Although we cannot recall the exact moment we met, we believe it was in our middle school science class. However, we do recall our first encounter with each other. Emmanuel’s Perspective: I remember seeing her pass by the hallway and thought she was the prettiest girl. It was straight out of a movie scene when I saw her. Life seemed to slow down as she passed. I remember saying “Who’s that?” to a friend next to me. She really captivated my gaze. Emily’s Perspective: I remember hearing him laugh from across the room. He was laughing with a group of friends and goofing around. I thought to myself, maybe one day we can be friends and bring joy into each other's lives. As our middle school days went on so did our friendship and likeness towards one another. We found ourselves growing closer as we talked and joked around, yet still far apart as we were little angsty teenagers. So much so, we were beginning to realize our feelings for each other, but never wanted to admit it due to the fear of rejection. Funny enough, on the last day of middle school, Emmanuel was totally oblivious when Emily was brave enough to throw a massive hint… Emmanuel's Perspective: I remember her walking towards me in the school parking lot grounds as we waited for our rides. She looked at me and asked, "Will you ever want to date me?" I, totally oblivious and afraid of this being a general question and not a direct one, responded with "Nah... I see you more as a friend" as I quickly walked off and got in my car. Boy, did I feel stupid years later when she told me she only asked because she liked me. Thankfully, we ended up going to the same high school. Where our relationship grew even further. We became best friends. Until one day, the jig was up. Our hidden feelings were out in the open and clear as day to the rest of our friends. We were able to face our fears and confess our feelings towards each other. We continued our school days as high school sweethearts and even more so, best friends. We attended different universities to pursue our careers. Making sure we always did our best to support one another in our dreams. We were shaping up to be the young adults you know today. Our relationship continued to grow even after Uni, especially after we faced a massive hurdle in our relationship, long distance. We assumed long distance during our Uni days were tough, but Emmanuel leaving Texas in search of work was tougher. Yet we were able to pull through and continue our relationship with the challenges of long distance. Visiting each other whenever possible, going on amazing trips or simply falling asleep on the phone with one another. We knew this would be it.... As the days turned to weeks, months, and years, we knew we did not want to spend another day without being by each other's side. On Saturday December 9th, 2023 Emmanuel proposed under the Christmas lights, surrounded by the Colorado snow. Emily’s Perspective: Everything was falling into place for a perfect proposal. We both had a chance to visit Colorado, but never with each other. I hoped this trip would be memorable as we explored new cities and towns in Colorado. We ended up staying a couple of days in Breckenridge and on the last day we decided to watch a play. A tale of a husband and wife who decided to give up their most prized possession for their significant other happiness. After we finished the play, Emmanuel suggested we walk around and enjoy the moment. I decided to record a video for our families and friends, and to my surprise I recorded the proposal. It was everything I ever dreamed and hoped for. I get to marry my best friend. So please join us January 17th, 2025, to celebrate our relationship as we embark on a new chapter in our life.