We first saw each other during the Wedding Rehearsal of Mark's Uncle Otis and his Aunt-in-Law Judith. My best friend Sharleen is Judith's sister and also was my former roommate. I first met Judith and Otis via WhatsApp while I was still living in New York. Thanks to Sharleen, Judith allowed me to be one of her bridesmaids and Mark was already one of Otis' groomsman. Unfortunately, Mark and I were not matched together, due to a significant height difference (yes, I am that short lol). Fast forward two days after the wedding, Mark and I were introduced formally at Otis' birthday party. He helped set up for the event that took place at the resort Sharleen, my other best friend/Sharleen's wife LeDonna, Gregory, Melissa and myself were staying. During the whole event, Mark and I did not speak one word to each other, but I knew he was looking at me talking and hanging out with the rest of the guests. When it was time for everyone to leave, Mark and I awkwardly started out by giving each other a handshake, which then formed into a big hug. I thought that was going to be the last time I was going to see him. I did get yelled at by Sharleen and LeDonna for not making a move on him because they could tell the chemistry between us was on point! I actually was waiting on him to approach me/make the first move. The next day, we all went to the beach for some fun and I could not stop thinking about Mark. When we got back to the resort, I decompressed from being out all day, took a shower, and changed into this nice red house dress. Then I heard a knock on the door, and Judith told me to answer it. I said okay and when I opened the door, there was Mark standing outside. I was shocked, nervous and excited at the same time (I did not want to be overly excited because then that would've been a tad bit weird lol). I then gave Mark a big hug and asked how he was. He said he was fine and I thought to myself of what Sharleen told me the night before: "if you do not make the first move, you just might miss out on something that could change your life forever". So that's when I asked Mark if he wanted to go out on a walk. He quickly accepted and we then walked down to the pool area just talking away/getting to know each other more until we got kicked out because we were there past the operation hours. After we got kicked out, he then offered to take me for a tour of the island. First of all: I am very cautious, especially since I was in a different country. I did not really know this man from a can of paint, nor was I supposed to trust him, but because I know if I was truly in danger, neither my friends or even Judith/Otis would even leave me alone with him in the pool area. So, we hopped into his car and we drove around West Bay, Georgetown, then concluded back to the same beach my friends and I were at earlier that day. At the beach, we talked and talked and talked; which confirmed the compatibility between us. Given the fact that we resided in different countries, the thought did come up about whether we could handle being in a long distance relationship. We knew the odds, but decided to take on the challenge! Now, here we are: engaged and ready to take on the next chapter in our lives. We knew that we could not have gotten through the obstacles without the help from our friends and family, and most importantly: GOD; for bringing us here and giving us strength, over 7 years later. Mark and I are elated to have the never-ending support, care, honesty, and LOVE, each of you have given us. We are thrilled to have you celebrate on what many used to think was only a fairytale. Join us for the magic and the love built into our forever union ship. Next stop: #MadlyDeMercado on August 23rd, 2025 in the Cayman Islands :)!