He was a senior, she was a freshman, and they were in Florida for a conference called SEEK. She was really loud and he was really quiet. It's true that opposites attract! Fast forward a few months later to an infamous pool party (hosted by their future best man!) they started to chat. They became closer friends through daily Mass, country dancing, and a love of good food. He asked her out on a date, she said yes, and the rest is history!

She is a missionary with The Fellowship of Catholic University Students. They require all first year missionaries to take a dating fast. For Gabriel and Rachel that meant that from June 2016-May 2017 he and she could only talk twice a week and see each other twice a semester! It was quite a year. However, the Lord used it to teach them about communication, priorities, and putting Jesus Christ first- all things that supposedly help you in marriage!

He told her that for her 24th birthday he was flying to Flagstaff to celebrate! Little did she know that they would be celebrating much more that weekend. On October 7th he took her to their favorite restaurant. After an incredible meal he took her to the chapel to spend some time with Jesus. They prayed a bit, she about normal things, him about the big step they were about to take. Back at her place in the front yard he got down on one knee and asked her to be his bride and run with him towards heaven. She exclaimed YES YES YES. But the surprise wasn't over because he had gathered her parents and some of their very best friends from college together to surprise her and celebrate their future vocation. It was the best day ever... well, at least until May 18th!

Saint Cecilia has been Rachel's church home since she was 2. It's where her parents were married, she received First Holy Communion and Confirmation, attended school for 9 years, and was heavily involved in youth group. It's where Rachel first fell in love with Jesus Christ and where she will marry the other great love of her life, Gabriel Zayas.