It was a memorable beginning to our love story that happened to be on Memorial Day 2019. We bumped into each other at the ice-skating rink at the Galleria. After a brief conversation we ended up having lunch at “Le Madelaine”, after, we went for a walk and later he walked me to my car (which I had lost), which if you know anything about me, you know how that can happen. We continued talking and texting and meeting for dinner after school. Then on the 14th of June we went on our first day time and extended date. It also happened to be our first out of town date to the lovely coastal town of Galveston 😉. There we took our first picture together and held hands as we walked along the beach collecting seashells, (true story). We watched the sun set as we rode the ferry back from Crystal Beach. After the 14th, we continued spending a lot more time together. Kevin took me scuba diving, I guess he wanted to know if I’d pass that test. Yay me! I did! From there our love continued to blossom.

When Ivette asked if I would go with her to Monterrey, I knew I wanted to propose to her there. Her Aunty Patty suggested that we go look at the Christmas lights at Paseo Santa Lucia, which is Monterrey’s version of the “River Walk” in San Antonio. It was then that I had a location and plan. The day before we were scheduled to return to Houston, we spent the day packing, shopping, and visiting friends. Ivette said she didn’t think we’d have time to go see the lights, but I insisted that we make the time. We arrived much later than planned, bought our tickets, waited for the boat, then began our journey down the river. Aunty Patty was right! It was a beautiful trip down the river with amazing colorful lights everywhere. Now my plan was to walk around and find a beautiful spot to propose; however, we made it to the end with only 15 minutes before the boat last boat left, so I waited. November 26th also happens to be Any’s birthday and we were late for her party. As soon as we disembarked the boat, Ivette broke into a sprint to get us back to the car. We reached the step water fountain where we had walked down from the street. I suggested we stop and just take in the moment. We are always taking pictures together, so the proposal was captured in three pictures. The first picture she takes shows me digging the ring out of my pocket, where I had kept it safe for three weeks! The second picture captures a look of uncertainty in Ivette’s face because I had placed the ring on my finger and my hand on her shoulder. The third picture captures Ivette’s wide happy smile when she has figured out what is going on. I got down on one knee, she said “Yes” before I got to propose. I asked her to wait a second and let me ask first, then I promptly forgot everything that I had rehearsed for four weeks! I don’t remember what I said, but I’m sure I told her how much I loved her, how happy she makes me, and asked her to be my wife. She said YES and we both couldn’t be happier!