We initially met each other while working at Six Flags in 2014 (craaazy, right?). Limandre ended up messaging me on Instagram to start a conversation after staring at me at lunch in the break area. I still remember first seeing him at a ride night for the employees, and I thought he was cute. We started texting and facetiming soon after, but I ended up friend zoning him at first. I could tell he really liked me, and I didn't yet want a relationship. (I know). Fast forward to October 2014, we started talking again! It's funny because I texted him, and he acted like he didn't have my number saved. HAHA! We started texting a lot, and eventually hanging out in person with our friends. Then came a Bay Area Halloween concert that we both went to separately. He was in charge of driving his cousin, but ended up being with me the entire night. This is where he said to me, "you know you're my girl, right?". Yes, he told me I was his girl, just like that. We became official, and the rest is history! We're eachother's bestfriend, and have known we would get married for a long long time. We are excited to finally celebrate our love with you all. #HolyMatriMatias -Mercedes <3

So, the day I proposed was a wild ride of different emotions. From nervousness to excitement and even fear. We were in New York City, and the day before, I had a friend that lives out there take Mercedes out to get her hair done while I scoped out spots in Central Park that would be perfect for the proposal. My friend also hooked me up with a photographer so we could coordinate and discuss different locations that would make the proposal special. The day of our proposal, we went to the top of the Vanderbilt building, an observation deck called "Summit One"- a fancy term for an interactive museum. We were all the way at the 93rd floor when I realized we should leave to make it on time for our "photo shoot". When we left we didn't know that there was almost a 30 minute line full of tourists and kids on a field trip just to get in the elevator to leave. The whole time, I'm texting the photographer about the situation and our ETA. When we finally made it down and into the subway we ended up accidentally taking the wrong train and heading in the total opposite direction of where we needed to be heading, because of course right? Eventually we finally arrive at the right stop and head towards the area me and the photographer discussed. Mercedes was totally unaware surprisingly, knowing her. I was behind her, got on one knee and proposed to the love of my life. The woman I know I want to spend the rest of my life with. We can’t wait to celebrate with you all! -Mandre