Although we've been together for 5 years, our story began LONG before that. 10 years ago, we met through mutual friends and clicked IMMEDIATELY. The bond we shared was SO close, everyone around us swore we liked each other. Looking back, it's funny how much we denied it because we genuinely had no feelings for each other at that time (this fact IS questionable by both of us but neither of us have yet to admit other wise lol). For years, we spent our time getting beer, going to bars and night clubs. 'Til this day, we can both agree that we were probably each other's best wingman (Nat was definitely Gabe's..the vice versa is also in question lol). As the years passed, the friendship stayed the same until 2020 aka THE PANDEMIC.

The ongoing joke about how our love stemmed from tequila and covid is indeed, A FACT. During Covid, Gabe was living in his brother's basement and it was THE hangout spot (if you know, you know). All was normal until one day, liquid courage kicked in and our friendship hit a completely different dynamic. Who knew an unexpected kiss between us would lead to a full blown relationship? Well everyone did, but we didn't lol. To us, this was all unexpected and new! At first, we hid our "fling" for about 5 months, in which we got to know each other on a whole new level. Our strong friendship let us skip all of the awkward stages and our love, as cheesy as it sounds, grew beautifully. After many cuddles, kisses, dates and the first "I love yous", we made our relationship official on 01/01/2021 and have continued to blossom since then. The love we shared for each other grew through each step we took and we both became better people, which bettered our love and relationship (still growing). We even got the love of our life, Bruce! All in all, we fell in love with each other every single day and the love continues to become bigger as each day goes by.

Gabriel's story: By the end of 2024, I knew it was time to take the next step in our relationship and propose. I wanted it to be special, especially for Natalie. I could see how the topic of marriage would light up her eyes, so I had to make it great. First step: get a ring. I got an idea of the ring she wanted (Natalie and her mom went to look at rings which narrowed it down for me). Upon purchasing the ring, I was extremely nervous but also excited. Once I had the ring in hand, it all started to come together. Next thing I had to do was to speak with Natalie's parents. The conversation went amazing and I got their blessing! Finally it was time to set my plan in motion and propose. We were going to New York City in Nov 2025 to see the Christmas lights. In my head, what better place to propose...I mean c'mon it's New York City. Fast forward to Nov, we packed our bags headed for NY. At this point, I am a nervous wreck. Trying to keep myself composed and the ring hidden was a job on its own. Luckily Natalie has a cousin (Claudia) in New Jersey that just happens to work in NY. I reached out the day of for help lol. Remember when I said what better place than New York City? I could not have been more wrong. NYC during the holidays is madness filled with people, lights and events... crowded was a understatement. I had my work cut out for me! We met up with Claudia and enjoyed the beautiful sites New York has to offer. Meanwhile I am dying (figuratively) with anxiety. Every spot I had in mind to propose was not happening due to large crowds. We were unable to get a good recording and it felt as hope was slipping away. All of a sudden Nat comes up with the idea to go to Hoboken, New Jersey to meet up with her tios , which was perfect. While everyone was at NYC, we basically had Hoboken to ourselves. With breathtaking views of NYC across the river, I couldn't have asked for a better place. Claudia knew the perfect spot. Nerves were definitely kicking in at this point... it was time! Natalie was star struck by the view of NYC. While she was taking it all in, I was behind her on one knee with ring in hand. I called out her name so she could turn and face me. It was happening. All of our hard work (everyone involved/who helped, I couldn't have done it without you guys) led up to this moment. Natalie turned around it became surreal. Her face lit up with emotion and it was beautiful. We shed tears of joy. We laughed, we kissed and we hugged. It was truly the best day of my life. She said YES! Natalie's story: Early last year, Gabe started giving very "subtle" hints and I started to freak out. Engagement purgatory is hell lol. I felt like I knew it was coming but I just didn't know when/how, and that was KILLING ME. There were so many times I thought the proposal could happen but as time passed, nothing! Every trip we took, I wondered if it would happen...little did I know our NYC getaway was THE trip. In NYC, we met with my cousin Claudia (ily) at Rockefeller Center. It was PACKED. I suggested we head to Jersey to visit my tios and Claudia and Gabe agreed. At some point Hoboken got brought up as a good meeting point. For those who don't know, Hoboken is a city in Jersey that overlooks the river and has the prettiest skyline view of NYC. I had always told Gabe about it and was happy we were heading there. Little did I know, Claudia and Gabriel had been planning the proposal all day. Once we made it to Hoboken, the view was so breathe taking, I needed a second to take it in. I was leaning over the rail, admiring the view when all of the sudden I hear Gabe call my name. When I turned around, there he was on one knee asking me to marry him. It was PERFECT. No one around, just us (and Claudia, whom was "recording" the moment LOL ily). We kissed, we hugged, we cried... it was everything I could've dreamed of and more♥︎

From the bottom of our hearts, it means so much to share this beautiful day with all of you. From the start of our journey, we have felt nothing but tremendous love and support from all of those attending. We are excited to have everyone come together to celebrate our never-ending love! You all have been people who have shaped our story and we are forever thankful for that. To our families: Thank you for loving and accepting us, always. Both sides of the families have embraced us and have always made us feel welcome. You make the word family, the BEST comfort zone. We love you beyond words and are happy to see everyone come together. We hope the wedding will be one of many gatherings where we can come together as one big family! To our friends: y'all are the real MVPs. The energy you guys have always brought has been top tier. Most of you guys have been friends with either one of us (or both) for years now, and we value your friendships so much. You've seen the trajectory of our love and have rocked with us the whole way through. We are so thankful to have friends like you guys! Once the lights go down and the DJ spins, IT'S ON so get ready lol.