Here is our beginnings...Daniel wrote almost every day to Charmaine for weeks until she finally agreed to meet him in person. Daniel was persistent but never pushy, if you ask him now, he says he was about to give up to maintain his dignity lol! If you know Charmaine or as many of you know her by Lourdes, at that time the bride was managing a full time job and a private practice all at once and had very little time for socializing and even less time for dating. However, Charmaine quickly empathized with Daniel when he wrote to her saying that he was alone in Florida and had moved from Puerto Rico 3 years ago and his Birthday was coming up. (side note: this was in March and his Birthday was not until April). So Charmaine's compassionate side said "Ayy Bendito" and asked him when was his Birthday? He replied "It's in April", so Charmaine said "ok, see you in April! Daniel was like "ohh noooo we don't have to wait so long!" Can we meet for dinner sooner?" So what did she do? She called her friend Natalia on a Friday night and told her "we are going out for drinks and dinner". They went to Rocco's Tacos for Margaritas and when they were about to go in, Charmaine said to Natalia "ohh by the way there will be a guy here and I think he will be a great fit for you so let me know if you like him lol. Natalia's face was priceless. At that point Charmaine had already asked Daniel to ask the waiter for 3 chairs and he was like hugh?, and she replied, "yes , my friend is coming with me" So here they were, Daniel, Charmaine and a chaperone (Natalia) , 3 Puerto Ricans having margaritas making jokes and remembering their crossovers from PR to US. Once the night was over, Natalia insisted Charmaine to give Daniel a chance while Charmaine was trying to set them up instead. Charmaine was guarded and not convinced but he definitely seemed like a nice guy. Stay tuned for when the real sparks hit both Daniel and Charmaine the next day (without chaperone) :-)

The next day, after they met, Daniel casually called Charmaine to let her know he was "randomly" in her area and was having lunch, just in case she wanted to join (he played it cool and was not pushy, which Charmaine loved). He also did not rushed her which she also loved! If you know the bride you know she hates being rushed lol. She was starving and felt comfortable with Daniel so she said "why not"? but this time Charmaine brought her furry baby, Mia. They met at Bartaco for lunch and Mia jumped on top of him and it was love at first sight. They talked for hours until Daniel said, "Ok you are going to listen to me now, I am going to talk" ! Luckily for him he was able to put a word in and he shared his story which opened Charmaine's eyes and she immediately told him "You have a heart of gold!" They both shared their heartaches, priorities, values, dreams and disappointments from the past. They talked for so long that the waiter had to switch shifts. They didn't want to stop knowing each other but they had been sitting down for hours, so they walked Mia, got some Gelato and then finished the night with dinner and beers at World of Beer. The "lunch" date lasted 10 hrs. and they were clearly having a hard time saying goodbye. They quickly became good friends and since that day they never separated and the rest is history. Daniel drove to Orlando at least 4 times a week to see Charmaine but he was still not allowed in her apartment. One day in his car, he hugged her and said "you are my girl and I know it" and kissed her in her forehead. Finally on April 8th, they went to dinner for Daniel's birthday and that day they got their first kiss! His charm, heart, love for God , honesty, patience and character stole Charmaine's heart, and Mia's of course. The groom was such a perfect fit for Charmaine that she knew he was chosen by God, especially since her past choices did not turned out too good so her prayer to God for Him to choose for her was answered that day!

Daniel insisted in traveling to the Glacier National Park in Montana during the bride's birthday and he found the most difficult hike there, the Highline Trail, which is 15 miles and 10,000 feet high. Let's just say this was the hardest thing we have ever done but what an experience! Once we got to the top, which felt almost impossible, Daniel got in one knee on September 21st and popped the question in tears "Te quieres casar conmigo?", the bride is rarely quiet but this time she was speechless and nodded her head saying yes in tears! It was the most perfect and romantic moment ever! We are both nature lovers and being up in the mountains up in the clouds, surrounded by animals, the colors of fall and pine scents, felt like we were in heaven! Getting all the way to the top and making it back safe (at nighttime!!) was something we achieved as a team with God. We made it back by pushing and helping each other. Don't get me wrong this was nerve-racking at times especially being on bears land on a 10,000 feet high cliff at night. However, Daniel was very protective and a true gentleman as usual and Charmaine trusts him even more after that night. Everyone who saw their picture on top of the hike said, "if you guys can survive that hike together, you can survive any obstacles that may come in your marriage! This day was full of adventure, beauty, emotions, challenges and a lot of adrenaline! This entire trip marked our lives and we became closer to God and to each other. Definitely a spiritual experience! Montana will forever have a special place in our hearts.