January 16, 2012 How we met The paths of the future bride and groom began when Marlena started working at the Imperial Valley Press as the Marketing Assistant. Mario was working as the Sports Editor at the time. Years later they began dating and getting to know each other by going on trips with friends. After plenty of dinner and movie dates, Mario asked her to officially become his girlfriend on September 13, 2014 with flowers and a simple, but romantic “I love you, will you be my girlfriend?” Their journey since includes memorable trips to San Felipe, San Diego, Los Angeles, Boston Red Sox games, San Diego Chargers games and countless rounds of golf. One of their more special traditions since 2014 is to go Disneyland every December to enjoy the holiday scenery—the place where the famous story of Marlena’s craving for a frozen chocolate banana that took them across both parks while it was raining began! August 4, 2018 The proposal With the help of friends and family, Mario chose the Carmen Durazo Cultural Arts Center in Calexico for the proposal and decorated it with curtain lights and photos from significant moments in their relationship. For weeks he planned and she thought they were going to a friend's anniversary party. They walked through the double doors of the hall and in front of them was a tea light led path to which Mario guided Marlena to the center of the room. In front of family and friends, he got one knee and told her that she was the best decision he could have made and asked her “Will you marry me?” Through tear filled eyes, she said yes to the start their future together. It was a special moment and they were excited to share with those close to them and together look forward to sharing their wedding with you. See you in Mexicali!