We're Getting Married!

Fernando and I first met when I was a student teacher and Fernando was a safety and security officer at Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy. At the time we didn't interact much and based on first impressions neither of us were total fans of the other. For a year and a half working together, we just existed in the same space, continuing about our own business. It wasn't until the spring of 2023 that we found ourselves sharing more and more moments together. From school dances to staff events, Fernando and I began to share more conversations and the spark was instant. It was clear based on my blushing red cheeks and Fernando's huge smile any time we were talking that there was a mutual attraction. Finally, after some encouragement from our coworkers, Fernando asked me out on our first date. Our first date was at New Holland in downtown GR and from the moment Fernando picked me up the conversation never died. We closed down the restaurant and our food got cold because we were so deep in conversation. We then went on a few more dates and each day it became more and more evident that this was more than a crush or casual date. Fernando quickly got introduced to the VanSickle family as he attended my sister's wedding and then my cousin's wedding only a few months into dating. As we continued to grow our relationship, it became clear that our first impressions were incorrect. We both found so much joy and happiness in each other. The rest is history.

Fernando and I decided to go to Boston Massachusetts for one last getaway before the 24-25 school year started. While we were packing for our trip, I noticed that Fernando had packed some headphones that he never uses and I asked him why, but he quickly changed the subject. Little did I know that the ring he planned to propose to me with was in the headphone case. While we were on the flight, I got even more suspicious about the headphones as Fernando was overly protective of the headphones. Out of an abundance of caution, Fernando decided to move the ring box to his pocket. Shortly after we landed in Boston, we decided to go to JFK presidential museum to make the most of our quick trip. When we first entered the museum, I could tell that Fernando was a little nervous, but wasn’t sure why. I thought he might propose on this trip but didn’t think it would happen until later. Once we entered the museum, Fernando suggested we visit the bathroom first. When I came out of the bathroom, I waited for Fernando for what felt like an eternity and he then came around the corner of the entrance saying he was just checking things out. I didn’t think much of it and followed him to the entrance of the museum. Fernando then asked for my phone to take a picture of me by the presidential seal and as I was posing for the photo he said wanted to switch to his phone. He then turned around and grabbed what I thought was his phone out of his pocket, but was actually the ring. He then dropped to one knee and popped the question. My face was covered in a look of shock, joy and happiness that quickly shifted to tears as I was so elated that Fernando had asked me to marry him. I quickly said yes and the museum erupted in cheers as everyone was super excited for us. Fernando gave me the biggest hug and in all the excitment, he just handed me the ring box instead of putting it on my finger. I asked he if he was ok and he shared that he had blacked out. Fernando then revealed that he had asked one of the employees to record the proposal so that we had it forever. It was hard to focus on anything in the museum as I was so excited to be marrying my best friend. The museum employees even offered to host our wedding there. We had a great rest of our trip to Boston and returned home to begin the wedding planning process.