We're getting married - again!

Some people are surprised to learn that we actually first met in 2007 during our sophomore year of high school! We had mutual friends and one day all met at a neighborhood park after school (not realizing we used to live walking distance to each other). Lunch time on the quad during school was the usual meet up spot, and though everything seems a bit blurry now, we became great friends that year, but made other friends as years passed and went off on our own separate ways. Fast forward to December 2012, we reconnected through social media during Joana's last year of college. Meanwhile, Anthony was stationed in Germany after joining the Army. What we thought was just going to be a catch up with an old friend ended up being the wildest ride of our lives! After finally meeting up later that summer of 2013, we've been together ever since. Starting a relationship that would require 3 years of long distance, a 9 hour time difference, countless emotional hellos and goodbyes at the airport, and trying to make the most of our short times together helped us to learn patience and meaningful communication. It was the biggest leap of faith, but it was more than worth it.

We got engaged on Joana's 27th birthday in Carmel, CA. Carmel has a special place in our hearts and has been our favorite place to go during the summer when we want to go to the beach, go on a scenic hike, and make memories with our family and dogs. The Proposal: That day of the proposal was unbelievably nerve racking for me, but I managed to not act out of the normal. Joana's birthday was the perfect cover for me to take her somewhere special without it being too obvious that I was planning something. We got to Carmel and grabbed something to eat downtown. After lunch, I suggested that we walked down along the beach. As we were walking, I started to scan for a secluded spot for me to pop the question. I finally saw a spot and we made our way there. We sat down for a bit to take in the scenery and just chat and at this point I got so nervous and I knew that I was acting suspicious in Joana's eyes. I finally built up the courage and picked Joana up from the spot that we were sitting in. I got down on one knee and pulled out the ring I had hidden in my front shirt pocket. I had this whole speech that I was going to say, but in that moment I was just so nervous and overcome with emotion that all I could muster up to say was, "Joana Dayrit, will you marry me?". She replied "Yes!" and made me the happiest man on the planet.

"WE'RE IN A PANDEMIC!" 2020 was supposed to be our original wedding year, but COVID-19 took over the world and we were forced to reschedule TWICE. Although our celebration is much later than anticipated, Anthony and I decided we still wanted to start our marriage. So, we got married via virtual courthouse ceremony on July 21, 2020. It was the weirdest 5 minute zoom meeting and it was full of nerves and laughter, but it was unforgettable and perfect in its own chaotic way. Now, here we are almost a year into our marriage and what better way to celebrate and honor our 1st Anniversary by FINALLY hosting our wedding celebration with our loved ones! Thank you to everyone who has given us words of encouragement and support during this unpredictable time. It's been a blessing in disguise!