We're getting married!

In 2010 we both moved to Central FL after graduating high school and quickly met through a mutual friend at Juan's dorms. He was known as the friendly tall guy with the turbo Prelude, always making jokes. After a few weeks of being friends, I had managed to get Juan's number and texted him (that's right, I got his number first) to help him pick up his car at the shop because #turbopreludeproblems. After that, Juan would surprise me and drop off his handmade sandwiches at my door. Which then turned into bringing me KFC and he would use the excuse "they gave me an extra order on accident". We both knew that was a lie! After getting close as friends we both felt such a connection between each other and as if we had known each other for years. I had left to visit home in south FL and my car broke down. I told Juan it would be at least a week before it would get fixed and I could head back to Orlando. I completely brushed him off when he said he was going to pick me up and bring me back, because if there's one thing Juan hates...it's long car rides. Well, 4 hours later there he was! He drove by himself, with no air conditioning, and a blown suspension all the way down I-75. That was the moment I knew he was different than anyone else I had met. Juan made it official on my 19th birthday. We have spent the last 9 years growing as adults, exploring Orlando together, remembering to love & laugh through challenging times...even through a freaking pandemic! We can't wait to celebrate this next chapter of our lives with you!

The proposal was a mission from the start. I had snuck the ring into my backpack and we flew to NJ for a weekend trip. The moment we arrived, I pulled the ring out of my backpack then snuck it into our GoPro bag, and placed it inside Beata’s backpack. Making her secretly carry her own ring. Smart right? We quickly took the train into NYC to meet my cousin Greg so we could make the best out of our weekend. Unknowingly, Greg took us on the best pre-engagement mini tour de Manhattan via Citi Bikes. The only detail I told him was, I needed to get to the Vessel - a giant, honeycomb looking sculpture of stairs. By the time we made our way to the Vessel, it was golden hour. As we tried to enter, we were stopped for not having reservations. I was kind of crushed and thought my plan was ruined. But once again, Greg came through for me and paid our way in and we were back on our way to the top of the Vessel. As we climbed up, I was super nervous. It’s one of those once in a lifetime moments so...yeah, I’m SWEATING and not just because of the stairs. After flying in, riding the train, biking through the city, stopping to eat the best damn street tacos and then getting to our final spot right at sunset...the day couldn’t have gone more perfect. So, I told Greg to hold my GoPro tight and that he had an important job. As I grabbed Beata’s backpack and asked her to take a picture with me, he saw the ring box and then knew what the deal was. He stood back and filmed as I got down on one knee. I asked her to marry me and she said yes! It was a hard secret to keep but I have never successfully surprised Beata, and our families...until now 😎

Just to give you an idea of the weather in Orlando during the month of October, last year's weather reported an average of 84 degrees. The days are usually hot and the nights get a little cooler! Florida rain storms are like no other. The storm clouds move in very quickly and can feel like a tropical storm, but usually end just as quick. You don't want to get caught in one! Be prepared for it to rain at some point of your visit.