We were introduced by some of our friends. After texting back and forth for several weeks, we finally decided to meet in person. Since Fernando lived in Michigan and I lived in Ohio, we decided to meet half way in Toledo. We met for lunch at a place called Zoups. Fernando planned an activity for us both, but would only tell me it would take 3 hours! I was a bit nervous about this, and hoped I liked him enough to be stuck doing something for 3 hours with him. lol So, while we waited for our time slot for this special activity, we took a stroll through a park and got to know each other better. We held hands for the first time on this walk, and it instantly gave me butterflies when I felt his hand wrap around mine. Now for the special activity he planned! He took me to a place called Copper Moon, where we learned about different types of glass, and even got to cut glass to make our own piece of art work! It was a lot of fun, and we even went back to do it again for our one year anniversary. We will be using infused glass from Copper Moon during the unity portion of the wedding ceremony. We will both pour tiny pieces of glass into one container. The glass we pour will then be turned into a glass bowl. When we were finished making our glass art, it was time for both of us to head our separate ways. However, neither one of us were ready to end the night, so, Fernando suggested we play a few games at Dave and Busters. It was a very long, and wonderful day, that neither one of us will forget. We started planning what to do for our next date, for the following weekend, as soon as we both got home, and the rest is history.

The proposal was on 7/7/2021 at 7pm. This was not planned at all lol, but 7 (month) + 7 (day) + 7 (time) = 21 (year) It will always be very memorable to me, but now we will definitely never forget it. I already knew he wanted to take me on a little trip to propose. So, when we took this trip I knew it was going to happen, but I was still very surprised and speechless. A few surprises were also spoiled along the way, but they make for funny stories now. It started with a car ride up to travers city, MI. We were about 40 min from the hotel, which overlooked the bay, when Fernando got a phone call. Since Fernando was driving the call was on the car's speaker. It was a call to confirm the cake he ordered. The lady went in-depth describing every detail of the cake including the flavors. When we got to the hotel and checked in the lady spoiled the surprise of the messages Fernando set up for us. This lady felt bad, and when we checked out the next day, Fernando told her he was going to propose to me later. This time I was standing off to the side, but the entire lobby heard her yell congratulations. So, if I was not sure already, I was definitely sure then. lol This first night we had our messages, then went to a nice restaurant at the top of the hotel, that over looks the bay. We finished the night at the hotel's game room. It had a small escape room, some games, and duckpin bowling. It was a fun night that reminded us of the ending to our first date. The next day is was pouring down rain. We were going to walk around the Cherry Festival going on that weekend, but most of it was closed due to the rain. So, we just walked around the shops and stopped by a winery for a tasting. Then it was time to check into our Airbnb. This was my first time staying at an Airbnb. It was very nice, and right on the bay with its own private beach. It even had canoes and stand up paddle boards we could use. We did the canoe for a little bit the next morning. It was pretty cold out.

So, to get me out of the Airbnb Fernando took me to a wine tour. It was very interesting. While we were doing that a company came in and set up a cute picnic for us. It was suppose to be set up on the beach, but mother nature did not allow that. It was very special never the less. Before heading back to the Airbnb we stopped to pick up our dinner. Fernando even parked a few blocks away and made me wait in the car, so I did not know what he was picking up. I have a good nose and instantly guessed pasta as soon as he put the bags in the back of the car. This was a local pasta place that does not usually do carryout's, but made an exception just for us. They even made gluten free pasta from scratch just for me! When we pulled up to the Airbnb Fernando blindfolded me with a scarf his grandma always wore, which made it more special. Fernando then led me to the door in the pouring down rain, while also trying to hold the umbrella. He had also hired a local photographer to capture the moment. She ended up throwing her umbrellas on the ground to get her shots. I was speechless when Fernando took the blindfold off and got down on one knee. The candles, flowers, and the picnic table were all so beautifully done. There was so much to look at, that I did not even notice the cake till later. It all took my breath away, that I barely squeaked out a yes. He even designed and engraved the box he put the ring in!