We’re Getting Married!

At Olive Garden, they say, “We’re All Family,” but for us, it was the beginning of something far deeper. In August 2015, Nancy, my mom, and I decided to go to Olive Garden. “Hi, I’m Tony, and I’ll be your server today.” That was the first time I met Antonio. Instant butterflies, like something out of a movie. I whispered to Nancy, half-joking about leaving him my number. To my surprise, she encouraged me, even suggesting a playful note: “THE ONE IN WHITE,” since we looked so alike. I sat there and I could feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment. But before I could regret my decision, Nancy scribbled my name and number on the receipt, and off we went, my heart was pounding. The next day, doubt crept in. “Why did I do that? He hasn’t called…” But just when I had all but given up, my phone buzzed—“Tony” had texted me, asking me out. We went to the movies, then to Crystal Cafe, where the atmosphere felt like home and food was comforting. Our connection was great but sadly after a short period, it came to an end. After we went our own ways and years had passed, fate somehow brought us back together. That fate was our mutual friend, Oscar. You see, back in good ole Twitter days, we spent our time tweeting our every thought. I tweeted about wanting to go back to the gym. Antonio caught the tweet and shared it with Oscar. Soon, Oscar had devised a plan to wingman us. “Why don’t you join us for a workout?” he suggested. I agreed, thinking it was a harmless way to reconnect. Little did we know, that was the beginning of our lifetime journey together. As we worked out together, it was impossible not to steal glances at each other, our chemistry undeniable. Our routine shifted; it went from Antonio picking up Oscar then me, to Antonio picking me up first, to squeeze in those precious moments alone before Oscar joined us. Those four months of laughter and stolen looks turned into something beautiful. Then, on April 11, 2017, was something picture-perfect. I’ll never forget that sunny spring day. As we cruised in his Crown Vic, Antonio turned to me, his gaze serious yet soft. “Will you be my girlfriend?” he asked, and just like that, our official journey began. We both didn’t have the best experiences in our previous relationships. That made us both agree to a couple set of rules. Which was-No more toxic cycles of breaking up and making up. If we break up, it will be for good. That rule led us to have amazing communication that helped us talk through any hardships we ever had. Since that day, we’ve been inseparable, navigating life side by side. Fast forward to April 11, 2024. With the sun setting, Antonio asked me to be his forever. My heart swelled with joy as I said, “Yes!” In that moment, I realized this is where our love story actually begins. This is the start of a brand new life and journey for us. This is when we get to make our own family. Just us—Antonio and Tammy.