we’re getting married!

We first met on July 3rd, 2021, while volunteering at a music festival. From the start, our connection felt easy, casual conversation, shared jokes, and a natural comfort that made the day fly by. From Maria’s perspective, it was simply friendly. From Keno’s, something stood out immediately. He admired her energy, her warmth, her smile, and how effortlessly she made people feel at ease. Still, nothing was rushed, friendship came first. Over the following months, we stayed in touch through the occasional DM or text. Keno checked in often, slowly working up the courage to ask Maria out a few times. Maria, not quite in the right headspace, kindly declined and truly believed they were meant to remain just friends. Keno respected that fully, but quietly held onto hope, choosing patience over pressure. A year later, we unexpectedly ran into each other at POST Houston. We were both with friends but ended up talking and catching up like no time had passed. For Maria, it felt familiar and warm, like reconnecting with someone from a good chapter of life. For Keno, it felt like a second chance. He left that night knowing he didn’t want to let the moment pass again. After that, Keno became more intentional. He sent funny memes on Instagram, invited her to volleyball games, sibling hangouts, and casual plans. Most of the time, Maria said no, but Keno stayed consistent, believing that showing up kindly and authentically mattered more than getting an immediate yes. Then one Monday night, Keno asked Maria to grab coffee the next day. Maria said yes with no expectations, thinking it would be a simple, one-time hangout (and admittedly, free coffee didn’t hurt). That coffee date on Tuesday, October 25th, 2022 changed everything. What was meant to be quick turned into hours of conversation, laughter, and effortless connection, followed by Cava because neither of us wanted the day to end. Maria was surprised by how natural everything felt; Keno was simply happy to finally be sitting across from her, enjoying the moment and the chance to really get to know her. From that point on, our dates had a habit of stretching on for hours, becoming a rhythm we both looked forward to. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Early on, Keno shared that he wanted to “intentionally pursue” Maria and he has stayed true to those words through his actions every day. His love has been steady, patient, and selfless. From Maria’s side, being with Keno has felt like overwhelming peace, never questioning where she stands or how deeply she’s loved. What began as friendship, patience, and a simple coffee turned into a love that feels grounding, safe, and full of purpose. Not long after we started dating, life asked us to grow in a new way. Our relationship became long distance, and with it came airport goodbyes, early-morning flights, late-night FaceTimes, and learning how to love each other across miles. It wasn’t always easy, but it was always worth it. For nearly three years, we chose each other through time zones, busy schedules, and the spaces in between. Distance taught us patience, strengthened our communication, and showed us how deeply rooted our love truly was. Even apart, we never felt far. Every visit, every call, every countdown to the next reunion only made us more certain of the life we were building together. On May 8th, 2025, Keno popped the question surrounded by the beauty of Central Park. With full hearts and no hesitation, Maria said yes, easily the best yes of her life. We are so blessed to have found each other, and even more blessed that we get to spend forever as husband and wife.