Let's Celebrate!!!

David and Maria officially met at The Marble Ring in Birmingham, AL after "matching" on Bumble. After chatting for a few weeks, they decided to meet in person and see if there was a potential relationship to pursue. Both were filled with butterflies as they approached each other. David thought, "Please let her actually be real." Maria thought, "I hope David doesn't have a strong Southern twang." As they greeted each other, Maria over-analyzed (and approved of) David's accent while David was enamored by Maria's smile. They hit it off right away. The couple talked and laughed for several hours about their love of family, faith, shared interests, and a desire to see the world. Neither wanted the night to end. David walked Maria to her car and asked "Maria, just to be sure...that was fun, right?" Maria laughed and said, "Definitely." As Maria drove off she thought, "I think I'm going to know him for a while." By the grace of God, she was right and every moment since has been an adventure full of love and excitement.

On Friday, November 15th, David planned to ask the biggest question of his life. A few days before he popped the question, David almost ruined it. He called Maria on the Tuesday before to “plan” where they would go to dinner that Friday (he does not usually do that). Maria knew something was up. David told Maria that they would have dinner at El Barrio downtown and enjoy a drink at The Collins Bar while they waited for their table. Little did Maria know, David had something life-changing planned... As they approached downtown, Maria said, “You’re going the wrong way.” David tried to cover himself by saying, “No I’m not, I know a shortcut.” They park. Maria is very skeptical of David’s choices. David tried to assure her that they were in a safe area and that they would be fine. Maria (begrudgingly) followed him. Then suddenly, David stopped underneath a bridge on Morris Avenue. Maria questioned why they were stopping and impatiently reminded him that she was quite cold and hungry. David gets quiet. Maria gets butterflies. The couple was standing in front a mural entitled “Before I Die….” Maria gasped when she noticed a sign reading, “Maria Harb, Will You Marry Me?” As David took a knee to ask the biggest question of his life, he told Maria that before he dies he only wants to do one thing: marry her. Maria’s response: “Yes yes yes yes yes!!!” Another surprise followed when Maria asked, “Are we still going to El Barrio for dinner?” David laughed and told her that he made reservations at five of the best restaurants in Birmingham weeks ago and that she could choose where they celebrated. They spent the evening toasting the engagement, enjoying a delicious meal, laughing, crying tears of joy (mainly Maria), and thinking about all of the joy their future together would bring. Welcome to our wedding!!! We are so thrilled to have you all with us to FINALLY celebrate!!!