The date above is where our first date began—the first of many to come. BUT... before that, we met at a mutual friend's house. They planned a day for both Eliana and me to meet. I was running late due to a church class, and it was snowing heavily. As Eliana stepped out of the apartment, I knew that was the girl my friends Jess and Eddy were talking about. We met outside in the majestic snowfall, looked into each other’s eyes, and asked questions, getting to know each other. I had one thing on my mind: I MUST get her phone number! With my heart racing and the snow falling around us, I asked, “Jess spoke highly of you, and this conversation was great—can I have your number?” She was enamored with my piercing green eyes and said YES! Thank you Jess you were a huge help having us meet! We praise the lord for this union. On 01/24/2025, we met at a restaurant called Terrain. It was a beautiful botanical garden. We sat together for 2 hours, getting to know each other, and I asked her for a kiss. She said no. I thought I struck out, but she texted me 2 days later, explaining that in her culture a kiss meant boyfriend and girlfriend. I understood, and we had many more dates from there. As God as our witness, He knitted our relationship together. Early on the 4th date, I broke up with Eli, which lasted 2 days, as we remet at church during the Super Bowl in 2025. I took a trip to Sanctuary 1 hour away to feel better and reconnect with God. As fate would have it, Eli’s work that night got cancelled, and when I saw her, I felt horrible. But we hit it off like nothing bad ever happened and had an amazing night, focusing only on each other. Only God Himself could write such a beautiful love story. He is at the center of our soon-to-be marriage, and we will never abandon Him or each other. As only death do us part. We ended up going to Disney this past summer in FL. I would have never considered such a thing—rollercoasters, heights, and screaming… yuck, not for me. But Eli really wanted to go, and no friends could join, so I volunteered. Rollercoasters and Tower of Terror on the first day—my heart was leaping out of my chest. This was also Eli’s birthday weekend, and we went on many more adventures. I’ll post some pictures and videos ;) We went to all 4 parks—thank you, Krystal, for 1 free park hopper pass; we appreciate it! The best ride was Guardians of the Galaxy. She and I had so much fun screaming on the rollercoasters. Me, Mr. Afraid of rollercoasters—by the 4th day, I only wanted to be in the front seat, and it was super fun! This was one adventure I didn’t want to forget. On the Pandora ride, there was a beautiful sunset during the 3D ride, but my heart was racing, and love overwhelmed me—HAHA. We went to the bathroom afterward, and my thoughts were racing. As she came out, I looked into her bright brown eyes, and she into my piercing green eyes. With my forehead pressed to hers, I asked, “What do you see?” Tears of joy came into my eyes. She said, “You’re sad?” I said, “No, I am overjoyed with happiness—will you marry me?” Yes, our first mock proposal, no ring, in front of a bathroom outside the Pandora ride. She will laugh that I included this, but it was special. She also wore the Disney ring on her left hand—you’ll see on some of the rides ;) Now fast forward—11/27/2026—we’re back at Terrain. Same table—I got us—and everything. I proposed, and she said YES. We took some great photos and shared laughs. Going back to the place we first met, in the same seats, and now with a wedding upcoming on MAY 2nd, time truly flew by. Love is the reason for this day; your presence will make it even more special. Thank you, Lord, for all You do for us, and may all the people at this event be blessed. AMEN!