It all started with a swipe in September 2018. After matching on Bumble, our first date didn’t happen until October 21 but not without a little detective work first. Kristina, ever the cautious one, asked Dante for his last name so she could look him up on social media. In true Dante fashion, he responded with “Dante Alighieri” which, unaware to Kristina, was the name of a 13th-century Italian poet. After some solid FBI-level searching, she eventually found the real Dante on Facebook. When we finally met in person, Kristina was (unknowingly) coming from another date, and Dante had just returned from a party weekend in Dallas, slightly hungover but charming nonetheless. We met at a rooftop bar, where Dante made Kristina laugh and, to her surprise, gave her their first kiss that very night. Our second date revealed even more layers. Dante picked Kristina up without saying where they were headed, and they arrived at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; an unexpected but sweet glimpse into his love for history. Afterward, when Kristina mentioned she needed to take care of her dog, Louna, Dante didn’t hesitate. He brought her home, and the two of them walked Louna around the neighborhood, deep in conversation. It was in that thoughtful moment Kristina realized this could be something special. Fast forward six years, and what a journey it’s been. Our love has weathered great challenges: the loss of beloved family members, a terrifying shooting incident, and Kristina’s father suffering a massive heart attack the day after our engagement. But through it all, we’ve grown stronger. Learning to support one another, lean into faith, and work as a team. We’ve also shared unforgettable joy: traveling to beautiful places, making memories with our two amazing dogs, Louna and Athena, and celebrating milestones with the family and friends we hold dear. Then came the proposal: a moment as chaotic, funny, and unforgettable as our story. We booked a trip to Riviera Maya, Mexico to celebrate Dante passing his PE exam or so Kristina thought. Before the trip, she even asked if he was planning to propose. His firm “no” (and her un-manicured nails) had her completely fooled. The trip was full of Caribbean water and delicious food… but also, oddly, a lot of Dante running back to the hotel room claiming he had “diarrhea.” When Kristina asked why he didn’t just use the pool restroom, he replied, “They don’t have AC, and I need AC for a pleasant bathroom experience.” In reality, he was secretly coordinating the proposal. On September 29, 2024, after morning Mass and a beach cleanup effort by Kristina (heroically removing ocean trash to save sea creatures), Dante finally convinced her to go to lunch. Unaware that a five-course beach dinner was being prepared, Kristina ordered a big bowl of guacamole after ceviche and shrimp cocktail. Dante, knowing she’d be full before the big moment, got a little frustrated. A small argument followed; resolved quickly with a tequila shot at a pool foam party. Then came another “diarrhea attack,” and Dante rushed back to finalize the setup. When he returned, he claimed to have scored a last-minute reservation at a hidden resort restaurant. With only 45 minutes to get ready, Kristina was skeptical. Then the room phone rang; a man said their “cart” was waiting. Full panic mode kicked in. Kristina threw on her “just in case I get proposed to” dress and even searched Dante’s suitcase for a ring. No luck. But when the golf cart dropped them off at a rose petal-lined path leading to a private table on the beach, she knew. Dante launched into a 45-minute monologue about their love story, then dropped to one knee as the entrée arrived. Kristina said yes! No road is perfect, but we’ve learned that with love, laughter, faith, and communication, we can weather anything. We’re so grateful for the journey that brought us here and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you.