Godparents of Ceremony

On August 22, 2017, Matt and Alejandra would meet for the first time. It was the first day of the new school year, and Alejandra had just transferred to Arkansas State University (ASTATE). Coincidently, it was their first class together – Principles of Public Administration. Although this class would be most unusual, Public Administration would play a key role in bringing them together years later. Once class started that Fall, Matt was mesmerized by Alejandra from the first time she walked in and took her seat. As the days passed, he noticed how intelligent, kind, and beautiful she was. It was hard to stay focused in class. The school semester progressed, and their friendship blossomed as they worked on class projects together. Unfortunately, Matt would graduate and pursue his Master’s degree. He never expected to see her again. But God had a plan, and they would reconnect in the Fall of 2019. Alejandra and Matt both decided to get their master’s degree in public administration. During their graduate assistantships, feelings started to form in Alejandra’s heart while Matt only confirmed what he felt all along; however, they wouldn’t admit nor express those feelings until Spring 2020. Alejandra wasn’t aware of her feelings towards Matt until someone pointed out that perhaps she had deeper feelings for him. After this realization, Alejandra was heading back to her department building at ASTATE when she noticed Matt was heading out. They briefly locked eyes but she looked away so fast and acted as if she didn’t see him, scared that he had noticed something different in her eyes, which he did. After spending more time together, Matt eventually found the courage to express his feelings to Alejandra and ask her on a date. He was so nervous that he could only ask in Spanish. Alejandra had heard from the grapevine about his hesitation to ask her out, but she prayed that he would take that leap of faith, and he did. Valentine’s Day 2020 would be the beginning of many dates! While the world shut down due to COVID-19, the opportunity for a relationship between them was left open which has led to 5 full years of love, laughter, and wonderful memories. On New Year’s Eve, after arriving in Dallas from their first Christmas trip in Mexico, Matthew proposed to Alejandra right before the ball dropped under the radiant string lights with the waters of Lake Carolyn sparkling under the moonlight. Alejandra happily said yes and accepted the most exquisite engagement ring chosen especially for her. Matt and Alejandra made a promise that night to commit their lives to one another and build upon their inseparable bond with God at the center of their relationship. Now they wait to experience the most important chapter of their lives, the start of a forever after.