smudged makeup on his suit. His family, his friends, her family, her friends. Their village. They were all here. All ready to celebrate their love. He wasn't sure he wouldn’t cry when he saw Dani walking down the aisle; he isn’t usually a happy crier. However, when he saw her in her dress for the first time, Brad couldn’t hold back the emotions. She looked amazing, and he was so happy to be sharing that day with her in such a beautiful place with their friends and family. After 10 years of knowing and loving each other, Brad and Dani were ready to make their forever official. Under the beautiful tree that served as the backdrop for the processions, a happy and emotional ceremony took place. Dani’s lifelong friend, Anita, served as the officiant. She spoke eloquently and provided her own unique insight into the couple’s story. Brad & Dani couldn’t have been happier to have Dani’s best friend, who has often felt more like a sister, play this part in their special day. A poem, a sand ceremony, a quite-difficult-to-break piece of glass (mazel tov!) and a kiss later, Brad and Dani made it official! What followed was a night filled with love, laughter, dancing and plenty of delicious food! The night was perfect, without a drop in the sky. Dani & Brad couldn’t have asked for more.