The couple first crossed paths at Jacquelyn's host mothers house as she was introduced to the community that she'd call home for the next two years as part of her Peace Corps service. When Jacquelyn first saw him, she did not think much of it; though she did remember how Marcelo's thunderous voice made an impression. He could stand out in any room. Marcelo also helped Jacquelyn's host mom, with her empanada business, so she saw him quite often; always working hard, very polite, and charming towards her host mom and all people in general. Quite the fairy tale huh? Well. Jacquelyn was swept away, especially as she began to get more involved in the community and heard the great things everyone had to say about Marcelo. He even got along well with the youth in the community which was so intriguing because Jacquelyn was a leader for those same youth. Her passions involved teaching children and she had now found another, Marcelo. She began to integrate into the community, which involved spending time with their members, thankfully Marcelo was one of them. The fire between them had sparked.

After a work event, some of the professors invited Jacquelyn to the graduation dinner for the high school students. They made it very clear that she should dress up! Little did they know that Marcelo was going to use that as his opportunity to surprise her. Jacquelyn was on the bus on the way back after the dinner, and Marcelo had been calling asking when she would be home. It was a bit strange, but she just brushed it off as him missing her. When she got home, she opened the door to her house and the whole little barrio (neighborhood) was crammed into the small living room. Marcelo's family was there as well. There were balloons and lots of Jacquelyn's students screaming with excitement. She freaked out and ran out the door. When she got herself together, she came back and saw Marcelo on his knee with a sign asking her to marry him. She said no hahahaha jk, she said yes DUH that's why we are on this website hahaha <3