Our Story
An Interview
August 16, 2022
Amidst a job opening at LACS, left by Mindy's best friend Keren, Eric felt that this was the opportunity he had been praying for. Visibly nervous and quite frankly unqualified, it was to his surprise that an attractive woman wearing shorts came in with a computer to take notes. She introduced herself as Mindy, the third grade teacher. Her smile and strange calming presence helped ease the stress of the process. Already feeling timid, Eric could not help but notice her eyes full of compassion and what seemed like a yearning to become acquainted with one another. And just like that, this love story began to unravel in its purest form.
A Friendship
September 2022
Experiencing the absence of her best friend, Mindy found it comforting and safe to frequently visit the first grade classroom where Eric was setting up. On the other hand, Eric was anxious about starting a new job as a first year teacher but discovered that he enjoyed the gentle presence of having Mindy around. While it seemed that the world had suddenly flipped upside down, the star crossed lovers would soon realize that things were falling into place. Out of the turbulence of life and the unexpected blessings of God, a sweet friendship was born. One that would be cultivated and nurtured. One that was patient and kind. One that was honoring and not self-seeking. A true and genuine interest for the well-being of one another. A love. Undoubtedly, a spark had ignited. A bursting flame of interest and a question that begged to be answered: could there be more? Certainly both hearts knew desire was present and were reluctant to confess out of fear. Still, Eric and Mindy were persistent and that friendship soon translated out of the boundaries of the workplace and into the tranquility of nature. With the company of their beloved pets Bingley, Rocky and Bean, they found themselves hiking and sitting together atop Kenneth Hahn. The combination of stillness and restfulness allowed them to open their hearts and have meaningful conversations. This further solidified the relationship and trust in one another.
The First Kiss
October 7, 2022
After a series of hikes, breath-taking sunsets, and two souls intertwining, Mindy paused her online dating approach and it became clear to her that Eric was the only person she was looking forward to hearing from every night. She began to spill the beans to friends that there was “a guy” but would not dare divulge any information about him as concerns, doubts, and questions were just too great to ignore. Eric and Mindy were aware of the risks involved with confessing an attraction, but also acknowledged that the intensifying feelings could not be contained much longer. Hungry as ever for food and an ache to confirm mutual desires, their bravery led them to an evening at the beach. As the sun began to get low, emotions, nerves and boldness shot straight up. Slowly but surely, inches of space were eliminated between the two and Mindy dared to lean in for their first kiss. Fears and what if’s failed to make their case present and were immediately met with an overwhelming sense of peace. The safety net had been undone and they fell all in at free rate speed. A desire for one another was ablaze.
Dating, Officially
April 1, 2023
Diving head first into the unknown, they moved forward willingly. For the first time, in what seemed a long time, Eric and Mindy were experiencing something that had not been previously known. The worries that surrounded them were drowning in a sea full of empathy. The walls that were put up collapsed in the face of the sheer commitment that was in full exhibition. The presence of this growing love was demanding to be felt. After 6 months of tough conversations and an overdue question, Eric made it official by saying Mindy was the 1 - 4 him on April Fool’s Day ‘23. (Though Mindy still claims their official date was 6 months earlier on their Kissaversary) The identities of the “dog walking man” and the “teacher” could now be revealed as their families’ curiosity had peaked. Mindy met the Hernandez’ at a rather loud restaurant and Eric flew to the Midwest to meet the Francisco family. The news also reached their classrooms and the LACS students could not control their excitement over the love of their two beloved teachers. These moments were successful and pivotal in establishing the foundation for their future. Tried, tested, and put through fire, their love withstood a relentless storm of attacks; yet nothing could break the devotion that they worked so hard to preserve.
She said yes!
March 23, 2024
Having asked for Mindy’s parents' blessing earlier in March, Eric decided this was the month that he would propose, pending on a sunny day. After weeks of rain, the two broke their usual routine of walking the pups and went out to visit the Getty Villa in Malibu. The entire villa was glamorous but there was no better spot to propose than right by the pool. The sun was radiating and the water was glimmering, everything indicated that the stage was set. Or so Eric thought. Noticing that Mindy was uncomfortable by the crowds going through the museum, the moment was abruptly put on hold. This threw Eric off balance and he had to adjust to plan B. Next stop: Point Dume. A beautiful cliff overlooking the ocean. Surely, the magic and beauty of this place was going to be it. Right as they were headed to the overlook, another couple got engaged! Dumbfounded, bamboozled, and left for words, Eric once again had to modify his plan, but remained determined to not leave Malibu until the ring was on Mindy’s finger. Finally, they arrived at the Malibu Bluffs Park. Eric scanned for a private view of the ocean, a staple of their relationship. Eric set the camera down while Mindy stared out over the water, and as she turned around he knelt to one knee. At last, the long awaited moment had arrived. Eric poured out his heart and asked Mindy to marry him. The two embraced and sighed in relief. An unexpected day in Malibu left them with a memorable story to tell for years to come.
We do!
November 17, 2024
What started out as an unlikely match surrounded by uncertainty, Eric and Mindy have persevered in their journey together and are looking to the future with hope and delight for what God will do in and through them. They anxiously await the day of becoming one family, Mr and Mrs Hernandez, on November 17th surrounded by their family and friends!