When times were unfortunate during the craziness of a category 5 hurricane named Irma in September of 2017, it was a blessing in disguise for the two of us! As students at Warner University and teammates on the cross country and track & field teams, we met a few weeks before the start of the fall semester, but it wasn't until the time of the hurricane that we started to hang out together. Due to the news that our school was in the path of the hurricane, we were informed that our school would shut down a few days prior to when the hurricane was expected to pass through the city of Lake Wales. We had the option to stay on campus where all students had to stay in the administration building together for shelter during the storm. Coincidentally, we both decided to stay at school in shelter since the news forecast showed that the hurricane was likely going to hit our hometowns more in South Florida than at school in Lake Wales. It was the first few nights during the time we were in shelter that we ultimately had time to just talk and get to know one another as friends. We talked for hours about our families, our hobbies, favorite movies, but most importantly, our walk with Christ and our relationship with Him. Even though we only hung out for a few days and learned more about each other, we instantly had a connection that we seemed to be more than just friends. After a week went by and the hurricane hit (and made a mess) on campus, we went on an evening sunset run on campus which was the night before school would resume again. We ran on the dirt road that leads back to the soccer field and enjoyed talking to one another. We both knew in our hearts that we wanted to start dating. That’s when we took a break from running for a few minutes when Joel asked me to be his girlfriend! Of course, I said, “yes!” It’s still a day that we will always remember, because we can never forget the beauty of God’s sunsets, especially that one on a Sunday September evening!

Since then, we have had many wonderful memories together including adventures, date nights, birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and much more in between! It’s been a joy for the both of us to adventure together in life for a little over 3 years. To make it official, Joel proposed on New Years Eve! While in Pensacola visiting Joel’s family for New Years, we lit some fireworks outside before midnight struck. As we watched the fireworks go off, Joel began to talk to me reminiscing the last 3 years together. When midnight came, Joel fell to his knee with a beautiful ring in his hand and asked me to marry him. Of course, I said, “yes!” Not only did the fireworks go off in a picture-perfect photo in the background, music played with the song, “What Makes You Beautiful,” by One Direction with the part that says, “Baby, you light up my world like nobody else.” It was perfect! We called my family as they were waiting up to hear the news! Let’s say that 2021 went off to a great start! The rest is history! Let's just say, it all began with Irma! ;)

As our wedding day is approaching, we would like to say, “thank you,” to all of our family and friends for your constant love, support, and encouragement for the two of us! We cannot wait to say, “I Do!” and spend the rest of our lives together very soon! May God bless you and your families tremendously! We love you all! xoxo