We're Getting Married

A journey written by God, filled with butterflies, timing, and love that always found its way back. It all began on March 26, 2014, in San Diego, California. Braulio, a high school baseball player from Las Vegas, was in town for a tournament, staying at the Comfort Inn on Hotel Circle. Donchelle, born and raised in San Diego, had also checked into the same hotel for a friend’s birthday sleepover. That evening, while spending time near the pool, Donchelle noticed a boy in a baseball jersey grilling with a group. He stood out to her instantly—there was something about him. She wanted to say hello, but nerves got in the way. That night, her friends dared her to talk to the boys playing games, to ask if the birthday girl and her friends could join their game. That dare led to a friendly round of Capture the Flag, and by the end, a spark was beginning to form. As the group was tired, some went back to their rooms and some stayed thinking of another game. The group was in a huddle, Donchelle stood behind the boy (Braulio) she had noticed earlier by the pool, quietly mouthing to her friend, “He’s so cute.” Her friend didn’t keep the secret for long—she ratted her out. Braulio turned around, looked over her head, then down into her eyes, and smiled. “Hello, how are you?” he said. From there, everything shifted. Donchelle blurted out, “What’s your name?” and he responded playfully, “That’s if you can pronounce it—Braulio.” She tried, then he asked her for her name, she responded playfully back and told him her name: “Donchelle… if you can pronounce that.” He did—beautifully. He then said, "Wow, two unique names". They laughed, talked, and walked together under the courtyard lights. Before the night ended, Braulio asked, “I know we just met, and I love getting to know you, but… can I hold your hand?” Donchelle said "Yes". It was sweet, respectful, and unforgettable. He asked for her number, then walked her back to the room, and said goodnight— just like that, they went their separate ways. But the moment stayed with them. For a few months, they texted long-distance. Then one day, Donchelle lost her phone—and with it, Braulio’s number. They lost contact. But Braulio kept the slip of paper where she’d written her number, tucked away in his wallet. He carried it for years, even through basic training in the U.S. Army. In 2016, two years later, Braulio felt a gut instinct to call her. During his Thanksgiving break, he phoned his mom and asked her to check his old wallet back home. Inside was that folded piece of paper. He copied the number, called—and to his surprise, Donchelle answered. She didn’t recognize the number at first, but something told her to pick up. “Is this Donchelle?” he asked. “Who’s asking?” she replied. “It’s Braulio.” Her heart skipped a beat. They caught up like no time had passed, and days later, Braulio finally asked the question he never had the chance to ask before: “Will you be my girlfriend?” She smiled, asked, “Like, long-distance?” and when he said yes, she answered with butterflies, “Yes.” For more than two years, they maintained a long-distance relationship—visiting, FaceTiming, writing letters by mail, supporting each other. Eventually, they both ended up at La Sierra University, where their love deepened even more. In Donchelle’s final year of college, Braulio asked her father for her hand in marriage. The first time, her father said no—he felt it was too soon. But Braulio was sure. He returned and stood his ground and told him, “She’s the one.” This time, her father said yes. A week later, on November 26, 2021, Braulio got down on one knee and asked Donchelle to marry him. She said yes with her whole heart. Today, they live a beautiful life built on love, faith, and laughter. Their story has had distance, reconnection, growth, and grace. From a poolside crush to a handwritten phone number, from silence to a surprise call, and from a dare to forever—this love was always meant to be.