I had never felt anything like what I felt for Nataly after meeting her for the first time. I didn’t know what to expect on our first date, but the moment I saw her walk up the restaurant stairs, wearing a silk top with horses on it, I knew something was different. I was nervous, knowing I didn’t want to mess that night up, but the second we hugged, I felt completely at ease. From the very beginning, I felt safe with her. That night, I just listened and took in everything about her, her story, her life, who she is. I was completely absorbed in learning her world. What stood out most wasn’t a single detail, but how easy it was to be open with her. There were no walls, no guards up. Just honesty, comfort, and connection from the start. Only days later, I invited her to meet my entire family. I texted my sister asking if I could bring her to her baby reveal party and told her, “She’s the one.” Anyone who knows me knows how guarded I am, so feeling that, and saying it out loud, was something entirely new for me. She met my whole family within days and handled it all with grace. Over time I’ve gotten to know her family as well. I’ve come to care deeply for Mason, Madison, and Carter, and the rest of the family. I can’t wait for the life ahead. The growth, the joy, and everything in between. Choosing her was never a question. It always felt right.

I knew early on that I wanted to marry Nico so you can imagine when he casually suggested we take a look at engagement rings during a Christmas shopping trip my excitement was hard to contain.   In the months that followed, there were so many moments I was convinced this was it. I found myself showing up to gatherings in soft bridal tones. I patiently waited. Then came my birthday weekend. We took off for a family rock climbing getaway. That next morning in the Cochise Stronghold was surreal, you could feel the history, peace and stillness. After some time scaling the rock face, the rain rolled in and we were forced to take cover in our cars. Waterfalls poured down on what would have been our next route so our guides suggested a hiking spot they knew. By the time we reached the end, the sky had cleared. We stopped for a few photos, not knowing the moment was about to turn into something much bigger. Next thing I knew, Nico was down on one knee, opening a small black box. I looked over at the kids, wide eyed and waiting. Standing there in the middle of that wild, beautiful landscape, the answer felt bigger than words… but the yes came easily. What I didn’t know in that moment was that everyone already held the secret, even our guides. The day before, Nico had asked my dad, Madison, Mason, and Carter for their blessing. The way he included my family in this moment speaks volumes about the kind of man he is and I couldn’t be more grateful to begin this next chapter together with you there.  xo, Nataly