There was nothing about the ordinary afternoon in which Carmelo was surfing through Facebook to suggest that a long, magical, God-blessed, lifelong partnership was about to ensue. Carmelo had long been praying to the lord, however not for just anyone. Specifically, he was praying to find his "eve," or soulmate, the person who was made symbolically from his rib to be his partner from God just like Eve was to Adam. Rita at the same time, had less specific prayer intentions. She was praying to find an Italian boyfriend. Ask and ye shall receive, as the saying goes. A year of pursuit later, the future couple would have their first date, at the luxurious Tinseltown Cinema. Fast forward five happy years later, Carmelo asked Rita's dad, Rick, for permission to marry her, which he excitedly granted. Carmelo, then soon after, asked Rita to marry him, and she happily said yes. Not long after that, some planning began. However, back then they were just kids still. Neither of them truly knew what it meant to be a partner to each other in life. Tragedy would strike a few years later in the midst of a long engagement. Carmelo and Rita, young as they were, did not know how to handle their situation, and ultimately decided to part ways after a five year long engagement. Carmelo was reminiscing in the shower about a year later. He was thinking about how much in his heart of hearts he truly loved and missed her, and he prayed to God, begging to bring her back to him. About a week later, Carmelo got the idea to call Rita at her previous employers number, hoping she still worked there. To his happy surprise she still worked there, and after talking to her briefly, she agreed to talk with him. After a year apart, and a lot of growth from both of them, they agreed to try again. With the past behind them, and a bright future ahead of them, they agreed to start a "new" relationship. This new relationship has blossomed into something new and beautiful. This new relationship, with God at the center, is leading them into a life-long partnership, and beyond.

It was a scorching hot Saturday, August 24th, 2024. Carmelo had told Rita he booked a place for them, to dress nice, and not to eat because they were going to get food. 1:30pm hit, and they embarked towards their destination. Rita began to ask every few minutes where we were going to get food, as the hunger began to settle in. As the couple got to their destination, confusion settled in for Rita. Immediately she asked "why are we at church, is there food here." She then asked "did you sign us up for something?" To which Carmelo replied, "you will see." He then proceeded to lead them to the church doors, which were locked. This made things even weirder and more mysterious for Rita. Little did she know, Carmelo had accidentally lead them to the wrong side of the church. Making nothing clear to her, as if this was a part of what was supposed to happen, he lead her back into the car, and drove them to the other side of the church. Approaching the doors this time Carmelo said "I hope these aren't locked too." To his relief, they were not locked. Once inside, Carmelo got turned around, and asked Rita "where is the normal church service room on Saturdays." Rita pointed him in the right direction and they arrived in the church service room, where he lead them to their normal seats and sat down. Confused as could be Rita asked "Are we here to watch them practice?" To which Carmelo replied, "No just trust me." After the worship team finished the song they were on, Carmelo went up to the stage and talked with the worship team leader. He gave Carmelo a cue of "we're ready," and he grabbed Rita's hand and led her on stage. The worship team gave him a mike, put on the music, and began recording as he began to talk. Carmelo said "Well, it's been eleven years, and I love you more than words can express. I know we want God at the center of our marriage, so I can't think of a better place to do this then at God's house, so without further ado, will you marry me?" He got down on one knee and proposed. Tears filling her eyes and overwhelmed with everything going on around, she said "yes."