Cesar and Marina first crossed paths in September 2021, when they attended a mutual friend's birthday party in Birmingham. They shook hands and made introductions. Unbeknownst to Marina, Cesar was on the market and intrigued. He asked around to some friends about her, but at the end of the evening they went their separate ways...until the spring.

On March 9th, 2022 they had their first date at The Marble Ring. Marina's First Impression: Cesar was cool, calm, and collected, handsome and well-dressed. I couldn't stop looking at his pretty hazel eyes and I was nervous because I wanted him to like me! Once we got a drink and started talking, my nerves calmed enough to enjoy the conversation. I already knew he was smart, but I was happy to learn he had similar interests, goals, and values. I remember I was pleasantly surprised we had enough to chat about for 3 hours straight!  Cesar's First Impression: I was extremely nervous on our first date. She checked all my boxes—beautiful, intelligent, and kind—and I didn’t want to mess up a chance with what felt like my dream girl. I was immediately drawn to her sense of fashion, especially the fun rings she wore. Those small details told me she was thoughtful and intentional right from the start. With the help of a couple of good drinks and great conversation, we eased into the night. After that date, I realized I loved her mind, and it was curtains for my love life—in the best possible way.

Cesar and Marina made it "official" a few weeks before he left for his year-long doctoral internship in Cincinnati, Ohio. One of their earliest dates was Marina bringing over coffee after work and helping Cesar pack up his Birmingham apartment. Over the next year they got to discover Cincinnati, eat lots of good food, and fell even harder for each other.

After graduating from UAB with his PhD in Psychology, Cesar secured the opportunity of a lifetime that took him to Wash U in St. Louis. The happy couple loaded up the Penske truck (again) and have had a blast the last two years traipsing through "The Lou" when Marina is able to visit from "The Ham" and making plans for their future there.

Cesar coaxed Marina with a little white lie to get her near Railroad Park after work. To her surprise, Cesar arrived with a beautiful flower arrangement, wine glasses, quilt, and fully-stocked picnic basket for a grounded dinner in the park. Onlookers cheered their approval of Cesar's romantic planning skills! After their meal, the couple trekked up to the tippy top of Vulcan at dusk to overlook the city where they fell in love. They reminisced on one of their early dates in the same spot, before Cesar left for Cincinnati. When the tourists trickled away and the two were alone, Cesar got to one knee and asked Marina to be his wife.

They've been long-distance for the majority of their relationship and try to make monthly visits to see each other--whether in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Birmingham, or somewhere in between. While Cesar gravitates more towards music and film and Marina loves all things fashion, decor, & design the pair has a shared interest in all things aesthetic and artistic. They love exploring different cities, strolling art museums, perusing antique stores, and trying new restaurants together. Dr. and The-Future-Mrs. Gonzalez are beyond excited to finally live in the same city, call St. Louis "home" and spend the remainder of their lives in support of one another. . . . Along with our parents, we cannot wait to host a celebration of love, partnership, and marriage with each and every one of you on October 24, 2026!