We didn’t plan for this love, God did. It happened beautifully and unexpectedly. Here’s where it all began…

On Sunday, September 4th, 2022, I was supposed to work a 7 to 7 shift. I woke up at 5 a.m. and dragged myself to work, only to find out they had scheduled three people instead of two. My manager said, “You can go home.” I was upset, I could have been sleeping instead of waking up that early for nothing. Later that afternoon, I decided to go with my dad to a community gathering. When we arrived, the garage was open, so we parked behind it. As I stepped out of the car, I saw him, Shema. We locked eyes, and it wasn’t just a regular look, it was that look, the kind that stays with you. My dad greeted him right away, and that’s when I learned they already knew each other. Shema and I greeted each other and introduced ourselves. I was shy, but he smiled at me in a way I will never forget. I wasn’t even looking my best, shorts, no makeup, just lip balm, yet he looked at me like I was the most beautiful person there. Not long after, he asked me, “Do you want a beer?” I was shy and awkward and replied, “No, thank you, I don’t drink beer.” Later that night, we were sitting by the bonfire. At first, he was sitting far away, but his eyes never left me. Eventually, he came and sat next to me, and we started talking. We exchanged Instagram handles. He mentioned he wasn’t really a social media person and that he couldn’t remember the last time he posted a picture. Curious, I opened his profile, looked at his first photo, and said, “You have nice pictures.” He smiled. Then, while we were still sitting together, he started liking my Instagram pictures, and I didn’t know how to act. When it was time to leave, Shema and his aunt realized they’d lost their car keys. We left them searching, but before driving off, we shared the best hug ever. The next morning, I woke up to Instagram notifications… Shema liked your picture … 2 minutes ago, 1 minute ago, a few seconds ago. Confused but smiling, I texted him to ask if they had found the keys. Later, while texting, I remembered my church was having a fundraising event and invited him. From there, he invited me to movie dates, since we both love films and a few days after my birthday, he invited me to dinner, and every moment that night made my heart feel at home. Well, the rest is history. What I love most about Shema is that he’s everything I didn’t know I needed, disciplined, calm, caring, and truly a gentleman. He listens to my endless rants without getting tired, he prays with me, he makes my chaotic world feel peaceful, and most importantly, he makes me feel seen. I’ve always kept my space private, but with Shema, I found my safe space. Looking back, I can’t help but thank God that my shift was canceled that day. If it hadn’t been, I wouldn’t have been there, stepping out of that car, meeting him, and sharing that unforgettable first moment. Now I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and every day, I pray that God strengthens our bond and keeps our love rooted in Him.

As a kid, I was captivated by Spanish TV shows full of drama and romance, stories of stars falling in love, fate pulling them apart, only for passion to reunite them. I longed for my own vivid “main character moment.” Everything changed in September 2022, my heart raced with hope and a sense that life was about to transform. That fall at a friend’s grill party, while helping guests settle in, I noticed a new girl. My surprise and curiosity surged, I had to speak to her. I can be clumsy with words, especially when my nerves kick in during big moments. After wrestling with eagerness and anxiety, I summoned every shred of courage and walked over, blurting out, “Would you like a beer?” Who offers a girl he’s curious about a beer? Just a nervous host, I guess. Her radiant smile mesmerized me, and I struggled to steady my breath. She smiled and said she didn’t drink beer. Since I was on beer duty for guests outside, I guided her inside for a pop or something lighter, then withdrew, waiting for a better moment. Later, she joined us at the bonfire. We roasted maize, laughed, and exchanged stories. As the night wore on, we exchanged social media handles. Scanning my photos, she paused, her gaze softening as she murmured, “Your pictures are stunning.” That fleeting compliment lit me up, in her voice, the ordinary became dazzling, filling the world with possibility. It felt magical. At the end of the night, we hugged goodbye, and my heart pounded as an inner voice whispered, “This is it.” In that moment, certainty washed over me, I wanted this for life. The next morning, a message from her sparkled on Instagram, checking we got home safely. Heart racing, I replied, grateful and hopeful, searching for the right moment to ask her out. Eventually, she invited me to her church’s fundraiser. After the event, needing to escape the chaos, I suggested we go somewhere quiet and sat in my car. There, we uncovered a shared passion for cinema, and I seized the moment, I asked her to a movie to learn her heart, not just her story. After several movie dates and joyful gatherings, I finally found the nerve to ask her to dinner. Relief and excitement jolted through me when she agreed. We circled June 18, 2023, in our minds and calendars. This dinner was pivotal, I was determined to reveal my true self and discover whether her feelings mirrored mine. The night pulsed with laughter and honest conversation. Later, at her house, I bantered with her dad and appreciated her gentle care. The next morning, her worried text about my journey home, plus advice on drinking and driving, deeply touched me. That’s when I finally confessed my feelings, and she said she felt the same way. The rest, as they say, is history. What captivates me about Nelly is her authentic spirit and her embrace of life. There’s a lightness in her laughter that feels like sunshine breaking through clouds, dispelling worries. I love how she genuinely listens when I share my thoughts, making me feel seen and valued in ways I had almost forgotten. Her passion for cinema aligns perfectly with mine, we can spend hours discussing our favourite films, debating character arcs, or gushing about the magic of well-crafted stories. In those moments, our narratives weave together, creating a connection that feels undeniable. Most of all, I appreciate how she challenges me to open up. With her, I can share my fears and dreams without judgment. Her support encourages me to pursue my passions and embrace vulnerabilities as part of the journey. She sees the best in me, illuminating paths I wouldn’t dare explore alone. Nelly makes me feel like I can truly be myself, and for that, I’m endlessly grateful.

We’re so grateful to celebrate with you! For those who wish to support us, you are more than welcome. If you’re in Canada, you can send an e-transfer: Email: nellyandjamess@gmail.com If you’re outside Canada, please email us at nellyandjamess@gmail.com for more information. GOD BLESS YOU!