Gerard and Ellie’s story began in high school at the Science Academy in Mercedes. They first met at the start of their sophomore year…in chemistry class. They were immediately intrigued by each other (yes, the chemistry was real) and quickly became more than just acquaintances. But midway through the year, Gerard suddenly stopped coming to school. Through a mutual friend, Ellie learned he had transferred to a school in Harlingen, and that was that. Fast forward to senior year. That same mutual friend invited them both to his birthday party, where Gerard and Ellie saw each other for the first time in nearly two years. They were happy to reconnect but only exchanged a quick hello and a polite “how’ve you been.” Two months later, in December, they were invited to go bowling with a small group of friends. This time something clicked. Gerard and Ellie spent the entire night talking and laughing, barely noticing anyone else. Before leaving, they exchanged numbers and hoped their rekindled friendship would grow. And it did. Over the next few weeks, they texted now and then. One Saturday, Ellie was working on her senior project in Mercedes, and Gerard happened to be there with his friends working on theirs. When the day ended, Gerard needed a ride home, and Ellie was the only one heading back to Harlingen. During the drive, they fell into the same easy conversation they’d shared at the bowling alley. Full of laughter. Full of sparks. When Ellie dropped him off, she realized they lived less than five minutes apart. From then on, Gerard regularly rode his bike through Ellie’s neighborhood. Sometimes he’d toss candy toward her door or window as he rode by. Eventually, he began stopping at the corner of her street and they would talk for a few minutes…or hours…in the front yard. During one of these conversations, Ellie invited him to attend her church on Sunday mornings. Gerard showed up almost every week. At first he sat across the sanctuary, then a little closer each Sunday, until he was sitting in the pew right behind Ellie and her family. Eventually Ellie invited him to sit with them, and he even started joining her family for lunch after church. Before long, they were inseparable friends. After graduation, Ellie planned to attend Texas A&M Kingsville, while Gerard planned to go to UTRGV (or so he thought). Ellie gently encouraged him to study somewhere outside their hometown and even offered to help with his Kingsville application. Gerard, in a stunning moment of trust, handed over his date of birth AND social security number. Ellie submitted the application. Gerard got in. And just like that, they were headed to freshman orientation together. It was at freshman camp that their bond deepened. They shared team games, late-night talks, and long walks around camp. A week after classes officially began, Gerard finally told Ellie how he felt. He took her by the hands and admitted he was in love with her and wanted to date her. Ellie told him he would need to ask her parents for permission. And, without hesitation, he did. Gerard and Ellie dated throughout college, moving from Kingsville to Corpus and then back to the Valley, where they eventually graduated. Nearly eight years after they started dating, Gerard (finally) proposed, all in God’s perfect timing! Gerard and Ellie love the Lord and give Him all the glory for their relationship and the story He has written for them. They fell in love at eighteen and are now overjoyed to be getting married at twenty-six. They’ve grown up together, laughed together, cried together, and loved each other deeply. Through it all, they have been blessed with a supportive family, church family, and friends who’ve walked alongside them every step of the way. And yes…the chemistry that started it all? Still going strong! God continues to write Ellie and Gerard’s love story. Here’s to the next chapter. “I have found the one whom my soul loves.” Song of Solomon 3:4