On January 3rd, 2021, Rommel was stationed in Coronado, CA, while Bri was back home in San Diego due to the COVID-19 pandemic (normally, she would have been coaching mid-season at CSUSB in San Bernardino). It was through Hinge that their paths crossed. After exchanging a few messages, Rommel suggested they FaceTime. When Bri answered the call, Rommel's first words were, “Oh good, you’re real!” They talked for hours that evening, instantly forming a connection. Their first in-person date took place just a few days later, on January 7th. They met at Sunset Cliffs, where they shared cold subs from a local deli and witnessed one of the most stunning sunsets they had ever seen (pictured below). From that moment on, they knew it was a sign that God had a beautiful journey in store for them. Four years later, Rommel and Bri are now homeowners in Arizona, with a beautiful daughter named Mae, after Rommel’s mother. In June 2023, when Bri discovered she was pregnant, the couple decided to legally marry in Arizona on August 23, 2023. While their marriage came sooner than planned, they both agreed they wanted to savor the joy and excitement of a true proposal and the wedding planning experience—when the time felt right.

In November 2024, after the passing of Rommel’s father, the family traveled together to American Samoa for the funeral. On their final day, as they were heading to the airport, Rommel requested one last stop to visit his father's burial site. To Bri’s surprise, Rommel asked her to accompany him, saying, “Take one last photo of him.” As soon as Bri raised her camera, Rommel dropped to one knee and asked her to marry him—again. It was a moment full of meaning. Before leaving Arizona in October, Rommel’s father had shared a heartfelt conversation with him about the importance of getting married soon. That discussion helped Rommel realize the time had come, and he felt it was the perfect moment to honor his father by including him in the proposal. Now as we anticipate celebrating this union together, let us pray to give God all of the glory, honor, and praise through this marriage. May there be worship in every single season. Thank you for coming alongside us in our journey together and embarking on this season of our marriage!