Every good love story starts somewhere… and ours starts with a 4th of July party I never actually attended. Dylan grew up in Pennsylvania with Brianna and Derac, and years later fate (but mostly Brianna) decided it was time for us to meet. Brianna and I worked at a speech-language therapy clinic and she was DETERMINED I meet her husband’s childhood friend. Her plan was simple, introduce us at their 4th of July party in 2022. The universe has a sense of humor. I got COVID, stayed home, and missed the party. That night, Brianna Snapchat video called to tell me I was missing a great party, then casually handed the phone to a startled Dylan. Awkward doesn’t even begin to cover it. Our story is proof that sometimes missed parties, bad timing, and pjs can lead to the right person. After a less-than-stellar intro, we exchanged snaps for a few days before we were sneakily swindled into a double date with Brianna and Derac. We had a great time, ultimately both of us were convinced we weren’t ready for anything serious. Once again, the universe had other plans. We spent the next month hanging out, laughing, and slowly realizing that maybe this was something worth taking a chance on. Pretty early on, we recognized we shared a love for travel and learning about different cultures and history. We wasted no time, our first trip together was to visit Dylan’s sister for her birthday. Not long after, we learned something else we had in common: a deep love for the family we keep close. After a fun weekend getting to know his family, it was time for Dylan to meet mine. My very loving but very protective younger sister did not go easy on him, as expected. However, as if all odds were on his side, my father (who is usually quite stoic when meeting new people) called Dylan “my friend” during their first meeting. It was game over. Dylan knew he was IN. From the beginning, Dylan was eager to learn about my culture. I’m half-Colombian and half-Dominican, and he embraced both wholeheartedly. Our first big vacation together was to Colombia with a friend. He met one of the people I cherish the most, my abuelo, spent time getting to know my family, and learned more about where my mom is from. Soon after, we traveled to the Dominican Repbulic for Dylan’s birthday with his friends, where he ate more mangu than I have in my entire life. Most of our adventures and most cherished moments are surrounded by family and the family we’ve curated along the way. Friends we may not share blood with, but with whom we share countless memories. Throughout the years, we’ve taught each other to admire and respect one another’s cultures. And while I grew up in America, it turns out I also had a lot to learn. Dylan and I would not be here without the love and support our family and friends have given. Through them, we’ve seen our love not only through our own eyes, but through theirs. On May 16, 2026, we get to marry each other knowing we are best friends, secret keepers (so yes- whatever you told one of us, the other definitely knows), and partners for life, surrounded by almost all of the best people we know.