It was back in 2010 when I first laid my eyes on Elia during my first year working at Stanford Children's Hospital. Her beauty and mesmerizing smile caught my attention each time we walked past each other. As time went on, I was still infatuated with the same woman that caught my attention years ago. With the help from fellow colleagues, I soon found out the feelings that I had for her, she too had for me. It took me a couple of weeks to muster-up the courage to ask her on a date. Once that happened, we couldn't stay away from each other.

I decided that on our 2nd year annivarsary it would be a good time for me to ask for Elia's hand-in-marriage. But before I did that, I had to make sure all my ducks were in a row. The first thing I did was spend time selecting the perfect engagement ring that I knew fit her unique style. Once I had the ring, I studied and rehearsed my lines in Spanish to ask Elia's dad for his blessing. Then I had to figure out how and where I would propose to her. After weeks of preparation and planning, the day finally approached. The day of our anniversary, we drove up to the city to have a romantic dinner at Epic Steak House that overlooks the Bay Bridge and Pacific waters. Everything about that moment was perfect. Our dinner was amazing, including the warm weather which is not typical for the month of March. After dinner, I took her on a short stroll next to the water. I found this little dock and professed my love to her, I presented her with a box, bent down on one knee and asked her if she would marry me. In complete shock, Elia asked me repeatedly, "Are you serious?" And then eventually said, "Yes!" With relief, I slipped the shimmery ring on her dainty finger, and gave her a big hug. I then suggested we celebrate with desserts, she not knowing I had another surprise waiting for her. At the restaurant we were greeted by our family and close friends that waited to congratulate us and help celebrate such a special day. That day had to be one of the best moments of my life.