Rafael and I met in high school, having mutual friends who shared first jobs. We were around similar party scenes and occasionally in the same place, but didn't really spend much quality time together. After I went away to college, we chatted a few times on social media, but nothing really came of anything. When I moved back from Oregon in 2014, I had seen that he was going to the gym, and I was without a home gym or a car, so I asked if he wanted to hang out and get a workout in together - so we did! We have been nearly inseparable ever since. I thought we'd just hang out and spend time together and be friends, and I had no intention of dating in general, but Rafael will tell you that he had his eye set on me and was hoping to get a date or two - and he certainly got at least one or two! The next time we spent time together was at a family barbecue of his, where I met his family and experienced the absolutely magnificence of Brazilian grilled meats and caipirinha. Within the first couple of times we had hung out, I had written in my journal, "I can already tell that I'm going to fall in love with this guy," and we weren't even an item yet. After 10 years together, many life obstacles, many successes, quite a few trips, several parties hosted, life milestones, and full-belly laughs, we're finally getting married. Rafael took me on a hike just before our 10 year anniversary and my 30th birthday, with our dog, to a place we'd gone for the last 10 years. Just off the path, there was a little wooded pond and a bench, very secluded in the woods. I, oblivious, was just playing with the dog, and listening to Raf talk about how we'd been going there for a long time, and how we'd been there with Vivi and friends before, only to sit down and look over and see him holding a ring. He asked if I'd make this place more special to him, and if I'd be his wife. Judging by the fact that you're on our wedding website now, reading this - you can gather that I said yes! I cannot sing enough praise to my partner or our relationship. I am respected, encouraged, and well taken care of. Rafael works hard to ensure that we have all that we want or need, and that I am comfortable. I am encouraged to be independent, without having to worry about being by myself. We laugh ALL THE TIME. We never stop playing! We don't argue, we don't bicker, we don't fight. We talk about everything under the sun, and make sure we come to agreements before making big decisions. He is my very best friend and I am confident that I am his. I always get what I want, and so does he - because we want the same things, and we are brutally honest about them. He is the truest mirror of myself and the first person to tell me if I am wrong, but also the first person to celebrate me when I am succeeding. I have never felt more encouraged or capable in a relationship, romantic or otherwise. I am so, so lucky to be writing this on our wedding website! (Pinch me!) So many little girls dream of their happily-ever-after, and I am so grateful that I have found mine. Thank you for celebrating our forever with us. With love, The Bride - (Soon-to-be) Mrs. Alves