If you were to ask me how we met in front of my parents, I would say in class. Which is true… I saw Michael the first day of class and I knew right away that he was new to SSU because I definitely would have noticed him around. We didn’t speak a word to each other, but the minute I got out class I called my best friend, Katy, to tell her I saw the most handsome man and that I loved him, even though I didn’t even know his name at the time. That night Katy and I went to the bars (here’s where we actually met) and Michael was there too. I tried to play it cool as I was dying inside that he was there, Katy not amused unless I introduced myself (which I didn’t). It was starting to get late, Katy and I said 5 more minutes before we were going to leave. Just then Michael came over and asked to buy me a drink, I obviously said yes very calmly, we talked for a while and the rest was history!

On August 27th, 2015 I walked into my Thursday night criminal justice class and sat down ready for my first class of the semester. Minutes before the teacher began her lecture a beautiful woman walked through the door and caught my eye. Later that night while out with some friends and the first Thursday out at the “crawl” in Cotati I saw this mystery woman again. Although we locked eyes multiple times throughout the night I couldn’t be the first one to walk up and introduce myself because I was too busy playing it cool. It wasn’t until multiple drinks at the bar and a pep talk from my friend Miguel was I ready to walk over to her and asked to buy her a drink. So you might have heard that we met in class.. The truth is that we officially met at a local bar just a few miles down the street from school. We talked over a couple IPA’s on a crowded patio and the rest is history.

So I decided long ago that Michael and I were meant to be together, he just needed to “pop the question.” First time I thought he might do it, along with all my friends and family, was on our 2 week trip to Cabo this past January. First night there Michael sat me down and said he was not going to and he wanted to tell me that way my hopes weren’t up during the trip (smart man). Second time I thought it would happen was our Valentine’s weekend trip to Fort Bragg. We had such a nice time, however no ring. Sooooo we get back home and I sit Michael down and asked him if he needs more time or should I just not have my hopes up anymore (funny story to come later). Michael said for me to just be patient and to just enjoy the moment. When it actually happened—Michael told me he was going to plan the day for us. All I was instructed to do was to bring a change of clothes. We left in the morning and headed towards San Francisco. He took a detour and took us to Mount Tamalpais where we proceeded to go on a hike… in the rain. As much as you may be thinking I totally knew it was going to happen, I truly had no idea! While on the hike, Michael told me he had something for me. He took out some tickets for one of my favorite artists that was playing that night in the city. I was so excited! He turned over the tickets and there was the note, “I love you more and more with each day that passes. –Your Future Husband” I looked at him thinking… how future are we talking about here.. Michael then proceeded to tell me how much he loved me, got down on one knee, and asked me to marry him! I said yes and in what seems like a flash, I know that was the best moment of my life. And yes… it was still raining. Funny story from above—His plan was to propose on our trip to Fort Bragg. The ring came in after the trip. So meanwhile while I was crying that he hadn’t proposed yet, he just had to play it cool. (Still sorry babe!)

I knew early on in our relationship that MaKela was the perfect woman for me, so proposing wasn’t a question of if, it was only a matter of time. My plan was always to try and surprise her and make it a memorable moment for the both of us. According to MaKela, I just needed to make sure that she had her nails done and her hair straight or she was going to say no and make me ask again. When I decided that it was time to pop the question I knew I had to make sure she wasn’t going to be expecting it. What better way to throw her off then to propose in the rain on a hike on Mount Tamalpais? Just a few minutes after I proposed the rain decided to subside and the sun finally came out. We spent the remainder of our day together in the city at a concert for an artist MaKela is “totally in love with.” That day was the best day of my life thus far (I think our wedding day will take the cake soon enough).

Michael is the most hardworking person that I know, and he always strives to do more each day. Michael thinks he is very funny, and most times he is. Michael is very competitive. I blame that on him being a first and last born (aka only child). Michael tries so hard every day to make me smile or to show me how much he loves me, even on days when I’ve been hangry. Even though Michael said no for 3 months to getting a puppy, he now wouldn’t trade our fur-child for the world.

MaKela is the most selfless and genuine person that I have ever met. MaKela thinks she is better at Rock-Paper-Scissors.. I let her win the majority of the time because I love her. MaKela gets so HANGRY sometimes it’s scary.. she also dances when she eats MaKela is my best friend and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.