After years of focusing on their careers and being single, both LJ and Cindy took a leap of faith and signed up for online dating last year. It was Cindy's goal to simply to go out on one date before 2017 was over. Little did she know what was in store ahead. On the very day LJ signed up last fall, Cindy made his list of compatible matches. Cindy was drawn to his love for God, family, and ALL THINGS LATIN. She made the first move and smiled at LJ. LJ was drawn to her love for God, being Latina, and how she was driven to reach her personal goals. LJ smiled back. They began communicating online and eventually texting for a couple of weeks. Sensing a sincere connection, they both decided to meet for their first date. A simple date to meet for coffee turned into dinner and long conversation. Both were attracted to each other and agreed to meet for a second date. A week later they went on their second date which will always be remembered as "the best coffee date ever". Three and a half hours easily passed by as LJ and Cindy deeply connected through transparent conversation and their shared love for the Lord. By their third date, LJ expressed his intentions with Cindy in the middle of Disney Springs. Cindy was completely smitten by LJ and his desire to pursue her in a way no man ever had before. On November 11th, LJ and Cindy took the next step and began their relationship with the intention towards marriage. And the rest is history!

On Monday, February 12th, Cindy received a phone call from her father letting her know LJ stopped by his office to take him out to lunch. Since he was in the middle of tax season and meeting with clients, he was not able to have lunch with LJ. Her dad wanted to make it up to LJ by celebrating his birthday the following evening and asked Cindy to plan to surprise LJ with birthday cake at her Aunt Carmen's house with some family. Cindy and LJ had already planned a day at the beach as part of his Valentine's day gift to Cindy. To not feel overwhelmed, Cindy asked her aunt (who was extremely willing to help) organize the party. LJ and Cindy enjoyed a wonderful, romantic day together at the beach. Tired from the day, they made plans to arrive at Cindy's house to shower & change, and then walk over across the street to her aunt's house to have salads they didn't manage to eat earlier in the day. Before walking over, LJ took a FaceTime conference call with his family. Cindy did not think anything of it as she was accustomed to him having these family conference calls often. With the family already present upon arrival, LJ put on his best performance to act surprised. Happy Birthday was sung, candles were blown out and some pictures were taken. Cindy went to the kitchen to grab a second cake to surprise her brother in law who had a birthday the following week. LJ began his speech thanking the family and sharing how much his life has changed in a year. Cindy's stepmom encouraged her to stand next to LJ as he spoke. His speech, to Cindy's surprise, turned into a proposal. In the presence of family from both sides(who were in on the surprise) LJ got down on one knee and asked Cindy to be his wife. She said YES. They celebrated his birthday/their first Valentine's Day as an engaged couple! LJ created this video of the events leading to the proposal. Copy & paste this link to watch: https://youtu.be/6R93Kqosb94 Fair warning: you may cry like Cindy did!