09.16.2023

Esmeralda and Dekarte met at Wingate University back in 2018. Previous to meeting, they had always seen each other around campus and even had mutual friends. They were both part of the Latino Club on campus, and would always see each other during club meetings or events. They knew they had an attraction toward one another but it wasn't until their close friend, Ashley Santiago, decided to play cupid and made sure they started talking. For both of them, since day 1, they quickly built a connection and were soon spending every moment they could with each other. Their love felt easy and deep down they both knew, they had found the one. Not only were they able to build their love with each other, but they were also able to integrate that same love with each other's families and friends.

On January 28th, 2022 Dekarte set up a surprising engagement/photoshoot. Leading up to the day, Dekarte had told Esmeralda that their friend Brian Anesu, a professional photographer who works at Wingate University, wanted to do a couple's photoshoot to add to his portfolio. This was clever by Dekarte because Brian had done Esmeralda's graduation photos and Brian was actually going to be there. However, what she didn't know is that Dekarte invited all of their friends and family as well and decided to get down on one knee and ask the big question. On the day of the engagement, Esmeralda had no clue and even took a nap on the way to the photoshoot. The engagement was held at Romare Bearden Park in Uptown Charlotte. A beautiful area with plenty of photo ops and scenery. When they arrived, the couple was greeted with smiles by their closest friends and family. It was an unforgettable moment for both of them and they even got amazing professional photos, which can be found in the gallery of the webiste.