Our paths crossed on the mats of IMT Crossfit. Picture this.. As a coach, I opened the gym at 5:30 am. It usually took me a good stretch, a couple of pull ups and a nice cup of coffee to get me going. And even then I'd still be thinking about that comfy bed back at home. Yet here comes this beautiful girl after a 12 hour graveyard shift and, with what seemed like complete ease, puts in a good hour of work while I'm still getting my engines warmed up. Her motivation and tenacity was always fascinating to me. I'd say good morning, but for some reason I could never muster up the courage to go any further than that. Regardless, I'd steal a glance as she walked in and say to myself, " there goes one Itty Bitty bad ass right there!" Little did I know that the girl I silently admired would become the woman I will soon call my wife.

Several years have passed since our CrossFit days. I became a Police Officer and she continue to excel in her career as a nurse. We grew as a couple, built a home, and pieced together a unique little family of furry kiddos. We had our highs. We also had our lows, but always came out of it better than we were before. For sometime now I felt it in my heart that Ashley would one day be my wife, I just had to figure out how to do it. Now, the thinking cap, and trying to figure out how I can make that already memorable moment even more unforgettable. I knew I didn't want it to be like every other proposal. No ring in the arroz con leche at La Carreta. No surprise dinner party. I wanted it to be private and intimate. So.. this is where Sedona, Arizona came into play. This picturesque city, with its stunning red buttes and striking monoliths was perfect! So with the help of my incredible friend Larry, his drone, and an absolute resolve to make Ashley the happiest woman in the world, we embarked on an adventure to a natural sandstone arch in the red supai sandstone cliffs, where it felt like we were the only people left on earth. Just us. Just one question. Will you marry me?

So what is a man to do when he finds perfection? He makes her his wife! But not without the blessing of her parents. Thank you so much Mr. and Mrs. Diaz and Mr. and Mrs. Cuervo for trusting me with your precious daughter. Thank you for raising her in the manners of love and compassion. Thank you for shaping her into the strong, determined and kind woman that she is today. With all these things, thank you for allowing me to be your son. I will forever be grateful and with every fiber in my body, love and protect your daughter, as long as I have breath.