Welcome To Our Big Fat Greek-Portuguese Wedding!

Our story It all started on March 23, 2021, when two people hit the like button on Hinge. The world was on its way back to normal post Covid. Mike wasted no time in asking me to go out on our first date. He wanted to introduce me to some Portuguese cuisine, but had to settle for tapas, which was close, in Mahwah, NJ. The date started off by Mike introducing himself and then literally saying "just letting you know I'm vaccinated" (As if I really cared). The date went well and by the next day, we had our second date planned. The 2nd date was me introducing Mike to Greek food. Mike was in for a treat as he had never had Greek food before. However, due to a storm in Florida much of the date was spent desperately trying to find a flight to get my mom back home. After completing the impossible task together we spend the night talking and having a great time. 
 One of the things we have in common and something that has helped our relationship develop is travel. Throughout the years, we have traveled to numerous places and made endless memories. Whether it was flying to Curaçao for a wedding, spending the summers jet skiing in LBI, or getting stranded in Milos and missing our flight to Portugal. If anyone knows me then they know my love for dogs (Mike says I have a dog problem). Mike knew my love for my dog Gigi. He knew the best addition to our home would be a dog. On my 30th birthday, Mike surprised me with our puppy, Riley.

Mike proposed to me in one of my favorite places, Aruba. Aruba is special to my heart because of the numerous family vacations I spent there with my family. Mike knew how important Aruba was and how many memories I have there with my dad. Mike said he couldn't have thought of a better and more meaningful place to propose. 
Mike had the entire proposal planned but things got really complicated for him. He was eager to go to the beach before dinner to take a picture Sunday night, March 24, 2024. (I should have known something was up as Mike hates to take pictures) As always, I was running behind schedule. While walking downstairs, he said he forgot his phone in the room, and to head to the beach. Did I go? No. So of course, this is where he would say that I ruined his entire plan. We finally get to the beach, and find a family to take a picture of us. The entire time I feel Mike shaking, as if he was nervous or shaking his leg. If you watch our live photo, you will see that he is trying to pull the ring box out of his back pocket. (Make sure to ask Mike for the picture if you want to laugh) As I turned to grab my phone, I turn around and see Mike on one knee. He then proceeded to say “Maria I have a question, will you marry me?” (Really romantic huh) Thankfully this was not his only surprise, he hired a photographer for an engagement photo shoot and planned a romantic dinner on the beach. Btw did I mention that Mike hates to take pictures. It was an incredible experience and I wouldn’t have changed any of it.