We both transferred to UNI our junior years of college and ended up living one floor away from each other in Dancer Hall. One Friday, before a long weekend, Paula went to the first floor lounge of the dorm to find another friend and ended up meeting Andres. Andres knew that day a special relationship would develop between them... Paula had no idea... They remained friends through the next years at UNI, attending BASIC (praise and worship night) and watching football together. After graduation, Andres moved back to Texas and they continued to send cards in the mail and stay in contact through phone conversations. One day in 2017, Andres shared his love for Paula and asked to date her. She said no. He continued to ask and she continued to say no, even threatening to change her phone number and never speak to him again if he continued to ask. Fortunately, he asked again and Paula still answered the phone. In October 2017, Andres flew to Iowa to take Paula on a date and they have been a couple ever since!

Andres proposed in the most sentimental way possible with both of their families involved. His immediate family met up at his mother's grave and after praying together, Andres got down on one knee with his family all around and Paula's family watching on Skype. Paula was not expecting the proposal on this day, but appreciated his loving words and said yes right away. Shortly thereafter, they met many more of Andres's family at a restaurant to announce the engagement! The next day, Paula and Andres flew to Spokane, Washington to share the engagement celebration with Paula's family and grandmother.