Stephen and Alejandra first met at Columbia University's welcome cruise around New York City. They were introduced to each other on the cruise by a mutual friend, Chung. After the cruise, Stephen, Alejandra, and a few new friends went to a nearby bar to continue to get to know each other. Stephen and Alejandra had their first official date not that long after the cruise. A few of Stephen and Alejandra's favorite memories from their time together: searching for the best restaurants in NYC, going to the Opera at the Metropolitan Opera House for Alejandra's 22nd birthday, visiting each others families in Alabama and Texas, touring Atlanta and the CDC when Alejandra worked there, meeting Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta at the CNN Coronavirus town hall, studying together at Columbia University's Butler Library, and hiking through upstate New York. Stephen proposed to Alejandra in Central Park with the city landscape in the background. Alejandra thought they were heading to the park that day to meet their friend, Dre, for coffee and pastries, but Dre was actually there to capture the moment with his camera. Alejandra was very surprised when Stephen got on his knee and asked her to marry him. Alejandra tearfully said "Yes!" and hugs and kisses were shared. We're so excited for you to join us as we say "I do" at our wedding in July of 2022. See you soon!