It's a Hallmark movie. The single lady living alone in a big city plans her trip home for Christmas - leaving the cold, snowy concrete jungle for the warm (well, almost warm) beach. She travels home, to the small quiet town, knowing friends and family were working behind the scenes for her to meet "Palatka boy". The single gentleman, a native Floridian (AKA Palatka boy), invited to a (very calculated) Christmas Eve church service and celebration expecting to see said single lady but not anticipating anything of import. What started as an awkward group dinner led to Father Joe (Emily's loving Dad) inviting Palatka boy to the family Christmas Eve Pizza Party. They finally exchanged names: Alvaro and Emily. After a few hours, a pizza, Emily saving Christmas (another story for another time), he asked her for her Instagram. One would think there was no spark, but you had to be there to know something was already in the air. So they started exchanging messages - all day, non-stop, for the next 4 days. Then he said, "I don't want to be too forward but I would really like to see you again." (Is your screen blurry? No? Must be something in my eye... not crying) And so, a seven-minute conversation (in person) at Friday Night of Holiday Youth Convention a few days later was the start of something new. Emily got her magical Christmas-Hallmark-what-dreams-are-made-of relationship with her prince charming of a man. Alvaro got his forever princess (heart-eyes EVERYWHERE).

OK so Emily's life MIGHT be a real fairy tale (his last name means PALACES?!?!? ARE YOU JOKING???). Emily and Olivia normally celebrate the 21st of September - have you heard the song? This year, the girlies didn't know what to do. Emily mentioned to Alvaro that they wanted to do something but didn't know what. A few weeks later, Alvaro suggested they take pictures on the 21st since they didn't have many pictures other than selfies on dates. Honestly, she should have seen it coming but everyone and I do mean EVERYONE was working double-time to make sure she was clueless; and clueless she was. ANYWAY! Alvaro planned the most beautiful proposal that had our hearts "RINGING" on September 21st, 2024. Alexa, play September.

March 10th, 2025 | 5:30 PM The Channel Side Club 1 Yacht Club Dr, Palm Coast, FL 32137