Marte' and Desiree first laid eyes on each other 9 years ago at a Euclid vs Shaw basketball game in Euclid, Ohio. Marte' was noticed by Desiree staring at her from the bleachers below, from her perspective lost in her beauty. He says, he was trying to determine where he recognized her, but you all can be the judge LOL. The two followed each other in Instagram, but never met in person. Unfortunately, they did not have the chance to speak at the game, but Marte' did reach out on Instagram later that night. The two were immediately connected and talked all the time, it became rare to see one without the other. Their first date ended up being on February 14th, Marte' brought Desiree chocolate covered strawberries and the two watched movies in the CRV. Years quickly went by and each graduated from their respective high schools. Marte' moved to Columbus Ohio to attend the Ohio State University, while Desiree stayed in Cleveland to attend Cuyahoga Community College. The distance did not stop their relationship, it then transitioned to a long distance relationship for a couple years. Marte' and Desiree always found time to see one another and talked on FaceTime every night they could, they were inseparable. Marte' came back home to to see her all the time, and vice versa Desiree travelled down to Columbus to see him, the two were no stranger to the Grey Hound bus. Eventually, Desiree decided to make the transition down to Columbus in 2017 after graduating from Cuyahoga Community College. They couldn't get enough of each other and loved one another dearly. The two went on navigating life, Marte' graduating from Ohio State University and Desiree started her career being an Esthetician.

7 years together had quickly went by and the proposal decision was made. Marte' arranged a trip to Houston for their anniversary where the question would be popped. The plan was just an extended weekend, although as many of you have heard things didn't go exactly as planned. We won't have you read the story to its entirety, but it's surely wasn't the typical engagement. The trip initially started out fine, the couple arrived on a Friday, enjoyed some sightseeing and explored Houston. Saturday was the big day, we woke up enjoyed breakfast and went to do some shopping to prepare for the evening. Marte' made dinner arrangements and scheduled a Salsa Dancing Class to try something new. At the mall we began to see clues that things were getting ready to take a turn. Hand written signs were posted and explained stores were closing early to prepare for a storm. The Ohioans didn't think much of it and assumed it would be a storm that they had experienced plenty of times before. They traveled back to the hotel and prepared for the evening. Quickly the weather had changed from a light rain to now snow and the temperature dropped dramatically. Marte' decided to rent a Tesla for the weekend when they arrived in Houston and though it seemed like a cool idea at the time it ended up being one of their major issues during the trip. The two went to dinner and parked the Tesla with about 45 miles left. The two enjoyed a nice dinner together and when dessert was brought out Marte' popped the question. Desiree said yes as employees and other diners cheered on and congratulated them. With more on the event list it was time to leave, but as the Telsa was started they noticed there were only 15 miles left until a charge was needed. The two searched for charges nearby, not realizing that the state of Texas was now beginning the Blackout process. Each charger found was either disabled or had the incorrect connector for the car. A Holiday Inn nearby was the final on the list. About 2 miles from the destination the two lose power in the Tesla and are stranded. At this point outside now looks like a scene from a movie. Roads were completely covered in ice, accidents are at every turn, and little to no power in the city. The two called their insurance, AAA and other towing services, with no help received due to the conditions outside. Marte' pushed the vehicle in the ice and rain making slow progress to the destination. Desiree even attempted to join, but pushing a car in heels on ice wasn't an easy task. Eventually a bystander joined in to provide assistance, the only issue was the assistance provided was in a rear wheel drive Camaro who could. barely handle the roads himself. Plenty of damage was made, but the two finally made it to the Holiday Inn. After a few hours of letting the Tesla charge it was time to make the journey back to the hotel. Ecstatic to finally make it back to the hotel, and be in a warm room after all the trials they called it a night. The next morning the fun continued when they woke up out of their sleep to no heat or power in the room. The hotel was included in the rolling blackout and there was no ETA on when power would be restored. The two were not scheduled to travel back to Ohio for another three days, so they were now forced to endure the elements. The hotel had determine all food in the kitchen was not to be sold or unsuitable due to being unrefrigerated. Most of the food ate consisted on what they could retrieve from their gas station hitch hike trips. Eventually it was time to depart, although all flights to the east coast were delayed or cancelled. The two ended up staying with some family friends for a few nights. We were appreciative of the warm place to stay, although with a total of 12 people in a one bedroom apartment they decided it was time to make a move. With no flights back to Ohio available the two ended up flying to California to enjoy some time in the sun. A trip to remember!