EMPY: In a new world of dating apps, we met the old-fashioned way...at a local Miami bar, Blackbird Ordinary. On a Saturday night, after an exciting college football game, my girlfriends wanted to go somewhere nearby for a drink. I remember wanting to go home, but didn't want to be such a party pooper. I told myself, why not, only 1 more drink and go. Meanwhile, after a couple drinks, I remember having a conversation with my friend about how great the last year has been with traveling & focusing on what makes me happy, but I was ready to put myself out there & start dating again. In a matter of minutes, Jason & his friend walk into the bar where we all met. His mystery & presence is what intrigued me to know more beyond the surface. That is the moment that I will always treasure because it was sudden, unexpected, and meant to be. God has a plan for everyone & I'm happy he made us cross paths. The rest was history. JASON: For me, life is great right now. I traveled for work the last 5 years, meet people from around the world and made friendships that I’ll keep the rest of my life. I was able to get back to Florida, and start establishing the life I wanted to live in Miami. The energy that’s created when you move to a new city is hard to explain…everything is new with developing friendships, work relationships, creating new habits, and building your own perspectives. I loved that energy and everything about being in Miami. That night was unique because as I was walking through Brickell, I randomly saw a friend of mine, and met a group of guys that were all out watching football on a Saturday night. I instantly clicked with the guys & as the game ended, everyone started splitting up & a small group of us decided to keep the night going and head to different bar. We walk in to Blackbird Ordinary & as Empy said, the rest is history. That night led to me randomly meeting few people that I’m still close with to this day. Most importantly, my future wife.

Jason and I spent months planning out our first long vacation……. A much-needed trip to the California Coast. We had everything planned, from exploring wine country in Napa and Sonoma, sightseeing in San Fran, adventuring through Big Sur, and watching a music festival headlined by the Foo Fighters. To my surprise, the best part of the trip came with our planned “relaxation” portion of the trip at the Timber Cove resort on the Sonoma Coast. It was the perfect setting……. a recently renovated rustic resort, set on top of a winding mountain that directly overlooked the Pacific Ocean. Our first night, we relaxed by the fireside at the beach lounge, taking it all in how lucky we were in this moment. The next day, we hiked the surrounding mountains, saw whales and kayakers floating around the bay, and enjoyed a calm after surrounded by nature. At night, we had a dinner planned at the resorts restaurant, and even better they gave us their best table overlooking the ocean with a fireplace close to our backs. We spent a few hours at dinner talking and taking everything slow, drinking local wine, and reflecting on how great of a trip this had been. Towards the end of the dinner, I realized we were the only ones in the restaurant, the wait staff working in the back, not rushing us as they slowly started shutting everything down. And then it happened………. Jason got one knee, brought out this beautiful ring, and uttered those words that touched my soul. I was in shock……. utterly speechless and in pure bliss. The next hour was like a walking dream and I couldn’t believe how happy I was. It was the perfect night, in the perfect place……………….. and of course, it was an immediate yes.

For us, the decision to elope was one that brought several unique emotions. On one hand, we wanted the chance to celebrate a wedding with our family and friends. On the other, we wanted a unique experience and intimate setting to allow us to focus on the moment of being with each other. After talking with our families, we realized how supportive our families were and everyone loved the idea of eloping. We decided to make this the trip of our lives and one we will always remember traveling through Italy and Spain. The ceremony is set in Praiano, Italy, with the ceremony overlooking the Amalfi Coast.

We can’t wait to celebrate our union with loved ones and toast to a lifetime of happiness. We are planning a future celebration back in Miami and will give everyone plenty of notice to hopefully attend. Details coming soon, we will keep you posted!

While we have taken several exciting trips together, we are ecstatic and very much looking forward to our first real adventure as husband & wife. It is because of the lifetime of memories that we will gain from this trip that we finally settled on a honeymoon registry. We will document our experience and share with you some of the beauty we encounter in Italy & Spain. Click on the Registry tab to contribute a cash gift for our honeymoon fund.