We're getting married!

Every great love story starts with a twist—and for us, it began with Will and Liza. Lavon met Will while working at DLA, just as I met Liza while working in Solano County. We were both serving in the same government sector. In 2016, fate brought Will and Liza together through an online connection, and their love story blossomed into marriage. They were soon blessed with a beautiful baby boy, Enzo, born on January 10, 2018. Then, on January 12, 2019, our paths crossed for the very first time. It was Enzo’s 1st birthday celebration. That evening, Lavon asked for my number—he said he wanted to be “friends.” At the time, he was separated, and I was in a committed relationship. He wasted no time texting and even asked me out on what he called a “friendly date.” I was caught off guard—and honestly, I was annoyed. He wasn’t divorced, and I had a boyfriend. I brushed it off, thinking that would be the end of it. But life had other plans. Just a few months later, on April 28, 2019, we were both honored to be chosen as Enzo’s godparents—our first shared title as Ninang and Ninong. Although I wasn’t able to attend the baptism due to a prior family event, that shared role quietly marked the beginning of something neither of us expected. Our friendship lingered in the background. We exchanged occasional messages. Lavon stayed persistent, and I continued to say no. Then the pandemic came. Lavon dated casually but never entered a serious relationship (so he says!). I found myself in another committed relationship that eventually didn’t work out. And all the while, Will and Liza kept gently nudging me: “Lavon’s always asking about you.” “What’s going on between you two?” “Lavon’s a good guy—maybe give him a chance.” Eventually, our communication faded, and we drifted apart. But both of us remained close to Will and Liza, and we often found ourselves at the same events—yet somehow never ran into each other. Fast forward to January 2024. It was Enzo’s 6th birthday, and though the party was canceled, Lavon still came by to drop off his gift. During that visit, Will nudged him again: “Text Maria. She’s single now.” And just like that, I got a message: “Hi Maria, how are you? It’s been a good minute since we talked.” That message opened the door to something unexpected… and beautiful. We started talking again—hours of conversations that stretched into the night. I was cautious. After being single for four years, I had convinced myself I was done with romance. But I called Liza, and she gently said, “Give Lavon a chance… Give yourself a chance to be happy again.” This time, everything was different. Lavon was now a widower. I was truly single. The timing finally made sense. The stars aligned, and it felt like everything we had been through was preparing us for this moment. We went on our first official date on February 4, 2024. After watching a movie, we walked down the theater stairs. He held my hand up like a bridge—and in that moment, something strange and powerful washed over me. It felt like we were walking out of a church, hand in hand, as husband and wife, with cheers all around us. I didn’t tell him that until much later—but I knew something had shifted in my heart. Our love story isn’t conventional. It’s not perfect. But it’s real, it’s full of second chances, and most importantly—it’s ours. Together, we are better. Together, we are whole. And now, we are ready to begin the rest of our journey—as husband and wife. To Will and Liza—thank you. Your love story gave ours a beginning. And your trust in us, as Enzo’s godparents, helped lead us right back to each other.