2020 was a life-changing year. When the pandemic hit, I felt lost and I desperately longed to find a sense of purpose - to renew my love for God. A couple of months into my reversion to Catholicism, my best friend (and Matron of Honor), Ally told me about a virtual church event, "Theology on Tap," a month long 4-session conference on love and relationships. For years I've prayed for a man of faith to inspire me and lead our family, so I figured I'd take a chance, maybe get a few tips... little did I know I'd be seeing my future husband on the screen. I nervously entered the chat with about 70 young adults making small talk before the conference. One guy caught my eye, and his thumbnail read, "Joshua Keegan." I MAY or may not have found him on Instagram seconds later. I texted my friend (and bridesmaid), Alejandra, "That guy Josh is cute." Halfway through the talk, a Relationship Expert mentioned how important it was for women to "drop the handkerchief" and let the men do the rest. After a day of contemplation, with my closest friends' for moral support, I did what I've NEVER done before - I slid in the DMs. That's right. Special thanks to my mom for hitting "send" when I was too nervous to. Hours later, he "picked up my handkerchief," took control, and our relationship sky rocketed. We Zoomed for 5 hours, had our first date 2 days later, and after 1 week, he told me he loved me. Time flew, but in that short time I knew in the depths of my soul that he was The One. It was that passionate/butterflies/talk all day/can’t sleep type of love. I asked God for a man of virtue and faith, and He answered my prayers. On our second date, we prayed the Rosary together and have done so everyday since. One month later, we enrolled in St. Vitus' RCIA program where we fell in love with the Traditional Latin Mass. My faith has never been stronger and my heart has never been more full. So ladies, sliding into the DMs isn't so bad ;) Trust in God and He will provide.

It's hard to say when the preparations for the proposal actually began. I believe God has been preparing and growing us both in His own ways, leading us to our beloved and waiting patiently for us to cooperate with His divine will for our lives. I believe the proposal started with prayer: years of prayer from myself, my Mom, and family; years of prayer from Madeline and all her loved ones, and especially with the prayers to Our Blessed Lady in Heaven, St. Joseph, and St. Raphael in the months leading up to my meeting Madeline, requesting their spiritual assistance in the endeavor of becoming a worthy husband and future father for a virtuous bride-to-be. Once I committed myself to God- to truly allowing Him to rule and govern in my heart; to actively aligning my thoughts, words, and actions with His holy law- His powerful grace has showered upon me in ways I could have never thought to ask for. After I committed, divine providence took over in my life. I left the consuming darkness of sin and death behind me, and my loving Father in Heaven led me to my beloved Madeline (via her sliding into the DMs nonetheless 😏). On September 18th of 2021, after dating you for 14 months and saving up for a ring worthy of your beauty, I asked you to marry me. It took me a little longer than expected to work up the courage, to ask your parents for your hand, and to make the plans I had envisioned a reality for you, but the happiest moment of my life thus far is when you emphatically nodded and said "yes" behind those eyes veiled in joyful tears. All with the sunset behind us and the stage set perfectly with help from Alejandra, Raffy, Mom & Dad Manansala, and Winston (even though he had to poop and darn near pulled my arm off). On June 4th, 2022, we'll be joined in Holy Matrimony. God is so good. Madeline, I wholeheartedly believe that your love is my Divine reward. I hope to bless you and honor you and cherish you for as long as we both shall live. Mahal kita, baby.