Thanks for dropping by our wedding website! RSVP + explore the different sections of our website by simply clicking on the hamburger button located at the top corner of the page. Feel free to click on any of the options to find a collection of photos capturing our best wedding moments and all the details you need—we'll see you at the altar. Estamos encantados de que nos acompañes mientras nos embarcamos en este hermoso viaje de amor y compromiso. Encuentra importantes detalles de la boda y confirma tu asistencia en este sitio web. With love ❤️ and excitement, Maria & Mark

🌟 Love at first hike! 💚✨ Mark's and Maria’s paths crossed on February 11, 2021, at a Meetup Event. Maria and Mark love exploring hiking trails and bonding with different social groups. Little did they know, it will be during those adventures that Maria and Mark will caught a first glimpse of each other. #LoveStory #FateIntertwined" 🌟 El Flechazo 💚✨ Los Caminos de Mark y Maria se cruzaron el 11 de Febrero de 2021 en un evento de Meetup. María y Mark suelen explorar rutas de senderismo y a relacionarse con diferentes grupos sociales. Poco sospechaban que durante una de esas aventuras María y Mark se conocerían por primera vez. #historiadeamor #destinadosacruzarse

On February 11, 2021, serendipity brought Mark into my life at a Meetup gathering. From the very first glance, an inexplicable intuition told me that he would become my partner in crime. Our connection took a while to blossom, but the anticipation only made it sweeter. Each subsequent gathering we attended together became a treasure trove of unforgettable moments, which I eagerly immortalized through my camera lens. Little did Mark know, I intentionally capture him in my famous selfies, secretly cherishing those shared memories. On May 1, I mustered up the courage to send him a photo through a text message, playfully asking if I resembled Cher. To my delight, he acknowledged a slight resemblance. In that unexpected moment, he asked if I would be open to joining him for a friendly meal. Nervous yet excited, I took some time to consider my response. Seeking advice, I confided in Lorena, who encouraged me to take a leap of faith and embrace the opportunity. Finally, I said yes. However, it wasn't until May 16 that we had our first dinner date at the enchanting Bluewater restaurant. Mark surprised me with a bouquet of flowers, showcasing his thoughtful nature. Our adventures continued as we explored various places together. We attended dance classes, embarked on hiking excursions, enjoyed evenings at bars with friends, played pool, and sported our vocal talents during spirited karaoke sessions. I noticed his infectious joy, his love for dancing, and his quick wit. He simply irradiated pleasantness. With each experience, my admiration for him grew, my interest in him deepened and love began to bloom within my heart. Unfortunately, life circumstances led us to part ways for a few months starting on June 9. He wasn't ready for a committed relationship at that time. Nonetheless, we maintained contact through text messages, which gradually grew more frequent. On October 1st, he excitedly mentioned an upcoming adventure to see hot air balloons. Intrigued, I expressed my interest and inquired about the cost and timing of the event, as I too wanted to be a part of it. On October 2nd, he inquired about my activities, and I casually mentioned that I was doing laundry. In response, he playfully shared a photo, revealing his tendency to lose socks while doing laundry. October 3rd, he reached out to me again. Summoning all my courage, I dared to invite him to my upcoming birthday celebration on October 31st. He disclosed that he had no plans for that date and expressed a desire to take me out for dinner beforehand. Uncertain how to respond after such a lengthy separation, I took four hours to gather my thoughts before replying, asking for specific details about the date and time. He proposed meeting in the afternoon at the Bluewater Restaurant. Overwhelmed with nerves, I agreed, simply saying, "okay." And from that moment onward, we have been together.

I met Maria for the first time on a hiking trip in Buckeye. We reconnected again at a dance party in Cave Creek, and I noticed that she was having fun and loved taking selfies. In a playful manner, I began photobombing her pictures whenever I saw her fixing her hair and preparing to snap one, which always elicited a delightful reaction from her. Despite her shyness and limited English proficiency, we managed to share some dance moves and engage in long conversations. One day, I invited Maria to join me to a dance class at Fat Cat. I picked her up on my motorcycle, and quickly realized that she was a much better salsa dancer than me. After the class, we went out to eat and enjoyed each other's company. We continued to see each other and as we spend more time together, Maria opened up about her children and grandchildren, displaying a genuine passion for her family that warmed my heart. One memorable time was during our hike at Payson. She talked about her numerous sisters, Lidia, Guille, Chayito, Flor, Alma, Ester, Vero, Fabi, and her intention to introduce me to them. I couldn't help but marvel at the sheer size of her family, surpassing the number of my living relatives. Although I found Maria intriguing, I couldn't shake the feeling that our relationship was progressing too rapidly. The thought of her extensive family and their names blending together into a blur overwhelmed me. Despite my best efforts to remain calm, I found myself making the “intelligent move” of running like hell, as if my life depended on it and I had absolutely nothing to lose. I dated other women, but none of them matched Maria's vibrancy and adventurous spirit. So, when Maria made the first, and Old Faithful, move extending me an invitation to her birthday party, I seize the chance to spend more time together. I immediately expressed my desire to see her before her party. Impatiently, I awaited her response, which arrived after a long four hours. Her answer was an elaborate and detailed "okay!" We agreed to meet at a popular seafood market. As I drove to the restaurant, my nerves got the best of me, anxiety washed over me and I started sweating. When I arrived at the restaurant, I was shocked to find out that it had vanished without a trace. There was no sign, no evidence that it had ever existed, just an empty patch of dirt was left behind. This unexpected turn of events filled me with an unsettling sense of unease, as if it was a foreboding sign of impending doom. It felt like the universe was sending me a clear message, a chilling omen that foreshadow the outcome of our date. After a brief moment of confusion, I contacted Maria and with the assistance of Google, we discovered that the seafood market had simply relocated a mile away. Feeling relieved, we made our way to the new location. As Maria's glass of her favorite drink…wine, arrived, I gathered my courage to apologize for my previous behavior. She sat there, eyes wide open, without uttering a word. Anxiety consumed me, and visions of the demolished restaurant flashed through my mind. I then expressed my desire to pursue a serious relationship with her and asked for a chance to date her. She remained silent, her gaze fixed on me. Several moments of dreaded silence passed, and I feared the worst. Finally, she broke her silence with a simple "okay." From that moment on, we embarked on this adventure together, building a strong relationship filled with laughter, dance, karaoke, a loving family and friendships.