It all started at Marcela´s family’s New Year’s party on January 1st, 2018. Between drinks, we started talking — truth be told, the drinks most definitely helped break the ice. We danced, talked, and exchanged phone numbers. After the party we continued conversing, and the next day went on their first date… the first of many that followed.

In early 2023 we planned a trip to Europe for Marcela´s birthday. After a couple days in Spain and Lisbon, Darren suggested they go to Albufeira, Portugal to celebrate Marcela's birthday. Marcela happily agreed, excited to visit the sun drenched Atlantic coast. Everything seemed like a normal day as we got ready for her birthday celebration. After breakfast, Darren insisted on going to a cliff with a dramatic view of the ocean to give her a gift. At the top, Darren got on one knee to propose and give Marcela the gift — her engagement ring.