Were getting married!

Justin and Maritza first met during their sophomore and junior years of high school Maritza, 16, and Justin, 17 never imagined their paths would truly intertwine that fall. Their first encounter was brief, a short conversation during a summer program, before they went their separate ways, unaware it was only the beginning. When the new school year began, they both joined the same sorority and fraternity-based after-school program, where a friendship full of laughter, jokes, and teasing quickly became inseparable. Justin’s humor and Maritza’s charm created a bond that grew stronger every day. Justin, serving as president of the program, and Maritza, applying to join it, officially crossed paths during pledge week. Maritza needed Justin’s signature to complete her application and after playful flirting, he finally signed. Their first field trip together on October 6, 2014, to the Museum of Tolerance marked the true beginning of their love story. On the ride home, they exchanged numbers and spent the entire bus ride texting, starting conversations that would soon become nonstop. Throughout high school, Justin and Maritza became the beloved couple, admired by everyone. Justin would walk Maritza to her cafeteria job before heading to work at the student store and always made time to walk her to class after nutrition and lunch even if it meant being late to his own. Their first official date, Wingstop before a Friday night high school football game, began a Friday tradition filled with Buffalo Spot, home games, laughter, and unforgettable memories with friends. On October 20, 2014, Justin nervously asked Maritza to be his girlfriend. She said yes, he was so overwhelmed with excitement he forgot about the kiss and gave a hug instead, their fairytale officially began. From the start, Justin promised, “I’m going to marry you one day and give you the world,” a promise that would guide their journey. As high school ended and college began, distance and new challenges never shook their love. Justin left for college while Maritza finished her senior year, and through trust, communication, and unwavering support, their bond only grew stronger. They moved in together, started their adult first jobs, learned to navigate adulthood side by side, bought their first car, and cherished every milestone big and small. What mattered most was always being there for one another. Life also tested them in unimaginable ways. When both of their fathers became seriously ill, they became each other’s rock. They held each other through grief, dried each other’s tears, and leaned on one another when it felt like the world was breaking. Five months apart, they lost both fathers, and soon after had to learn how to live life without them. As if life couldn’t get any harder, Maritza lost her brother, and Justin supported her every step of the way, taking care of her brother by her side and being her unwavering support. Along the way, they also faced the loss of many other important family members. Through heartbreak, tears, and loss, they found strength in each other. Amid hardships, they celebrated milestones. They graduated college, bought their first brand-new car, and began their careers Justin with JB Hunt and Maritza as a Teacher. After initially planning to go apartment hunting, they felt guided to search for a house instead. After some setbacks, they received the Christmas morning call that their offer had been approved. On January 23, 2023, received the keys to their first house, filling it with love, laughter, and celebration. On September 21, 2024, at Fazeli Winery in Temecula, Justin surprised Maritza with a proposal surrounded by family and friends. In a moment they will cherish forever, they said “yes” to forever. Their story is one of love, faith, resilience, and devotion. Every joy and challenge led them here. With God’s blessing, they begin the next chapter of their forever hand in hand, hearts intertwined, ready to face the world together.