We met on a snowy January night in 2022 at Gonzalez & Gonzalez, a Latin bar in SoHo. We danced the entire night like we’d known each other forever—and in many ways, it felt like we had. That night quickly turned into a second date, then a third, and before we knew it, we were inseparable. I had just moved to New York from Boston a few months earlier, in August 2021, to be closer to family and take the next step in my career. I was born in New York, so being back in the city felt like coming home. Omar had moved from Puerto Rico in June 2021 to begin his surgical residency—born and raised on the island, NYC was a big change, but one he’s embraced fully! When we met, there was a lot of uncertainty around what Omar’s next steps would be. His first year of residency was only a temporary placement, and the original plan was for him to return to Puerto Rico. But life had other plans for both of us. In June 2022, his career took him to Hartford, Connecticut for a year. Even though we had only known each other for a few months, we didn’t think twice about doing long distance. I was traveling often for work—my job involves a lot of travel to Europe—so we were already learning how to balance our careers with time together. Somehow, even with our packed schedules and time apart, it never felt hard. We always found our way back to each other. By June 2023, Omar received an offer to return to New York to complete his residency—and just like that, we were back in the same city. We moved into our first apartment together, and brought home our first fur babies, Maximo and Mateo, completing our little family (for now!). In October 2024, Omar proposed at the bench in Central Park where we had our very first date—on another snowy January day, almost three years to the day we met. The proposal was private and intimate, just the two of us, but he had secretly planned a celebration afterward with our closest friends and family. Walking into that surprise party was one of the most joyful and unforgettable moments of our lives. 2025 brought another round of uncertainty, as Omar began applying for fellowships in February (for my non-medical peeps: this is allegedly the last round of training. Allegedly.). The last few months have been a blur of interviews, long hours, and waiting. Then a few weeks ago, we got the news: he matched with his top choice—in NYC! We couldn’t believe it. After the craziness of the last few years, we finally get to stay in the place that’s come to mean so much to both of us. For good. Omar will graduate from residency in June 2026, just before our wedding, and complete his fellowship in June 2027. Through all the unknowns and long hours (and even longer distance), we’ve built a home together here in New York. This city holds our beginnings, our milestones, and our everyday life. With everything New York has given us, it will always be home—but Colombia holds a special place in our hearts. It’s where my family is from, a country that’s deeply tied to my roots, and a place Omar and I have fallen in love with together over the years. We’ve traveled there many times, created memories with loved ones, and built our own connection to its people, culture, and beauty. Choosing to get married there feels like the most natural and meaningful way to honor where we come from—and to celebrate where we’re going. We can’t wait to start this next chapter with all of you!!