Started in 2017, our sophomore year of high school when I (Josh) posted a video on social media that caught the attention of many people throughout the Coachella Valley. However, for one person (Raquel), it wasn't the video that she was mesmerized by, it was my handsome profile picture. That's when a single message turned into a 3-year journey of trying to make this beautiful woman mine. We went to different schools, and I only had the courage to talk to her from the other side of a phone. Multiple times our paths would cross, but the sight of her made me feel nervous. My heart would drop, I'd feel scared, and instead of approaching her, I'd try to pass her by without her seeing me. It wasn't until 2019, at the Coachella Music Festival, when we finally met. Though it was a brief moment, I knew that we were meant to be. But life is unpredictable, because that night would be the last time we'd talk until 2020. There is a reason for that which is embarrassing and a story I'd only tell in person. But come 2020, with three years passed, it became understood that God's timing is perfect. It was a time in my life when I needed someone the most. A night of prayer became reality. We started talking again, though this time the feeling was different. It felt as if we both finally knew what we wanted. When talking about our day became talking about the future. When a life together became something we strived for, because a life without her would mean nothing. So as time continues to pass, we only continue to find that our love grows stronger, knowing that we were meant to be.

It was a beautiful day planned for “Family Photos.” Watching her get ready, looking more gorgeous than ever, the nerves started to build up. I walked around the house giving myself pep talks, praying that this day would be perfect. Going over the plan in my head, First our families would eat dinner, then we’d take our family photos, simple, right? Come dinner time, I’m more nervous than ever. I ordered something I would never get, the servers are taking forever, the sun is going down, and I can tell that Raquel is getting suspicious. As I’m sitting there starting to sweat, worried about the time, I rush everyone to eat quickly. We finish dinner, start to head out, and now it’s game time. As Raquel is distracted, I exit the restaurant to see the beautiful set up that was made for this special moment. Our family members along with random bystanders all line up to form a long walkway leading to a stage, each person holding a single rose to give to Raquel. There I wait, with all eyes one me, and then I see her. Raquel starts to walk towards me, each person giving her a rose one by one. She looks so beautiful, and it feels as if time slows down. The closer she gets, the more comfortable I feel. And as she approaches me, I grab her hand, and everything feels perfect. I get down on one knee, ask the magic question, and hear the words I’ve always wanted to hear, “I do.” The amount of joy and happiness that was felt that evening is a feeling we both won’t ever forget.