K&D

It was the perfect day, just like our wedding day will be. Seems like such a blur now, but after the moment I met Drew, it’s clear as day. Months went into planning my Grandparent’s 50th anniversary. I cherish those lunch meetings where my whole family would meet and we would brainstorm on how to surprise the two most loving, giving parents and grandparents to walk this earth. I clearly remember meeting Drew’s mom a few days prior as we prepared for the mass that would commence the celebrations. My godmother and aunt Tina was there and I will never forget how she was such a force of nature keeping us all in check. The day came, and I can’t remember why, but I was to be a lector. Something outside of my comfort zone, but it felt so right. I stood up there and a cloak of confidence came over me and I got through it without freezing. It was then that Drew first saw me, and in his own words he leaned over to his sister Kassie and quoted The Wedding Singer saying “Ooh I like her..”. The night continued and it took until the dance for me to notice Drew. My first impression was - he is hot, but way to old for me. Much to my surprise, Drew was the boy my grandma was bugging me to meet all night. “Mija, you need to meet my friend’s son!” She would tell me what seemed like every chance she could. Finally with much hesitation we met. Luckily we knew a few of the same people or else the conversation was going NOWHERE. Despite stalking Drew on MySpace, it wasn’t until a few years later that we saw each other again. It was this time that I started to grow feelings towards Drew. He was there for me when we lost my aunt Tina. It took going bowling with all my cousins and a few words exchanged before I knew this kid was special. Drew became my best friend in a week and we spent everyday that Summer together. Fast forward 4ish years and we found ourselves unable to be apart. Our love was and will always be immense. 10 years later he is still my best friend. Thank you Grandma!

Once I got the ring, my first thought was to rush home and show it to Kat, but I couldn’t do that without proposing. It was not easy to keep the plans low key around her. I had asked Kat’s dad and told my parents. I’m notorious for participating in social media giveaways, so when Flower Vault was in town for their “pop-up,” I messaged their Instagram account and asked if they would pose a “giveaway” and act like I won. They loved the idea! So I followed through the motions and knowing I was going to win I found a photographer to capture the moment. The next day I got the message and quickly took a screen shot to send to Kat, “Woo, I finally won!” She seemed to be buying into my plan; so much so she quickly invited our friends. I had to fill them in and ask them to tell Kat they were busy. Its Friday, November 30th, the day has come. She still had no idea. I’ve practiced my speech and how to get on one knee. I got home early that day to get ready, get the ring, and put it in my coat. Only Texas weather went from needing a heavy coat Monday-Thursday, to not even requiring long sleeves on Friday. I tried numerous pockets but it came down to my sock. I picked up Kat and had a little ice chest hidden in the back with some mini bottles of champagne. As we arrived, my heart was beating faster. The staff was going along with it and the photographer asked if we would like a few shots of us, but Kat wasn’t feeling that so he had to go full blown stealth. It felt like forever waiting for the perfect moment. We finally got to one of the rooms I liked and I convinced Kat to let the photographer take a few photos of us. Then the moment came. She laughed thinking I was joking, but knew when I got down on my knee and pulled out the ring. She lit up and said yes! I gave her a kiss and told her the photographer was in on it the whole time! We toasted for the first time as an engaged couple and we can’t wait to share our love with everyone and toast once again as a married couple!