We're getting married!

Michael and Jalisa met on May 19, 2016 at Cafe Brazil in Denton, Texas. Michael was a graduate student pursing his degree in Rehabilitation Counseling and Jalisa was finishing up her last year of her undergraduate program. The two were at Cafe Brazil because a professor at the University of North Texas, Paula Heller-Garland, had created a networking event, for current and Alumni students of the department, to mix and mingle with one another. Jalisa was there in hopes to ask the professor to represent her in a grade appeal and Michael was encouraged to go by one of his colleagues. Little did the two know, this was the start to a lifetime together. Michael sat next to Jalisa at the table and the group of students talked for many hours. Stories of discussion boards was the hot topic and Michael made a joke in regards to a discussion board he posted on. Jalisa immediately laughed and the two connected instantly. After a couple hours and way to many cups of coffee and tea to count, the group decided it was time to go. Jalisa and Michael were both to shy to ask one another for their contact information after meeting. The next day, Jalisa received a message via facebook from Michael talking about how much fun he had meeting her. The two then exchanged numbers and Michael asked Jalisa out on their first date! The first date was on June 4, 2016 at Texas Theater in Dallas, Texas to watch True Romance on 35mm film. Jalisa and Michael were both so nervous about the first date. After the movie, Michael invited Jalisa to grab dinner and Jalisa recommended Ranchitos Mexican Restaurant, a place she had gone quite frequently with her Mom, Dad and Brothers. Dinner went amazing! The two talked about their life, their goals and even enjoyed Mariachi's singing in the restaurant! Michael then walked Jalisa to her car, gave her a hug like a gentlemen and complimented her on how beautiful she looked this evening.

On September 23, 2017 Michael had taken Jalisa to the jewelry store to look at engagement rings. He said nothing would be done soon, but wanted to look at what styles Jalisa would like. This was no surprise to Jalisa, because Michael somehow was always too excited to keep a surprise a secret. That day Jalisa told Michael it was very important to her that he get the blessing of her Mom, Kerrie, and Brother's Jerald and Julian Fragoso. Since Jalisa's Dad passed away before she met Michael, this was very important to her. After Jalisa and Michael looked at rings. Michael kept it a secret for almost two months that he was planning a surprise proposal. Michael took Jalisa's mother out for dinner to formally ask her as well as her brother's Julian and Jerald. On November 25, 2017, Michael and Jalisa planned a Thanksgiving dinner for the Council Family and Fragoso Family to meet! Little did Jalisa know, she would be asked by her love, Michael, to marry her. As the family was finishing up dinner, Michael had asked Jalisa to stand. At that moment, a waitress walks in with a cake that read, "I love you Jalisa, you're the Obi Wan for me, Will you Marry Me?" Michael got down on one knee, grabbed Jalisa's left hand and said, "Jalisa, will you marry me?" In tears, Jalisa responded, "yes!" The love of family, food, and star wars made the perfect setting for a memorable proposal!