Our story began on a sunny day at an FAU tailgate, where one of us was hosting and the other was there with graduate school friends. We didn’t know it then, but that day, with the Owls winning and the excitement in the air, our paths crossed for the first time. It wasn’t the start of everything, but it was the beginning of something special. Over the next few years, we stayed in touch through Instagram, exchanging the occasional comment or reaction. Despite the distance — one of us chasing dreams in New York and the other focused on adulting — Jose Luis kept reaching out. After years of friendly banter, Clara finally agreed to meet in person in September 2022. Our first date was magic. A couple of drinks turned into a long walk along the beach, hours of talking, and a connection neither of us wanted to end. We both knew something had shifted. A few months later, during a stroll down Miracle Mile, we had an honest conversation by the Coral Gables Christmas tree. We knew if we were going to make this work, it had to be forever. Long distance would be tough, but we were ready for it. Fast forward to April 2024, and Clara was in Florida for her sister’s graduation. The moment felt right for Jose Luis to take the next step, so he surprised her with a proposal, asking her to spend forever with him. Now, as we look ahead to the next chapter, we’re thrilled to make our commitment official. From that first meeting to now, we’ve known this was the love worth fighting for, no matter the distance or time. Thank you for being here to celebrate this journey with us!