Amanda and Albert’s story technically started long before either of them realized it would become forever. They had known each other since high school — Albert’s little brother was around Amanda’s age — so they were always loosely connected through mutual friends and familiar faces. Then in 2016, Albert started randomly sliding into Amanda’s DMs. What began as casual conversations here and there slowly turned into daily chats and getting to know each other on a whole different level. One conversation about food spots in Chicago changed everything when Albert invited Amanda to Cheesie’s Pub for what he promised were “life-changing grilled cheeses.” Spoiler alert: he was right — about the sandwiches and about her. After that night, they started spending more and more time together. At first, they were “just friends”… at least officially. Meanwhile, Amanda was busy wondering if maybe this could turn into something more. The two quickly became inseparable, and after nearly four months of Amanda repeatedly asking the famous question — “So… what are we?” — Albert finally made it official and asked her to be his girlfriend. After about a year of hanging out at Albert’s bachelor pad with his roommates, the two took a big step and moved in together. Renting their first house was exciting, chaotic, and a huge adjustment — especially for Amanda, who had never lived away from home before. Learning to share a space, build a life together, and navigate adulthood as a team definitely came with highs and lows, but through every challenge their love only grew stronger. No matter what life threw at them, they always chose each other. Nearly five years later, the couple had the opportunity to buy the house they had made a home. Becoming homeowners together only made the next step feel right — even if, as they lovingly admit, they did things a little “ass-backwards.” After eight years together, Albert finally decided it was time to put a ring on it. He planned a romantic night downtown filled with all their favorite things: dinner for pozole at one of their favorite restaurants Estrella Negra and an arcade date night — just like when they first started dating. The next morning, Saturday, April 28th, 2025, Amanda thought it was going to be a completely normal day. After a slow morning at home and Albert out in the garage “tinkering around” as usual, Amanda settled onto the couch to relax when her mom randomly stopped by. Nothing unusual there. Then Amanda walked outside and saw her dad hanging out in the garage with Albert. Still normal… until Albert’s parents suddenly showed up too. Somehow, Amanda still didn’t question why both families had randomly decided to “stop by” at the exact same time. And then it happened. Standing in their backyard with all of their favorite people gathered around them, Albert walked out of the garage, got down on one knee, and asked Amanda to marry him. Later, Amanda learned the entire thing had been carefully planned and everyone was in on the surprise except her. Their parents had all been instructed to casually “stop by” on their way to dinner so Amanda wouldn’t suspect a thing. She also learned that Albert didn't have very long to propose because once Amanda’s dad knew about it, he became an emotional ticking time bomb ready to burst into tears at any second over the thought of his little girl getting engaged. Champagne bottles were popped, happy tears were shed, and a toast was made to the beginning of their next chapter — becoming husband and wife. ♡