Martin and I first met in the summer of 2012. My best friend Jacqueline and I worked for a catering company as a summer job, where Martin’s brother, Sebastian, was the executive chef. After many long shifts and late nights, the staff received an invitation to Seb’s 30th birthday celebration. Little did I know I was on my way to meet my six-foot-four, blue-eyed future husband. Later that night, amidst several cocktails and dancing the night away with my girls, Martin approached me to introduce himself. I was too busy having fun with my girls - I didn’t pay any attention.  He didn’t give up, and instead brought me a tequila shot to lure me away from the dance floor – how can I say no to that?!  From that moment on, we haven’t left each other’s side.

Each year the Lapa family takes a Caribbean vacation to relax and unwind. In recent years, Martin has always joined in on the tradition. However, this year, he decided to stay back because we had already booked a vacation for a month later. I begged him for a few months (even texted my sister to beg him), but he wouldn’t budge. Little did I know, with the help of my parents/sister, he was secretly flying to Aruba to propose during sunset on the beach. I don’t know if I was more shocked to see him on the beach in Aruba or the fact that he was asking me to be his forever. Regardless, it turned out to be the best vacation ever.