We're getting Married! Finally...We're getting Married! Finally...

Their story began in the heart of California’s Central Valley, at the College of the Sequoias, in late 2011 or early 2012. Alex and Shayla were two students, navigating the twists and turns of community college life & were drawn together by a scholarship program. Shayla, a committee representative for the program, crossed paths with Alex, who was new to the group. It wasn’t long before he and his friends began to show up at gatherings. Initially, Alex was simply a friendly face at their social hangouts, but as time passed, a deeper connection began to form. His jokes made Shayla laugh, and he reveled in the sound of her joy. There was an ease between them, an unspoken comfort that grew with every moment. During a camping trip with the program, Alex made an attempt to get closer, but at the time, Shayla didn’t quite recognize the signals. Yet, something intangible was undeniably forming. September 2012 marked a pivotal moment. Alex invited Shayla to the Tulare Fair, a gesture that, in hindsight, seemed like a date, though she hadn’t realized it then. When she arrived, ready to drive them both, Alex stopped her with a smile and told her to park instead. They walked together to the fair. That small, spontaneous change in plan was a spark...it made Shayla feel alive & deeply seen. They spent the night playing arcade games, riding a nerve-wracking ride, and laughing as though they had known each other for years. It that moment, surrounded by the laughter and lights, Shayla knew something extraordinary was beginning. From that point on, they became inseparable. Their bond was fast and fierce, sometimes rushing ahead too quickly, but always anchored by an undeniable love. By 2014, just two and a half years after their first meeting, they learned they were expecting. Their first son, Sebastian, entered their lives and changed everything. He became their greatest adventure, the foundation of their bond, and the reason they never gave up on one another. Years later they would be blessed with their second son, Ace who has filled their lives with even more love and joy. Though parenthood presented its challenges in the beginning, they learned, grew, and found strength in their shared values and mutual respect. Amidst the chaos of new parenthood, Alex left for Cal State Northridge to finish his degree in Marketing, while Shayla continued her studies in Psychology at Fresno Pacific. The distance tested their relationship in ways they hadn’t anticipated, but Alex’s unwavering commitment remained. Whenever Shayla needed him, he was there. After graduation, Alex chose to return to Tulare, following in his father’s footsteps and embracing his dream job. It was a decision that brought him immense happiness. Shayla, meanwhile, went on to earn her Master’s in School Psychology and has spent the past five years working in the field. Though their careers have taken different paths, their support for one another has never faltered. Their bond is built on humor, sarcasm, silliness, and strength...a foundation that has weathered even their hardest seasons. On Christmas Eve 2022, Shayla’s favorite holiday, Alex proposed in the most meaningful place: her grandmother’s house. Surrounded by the warmth and love of family, he asked her to be his forever. And now, three years later, they find themselves planning the day they will celebrate their love, surrounded by those who have witnessed their journey. The past few years have not been without struggle and life’s uncertainties have tested them, but through it all, they have remained steadfast in their devotion to one another. Now, they are ready to celebrate the life they’ve built together: the laughter, the tears, the victories, and the resilience, all shared with the people who have meant the most to them. They look forward to celebrating this next chapter with all of you. Here’s to love, to family, and to a future filled with hope and happiness. With all our hearts, Alejandro and Shayla