Our story began in the summer of 2016 in New York City. Ronnie and Lina were introduced by Ronnie's friend and groomsman, Mario Leon, at an advertising event. The two didn't talk much during the event, but after the event ended, a few friends went to a bar for drinks. The two hit it off right away as they talked about their similar upbringings and childhoods being from their respective countries, Ecuador & Colombia. That same week, the two saw each other again at another media event where the atmosphere was more party-like with an open bar and beer pong. The two picked up right where they left off, sharing a few drinks together, and ended up exchanging phone numbers that evening.

Shortly after that, Ronnie made the first move by inviting Lina out on a fun date to a game themed bar with pool tables, monopoly, and table tennis. The two started to get to know each other better and both had a feeling that they could be a perfect match! The two hit it off after their first date and realized that there was something there. They would talk for hours on end. They established that they loved talking to each other on the phone and considered themselves similar as they would both prefer to call each other rather than texting. On an evening towards the end of the summer, the couple went to one last media event with live music performances at Governor's Island where the two shared their first kiss, and the two became an official couple right after.

They’ve explored the world together and have shared their love and passion for traveling throughout these years. One thing you may not know is that Barcelona is their favorite city in the world! They’re also big foodies and enjoy trying new restaurants out in the city and wherever they travel. They try to escape to Mercado Little Spain in Hudson Yards any chance they get! They both look forward to future adventures and life together as husband and wife. Fast forward to 2022, the two have been together for 6 years and now live together in Hell's Kitchen. The couple always credits Mario as being cupid and the person who brought them together. They give thanks to all of their close friends & family for always supporting their love for each other.

Ronnie and Lina have been engaged since February 14, 2021. The story began with Ronnie searching for the perfect ring while Lina was away visiting family in Colombia. With Lina away, and Valentine's Day approaching in a few weeks, Ronnie knew that he wanted to propose on the most romantic day of the year. He also knew he wanted to do it in a private setting, as crowds watching can be nerve wrecking and him being a shy guy not wanting any attention. Ronnie visited Zales in Queens Center Mall, and found the perfect ring with the help of an amazing Bolivian sales woman who walked him through many options and styles. He remembered what his mom would always tell him - “You better get Lina the biggest diamond when you propose”! Once he bought the ring, it was all down to the wire, as Lina returned back to New York just a few days before Valentine's Day.

Ronnie asked Lina to go out for brunch on the big day, just the two of them. The entire time, he wasn't sure if Lina might be suspicious, as she knows he's not too much of the brunch type of guy. During Brunch in Astoria. Ronnie ate his food as usual but grew very nervous as he was not sure where and how he would do the proposal. Lina wanted to walk the food off so Ronnie used this opportunity to take her to Astoria Park. Upon arriving at Astoria Park, in the freezing February cold in New York City and the wind breezing near the East River, the two rushed to find a good angle to take a selfie under the bridge at the park. The couple took a few pictures and Lina was ready to run home right after.

This is when Ronnie asked Lina to sit at a nearby bench as he had written a small poem for her. The poem he wrote listed all the feelings he had as they celebrated their 5th year and Valentine's Day as a couple, and how much he loves Lina, with her being a huge support and part of his life with a very tough 2020 pandemic year they just experienced. At the end of the poem, Lina was teary eyed and they both shared a moment of gratitude for each other. Ronnie finally then presented the ring to her, and popped the big question. Lina's reaction was one of disbelief and she had no idea or suspicion throughout the entire time. The two then called family members from the park via FaceTime to show off the ring and spread the news to close friends and family. The two spent almost 2 hours at the park that day, as all the happiness and love made the freezing cold completely disappear. The two got civilly married in November 2021 in downtown City Hall, and look forward to being with each other for the rest of their lives. They can’t wait to celebrate their big day with their loved ones!