Two Hearts United Forever

Bride's Story: It was an amazing day in late September 2022 in Santa Ana. The skies were bright blue, the sun warm and bright, the leaves were turning gold, brown and red. Bride and Groom were busy with their routine workday, but it turned out it wasn't a routine day after all. Destiny put Javier, a mail carrier, on a new route. I was heading to a meeting downtown with no intention of stopping anywhere else. Driving North on Flower Street, I saw an instant opportunity to speak with constituents and quickly made a left turn on Borchard Street without thinking and parked. At the same time, Javier was at his USPS vehicle sorting the mail. He grabbed his mailbag and walked across the street to the corner of Flower & Borchard. Javier saw a woman in a suit with her back to him and posting a banner on the fence. He approached and from behind he asked, "Oiga, que hace?" I was a bit annoyed to be interrupted but turned to answer the question politely. I imagined the person as elderly retired Mexican man on his daily neighborhood walk. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see a smiling and handsome young man in a USPS uniform. Underneath a wide brim hat, I saw kind and loving eyes looking at me with curiosity. As I explained my reason for being at that corner at that precise moment, for a split second an image flashed through my mind of this stranger, and I linked by destiny for a deliriously happy future together. I earnestly scolded myself, bringing my mind back to the present question. I dismissed my thoughts with an exasperated, "what are the odds...ha-ha...never in million years. Besides you are not looking for a relationship!" We talked and laughed for a bit as if we were old friends. We both had to get going, but I promised him a coffee in the future so we may discuss ways he can help make Santa Ana a better city and he offered to walk our family dog, Penny. As I got to know this amazing man, I saw a loving, considerate, and compassionate soul. Javier truly has a heart of gold. We’ve known each other almost three years and never have we had a disagreement or argument. We have so much in common. We enjoy spending time together tremendously. I fell in love with Javier almost immediately. We soon began planning a permanent future together and now we wish to celebrate our union with our families and close friends. Looking forward to sharing our wedding celebration with you.

The Groom's Story: I am a mail carrier by profession. I normally don't work this particular route. However, I do my job wherever I am needed, and I am especially grateful to being assigned that area. This special day, I saw my future bride posting a banner on a fence at the corner of Flower and Borchard Streets. I am a curious person by nature and didn't hesitate to ask her in Spanish what the heck she was doing. The petite lady was in a business suit, with brown hair held back in a pony tail and wearing flip flops. I thought it was a strange combination, but figured she would explain. My future bride stopped what she was doing, turned to me and proceeded to answer my question of "Que Hace". She seemed a bit annoyed, but then a quick friendly smile came to her face and explained the unexpected stop on her way to a business meeting with Santa Ana city officials. So that explained the business suit and the flip flops? She laughed and informed she always carried flat shoes in her car just for such unexpected purposes. We laughed together like we have known each forever. I liked her easy-going manner and welcoming disposition. She made my day so much better. I was nervous, but I asked if she would take a selfie with me as I had never met an elected official before. I wanted to see her again, but too timid to ask for her number. I was glad when she offered her business card and promised me a coffee to talk some more since we both had other responsibilities that day. Later, I called the number, but was disappointed that it was an office number. I then thought... her website might have more information. I've never had reason to have a Facebook account, but I created one as I needed to get ahold of her. I obtained my future bride's cell number from the site and immediately called. She was busy at an event, but I was near the area. On impulse, I drove there, found her near the entrance. I hope she remembered me and didn't think I was stalking her. I could tell, Nelida was surprised, but happy to see me. We made our first date for a coffee in a few days. We took another selfie and said good bye for now. After our coffee date and when our busy schedules permitted, we walked Penny, played pickleball, tennis, hiked, worked out at the gym and attended church services regularly. We talked often about life in general, character, values and family. I realized we are very much alike and come to find out, we are both Geminis. We were born only a few days apart. No wonder it felt as if we are two hearts and one soul. Six months after we met, Nelida went on a two-week assignment to the East coast. Although we spoke nightly during that time, I knew I could not be apart from soulmate and knew destiny had united two hearts with God's blessings. I had a plan when I picked her up from the airport. We had a delicious dinner at our one of our favorite restaurants, Bella Cuba. After dinner, while still at the restaurant, I slipped my hand into my pocket, got down on one knee in front of everyone, I opened the box in front of my beloved and told her I could not be apart from her any longer. That day in late September 2022, forever transformed my life. I know it only happens in the movies, but we are proof of love at first sight. Destiny brought together dos corazones and it did bring a real life "happily ever after" for us. I am looking forward to celebrating this special day with new bride, my family and close friends.