Freshly moved back into my childhood home, newly enforced stay at home orders, and modern-day technology created the perfect excuse for online swiping and matching. For me, it was multiple left swipes later. For him, I was his first like after creating his profile shortly before (how lucky!). After initially matching, we were immediately hooked on our ability to converse with one another freely. His goofy comments and my witty comebacks made for late nights of back and forth texting. After a little bit of miscommunication, and a whole lot of making sure we had been taking proper precautions, we decided to finally meet. The first meeting was definitely not how our texts had been. Ty was initially nervous and shy, and I wasn't sure if we would be a good match. However, after a dinner at Torchy's and getting our butts whooped at bowling, the rest became history.

The week leading up to the proposal, Ty was definitely stressed out. I was thinking it had to do with him moving across the country and starting Army officer training soon. Little did I know, he was planning on popping the big question. Ty had conspired with some of my closest friends and family to plan the dream proposal. He had set up for me to have lunch with Nehal. Me, not knowing what was going on, was busy catching up with a best friend, while he was freaking out that I was running late (as always). Finally, Nehal and I arrived at the location, took the elevator up to the rooftop, and there were the people who meant so much to the both of us waiting with roses in hand. Then there was Ty, waiting to ask me to marry him. Late to the proposal, but who's counting the time when we get to spend the rest of our lives together

-ASU: Army service uniform, worn during special occasions and ceremonies -Barong Tagalong: the "Filipino Tuxedo," also worn during special occasions -Veil & Cord: A Filipino traditional ceremony where a veil is draped over both the bride and groom, symbolizing being clothed as one. The cord is then wrapped around the couple in a figure eight, symbolizing an eternal bond of fidelity. -Saber Arch: reserved for Army officers, a salute to the newlyweds at the end of the ceremony where the bride and groom pass under an honorary arch of sabers. This also serves as a welcome into the Army life for the bride. -Money dance: A Filipino tradition where guests pin money onto the newlyweds as they dance with one another, a gift to the couple to help them get financially started.