The book of caitlin & miguel

Picture this: Caitlin and Miguel together at the Filipino-Indian extravaganza where their friends Micah and Sangit decided to tie the knot, except they didn’t actually meet. In the same room, dancing for hours and around the same people, but were never introduced, never spoke, or never shared even a simple glance. Fast forward to a casual housewarming, and there they were, meeting in an apartment to celebrate the start of their friends’ new lives. Their first interactions weren't cinematic or dramatic. Miguel remembers the first time they hugged, her contagious energy, and that she was wearing this cute, gray shirt. Caitlin noticed Miguel’s kind smile and that he had a hearty laugh. When the pandemic began, the world stood still, but their relationship grew. They experienced the awkward camaraderie of group Zoom calls, became each other’s bubble, and explored the quiet city. Their friendship grew until finally, their first date. The details around “who asked who” is still up for debate, but what is agreed upon is that they started at a taco joint in the East Village. It was a “befatbehappy” thing that Caitlin wanted to take Miguel to as a mini test to see if he’d be okay with a big part of her life. He was. They strolled to Angel’s Share, to get “Giant Steps” to-go (when NYC to-go cocktails were raving), still one of their favorite cocktails to this day. After an accidental subway ride to Brooklyn, they picked up a bottle of wine from a local shop, and sat by the pier talking for hours until the sun was setting. They spoke about how she did dance in high school and he studied music, how they both loved their family, and how she couldn’t believe he had a TikTok. It felt like they could talk forever. Their dating relationship was filled with delicious food, laughter, drinks, and some of the most memorable moments they will cherish for a lifetime. It did not take long for them to fall deeply in love.

Now, let's talk about the real magic. It happened on Miguel's birthday weekend, the supposed grand finale dinner with siblings. They were at that same pier, a place drenched in memories from their first date and countless adventures. Miguel, ever the storyteller, began reminiscing about their journey and the years they’ve spent together. Then, with the pier as their stage, he popped the question. No grand orchestration, just a real declaration of love. Caitlin knew, with assurance for a while, what her answer would be. They were a team, it was an unequivocal yes. Pictures were taken, families were called, and as if on cue, some of Caitlin’s best friends appeared, with a timely bottle of champagne. The surprises continued as Miguel whisked Caitlin away to Lure Fish Bar, where a private dining room awaited — a perfect setting for an unforgettable dinner, with their cherished immediate families, and palpable excitement and joy as welcomed guests.

As they gear up for the "I do" moment, Caitlin and Miguel are ready for a future that's as genuine as their love story. They could not think of a better way to celebrate their love than to invite their closest friends and family to a delicious meal and an endless night of dancing. As you commit to being part of this momentous time in Caitlin and Miguel’s public commitment to loving and serving each other, they’d also like to commit to cherishing you. They wouldn’t be who they are without the wonderful people in their lives, and they want to send a huge thank you in advance for celebrating them and surrounding them with joy. They are thrilled that you have agreed to be a part of their special night, a moment in their long love story, and the beginning of the rest of their lives. And who knows, perhaps this night will serve as the beginning of another story. . .

While they don’t have it all figured out (who does), there are a few shared passions they’ll continue to dive into — eating and drinking for starters. From Michelin star restaurants to street food, beer to wine, fried chicken to caviar, they love exploring it all together. Making cocktails at home, hitting up cool bars, and mulling over the best meals they’ve had — these are the things that make their love story deliciously real. Oh, and board games. They're not just a cute addition to their story; they're a serious affair. The competition is fierce, the strategies are real, and the laughs are endless. And then, there's their shared love for travel. Caitlin might have a few more stamps in her passport, but everything with Miguel feels like a new adventure. Whether it's exploring the vibrant streets of a new city, lazing on a beach with toes in the sand, or hiking through breathtaking landscapes, they find joy in discovering new places and creating memories together. Stay tuned for everything that’s unwritten.

Christine Sakdalan Ronald Sakdalan Sylvia Valentin Reinaldo Valentin