Charisse Winn, Joaquin's cousin, coordinated a sneaky, unexpected introduction for Joaquin & Renee on April 20, 2018. In Charisse's eyes, both Joaquin & Renee had lived enough life without each other. Spending years growing through travels of the world, experiences and people, Charisse decided it was time to play the role of Cupid, and introduce her BEST friend, Renee, to her close cousin, Joaquin (Charisse and Joaquin even share the same January 4 birthday!). Renee had the biggest heart of any woman she knew. And Joaquin had the biggest heart of any man she knew. To Charisse, the match was clear, divinely intended, even if Joaquin & Renee were oblivious to it at first... :)

Joaquin was gifted two tickets from his sister, Bianca, to an Andrea Bocelli concert which was going to be in San Diego. Joaquin knew only three people in San Diego at the time: Charisse, her son Cade, and Renee. Joaquin wasn't pursuing anyone at the moment, and had a feeling Renee was in the same boat. He just wanted to have a great time at a concert with someone... with no expectations. To his surprise, Renee said, "Yes" in his response to his invitation. They had a wonderful time at dinner before the concert, and actually got the concert an hour late because Renee was late to dinner. Joaquin didn't mind at all though... because the moment the frazzled Renee arrived, he was awe-struck by her beauty, sincerity and sense of humor. He didn't even mind if they missed the concert because he was having such an amazing time at dinner. According to Joaquin, he first fell in love when the bartender approached them and asked Renee what she wanted to start the night off. She asked the bartender, "What kind of IPAs do you have?" With 20 years experience in the restaurant business, Joaquin had never met a woman that knew craft beer, let alone IPAs. No wine. No martinis. A refreshing beer. Joaquin was immediately intrigued. When they said good-bye for the night, no moves were made. But Joaquin was impacted in a way that would alter their futures forever. Renee said, "Good night. Let me know if you are ever back in San Diego again." Joaquin replied, "Absolutely." Little did Renee know, but Joaquin was just looking for the next opportunity. The story has just begun...

More than three months had passed since their first date. The opportunity for Joaquin to get back to San Diego had finally arrived. Two of his favorite bands of ALL TIME were joining to perform TOGETHER in a concert at Petco Park in San Diego!! JOURNEY & DEF LEPPARD! Drop the mic! Joaquin couldn't believe it!! Could this be REAL!? Divine intention!? Upon discovering this, Joaquin sent this hopeful text to Renee (quoted EXACTLY): "Hey you I hope all is great in your life! Well, I'm not a concert freak by any means... promise. lol, but my favorite rock band of all time (Def Leppard) is playing with Journey in San Diego at Petco on Sunday Sept 23rd. Tickets are on sale. I kinda had a blast last time with you *wink*. Would this be something you would like to check out? Lemme know. :) " After discussing a few details, Renee replied (quoted exactly), "Umm, funny that's actually my 33rd birthday! :) ... you are so sweet... Yeah, that sounds like a lottttt of fun!!! :) Yah! Thank you :) :) " After the concert, they went to an Irish Pub across the street where there was an acoustic guitar player. Joaquin approached the guitar player and requested him to play ‘Crash Into Me’ by the Dave Matthews Band. He then started slow dancing with Renee at the bar and thats when they had their first kiss! To get more juicy details, you're gonna have to get close to them and hear it in person! JOIN US IN CELEBRATING THEIR TRUE LOVE!

She had to have known the moment had arrived. On her day off, why was Joaquin so specific on how to dress, urging her hair done, and to arrive at such a specific time!? Well, she did all the above. And when she arrived, Joaquin was breathless. She glowed. More beautiful than he had ever seen her! An Angel! Joaquin had it all planned out. A surprise Italian gondola ride in the canals of the beautiful Naples of Long Beach. Joaquin even arranged for a friend of his, George, to arrive at the spot 30 minutes early, in the adjacent gondola, to take pictures of the whole event!!! Joaquin & Renee arrived at the gondola on a beautiful Southern California afternoon. The administrator of the business and the gondoleer had been expecting Joaquin & Renee. Weeks planned in advance. They were about to partake in a wedding proposal event. Everyone had their instructions prior to Joaquin & Renee's arrival. Joaquin & Renee arrived. Renee had a feeling, but had NO idea on how it was to be done. The gondoleer escorted the love birds to the perfectly placed gondola on the dock. Joaquin's friend was incognito in the adjacent gondola. Joaquin, as planned, stepped down into the gondola first. As Renee waited (impatiently) on the dock to be escorted down, Joaquin, with his back turned to her, reached into his pocket to produce the ring box. But, since he wears "skinny" jeans, the box was STUCK in his pocket!! He stressed immediately, trying to jimmy-rig it out, ready to rip his pant pocket if necessary! Then, it came out, and as Renee said, "Hurry up and let me in!" Joaquin turned around, dropped on his knee, and even through he had a whole poem ready, under his nervousness, was only able to say, "I love you.... *tremble*... and if you will have me, I will serve you for the rest of my my life. Will you marry me?" Renee couldn't even understand the shaking words coming out of Joaquin's mouth, but knew what this was. She said... Ask them! lol It's so funny!!!