The First day 9/5, the Yes day 11/12, the Best day 5/24

Russell and Latriz were brought together through multiple serendipitous events, and they thank God it went the way it did. It was the start of Covid and Russell was drowning at work and looking for a change when an old boss offered Russell a position at the Grove of St. Charles. Russell never even heard of St. Charles but took a leap of faith and took the position even though it was an hour drive away. Latriz was just starting her career as a nurse and she just wanted to get her career going. Her cousin helped her land her first nursing job in the states…. She could’ve gone anywhere but she chose to start it in St. Charles. Little did they know that these decisions would be the start of their story. With Covid rampantly spreading and as the norms of life we’re changing rapidly, Russell and Latriz slowly sparked a friendship that led to where they are now. Amidst the chaos at that time, they found a way to still develop their relationship, through all the mask wearing, the restaurant restrictions, and all the needing to present vaccination cards at restaurants. It all started with Russell saying “Hey, how do you say your name and which name do you go by?” Then Russell would “place” admissions in Latriz’s hallway just so he can talk and work with her. A couple facebook messages later and eventually text conversations led to phone conversations. Then on the “First day” 9/5/2020. Russell offered to help Latriz work on her resume to try and land a job at a hospital and they agreed to a lunch. Little did they know this lunch would not be working on the resume but it was hours of just talking about life, past experiences and just laugh after laugh as if they’ve known each other forever. This is where the first day began and the rest is history.

After months of planning, coordinating schedules and choosing the location, Russell finally had everything in place for the perfect proposal. Latriz knew it was coming so Russell had to make sure she got her nails done without making it obvious that he was soon to propose. That’s one thing the Latriz always worried about, not having her nails done but somehow she ended up randomly getting her nails done which was perfect timing. Then with the help of Latriz’s family, Russell was able to set up in Latriz’s aunts house and gather her friends and family to help prepare for the moment while Latriz and Russell’s sister in law were having dinner. When the time came, Latriz’s aunt sent her a text to stop by her house. Not thinking anything of it, Latriz made her way from the dinner to her aunt’s house thinking it was to spend time with her family. As she walked to the back yard, she saw the set up and realized what it was. Filled with emotion she broke down and did not even notice her family, her man of honor from Cali, and her friends were there to witness the moment. Russell guided her to the arch and began to try to remember what he wanted to say. Eventually he got down on one knee and popped the question. He had to ask twice because the first time Latriz said yes so softly as she was crying. The second time she scream “YES!” as she finally realized how many people were there watching this moment. They finished the night celebrating with family and making calls to friends to break the news which is exactly what they want for their wedding… A celebration with their dearest and closest friends and family.

This story has yet to be written but we can’t wait to write it.

To all our friends and family… We just want to say that if you got an invite, you were in one way or another involved in our lives individually and or as a couple and we want you to be a part of this celebration and to help launch us into marriage. To those who have played a part in helping make our relationship what it is today, we are forever grateful. To those who have taken the time and spent money to hang out with us and be with us, we thank you for those memories are priceless. To those who have advised us, guided us, reprimanded us, opened their homes and dinner tables for us and took the time to make sure we were doing well, we thank you and love you so so much. There’s so many more people who have gotten involved in our lives and in our relationship along the way and we cannot wait to celebrate this milestone in our lives with those who are nearest and dearest to our hearts. So again, from the bottom of our hearts we love and thank you all. Let’s keep the dance floor filled, the drinks flowing, the laughter loud and let’s make this night a celebration to remember!