We first met at a church small group gathering back in 2014. Luis had just moved to Seattle from Texas the day before, and Tina was one of the small group leaders. Tina became "intrigued" from the start, while Luis (let's be honest) was completely oblivious. Over the course of the year, we both had one friend in particular (shout out to Erin Drum) consistently sow seeds into both sets of ears. "What about this person? You know who's really cool?" etc. Then one Saturday night in the fall, a group of friends decided to go dancing. It didn't take long for Luis to see the raw passion and life exude from Tina's aura as she owned the dance floor, and he became hooked. Since then, the journey has been a process of self discovery, sacrifice, and perseverance, but we believe it has only strengthened us to love God and each other more and more.

At noon, I picked up Tina to go the best brunch Seattle has to offer at Salty's on Alki Beach. There we were given the best table in the restaurant, a corner window on the water overlooking the Seattle skyline. I'm pretty sure there was a brunch coordinator involved, because as soon as we sat down a blue heron perched next to us, and sea lions breached from below. After brunch we went over to Pike Place, and stopped at a favorite paper store of ours, and then walked over to Storyville to grab some coffee. After walking around Pike Place, I asked Tina if she felt like catching a ferry, or if she wanted to go home and watch Netflix. Thankfully, she chose the ferry. Ten minutes on the ferry, we went up to the deck and decided to take a picture with the skyline in the back. As I awkwardly argued with a Taylor Swift look-a-like as to why now was not a good time for me to take their picture, one by one I had each member of mine and Tina's family come up to us to deliver a rose, and recite a portion of a poem I wrote for her. At the end, I delivered the last rose, finished the poem, and asked her to be my lifelong partner and best friend. She said YES! Afterwards we celebrated with some of our closest friends and family, and now we can't wait to share our special day with all of you!

To truly ponder, A playful wait. Fleeting thoughts to wonder, And still my words escape. You pose with caution, I launch with haste. A voice of one calling, Friends please speak words. Show us dissonance, Reveal the absurd. Turmoil, laughter, headache, love, Is this meant to be my fountain? Strength sent from above? There is hope, surely more! More surely, hope is there! Hear it coming? Can you see it? It sounds like trumpets and horns, Looks like dancing in air. Forgive and let go, no, Embrace and take hold. I’ll be courageous, You show me bold. Let’s play in the wonder, Beyond our threadbare state. Care free from the pressure, It’s a choice we’ll make fate. Forgive and let go, yes, And embrace and take hold! I’ll be courageous, Can you show me bold?