We're Getting Married!

Once upon a time in 2011, two strangers crossed paths in a busy city on Match.com! They both loved adventure and trying new things, so they decided to give it a go. Their first date was at the Starbucks on Jefferson in Mar Vista, where Ruben tells Shilloy, "they won't give you a gold Starbucks card because you're not as special as me." And, then, later, after peeping at her toes, he secretly feared that her big toenail (which was missing because of a marathon and painted over with polish) would be a permanent flaw. Ha! Classic Ruben fears and smartassery! Shilloy rolled her eyes at his dumb comment while thinking, "who does this fool think he is? I'm super special. He'll be lucky to know me long enough to find out"! For their second date, Ruben took Shilloy to a midnight AA meeting where he spoke. Shilloy listened to his incredible life story of difficult and uncomfortable times, turning fears into healing and creating a life worth living! She saw his heart and knew he would be special in her life. As they dated through the years, they had fun exploring Los Angeles, taking weekend trips, and eventually traveling the world, bonding over their love of classic rock, comedy, Mexican food, fitness, and their passion for family, particularly raising their teens into young adults into amazing parents of their now FIVE grandbabies! They laughed, they cried, they struggled, they overcame, and before they knew it, they shared a home hosting backyard BBQs and overcrowded MMA fight nights - becoming the go-to couple for yearly events like Thanksgiving and Superbowl! When many couples broke up after being in each other's faces all pandemic year, in December 2020, Ruben and Shilloy fell deeper in sync and closer than ever! Ruben proposed that Christmas morning, and when she said yes, they professed their deep love and respect for each other. And even though there had been super tough times as a couple, as parents, and as people on this planet, they both said they wouldn't want to do this life with anyone else! "This is the best relationship I've ever had. I didn't think it was possible to get to this place. You are the love of my life!' And, guys, that means a lot because they have lived many lives! Shilloy and Ruben's relationship is a testament to the power of love, trust, and perseverance. They found deep, healing love and happiness by committing to their individual growth and partnership. They've been inseparable, building a love-filled life with endless adventures. They can't wait to spend forever together and are excited to start a new chapter as husband and wife! #SanchezGetsLomelied Behind every great relationship are difficult and uncomfortable conversations we rarely get to see. Great relationships don't just fall into our laps. They require people to move through their fears and insecurities and do the hard work to move wounds into healing. - Vienna Pharaon