We met at a fraternity BBQ hosted by Tomas’ organization, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. to bring in the summer of 2012. It was Memorial Day weekend and we both attended with our close friends to enjoy some good vibes and music under the sun at Riverside Park at 145th Street. This was only the beginning!

On a hot friday summer night in 2012, Tomas dragged himself from his mother’s Brooklyn apartment to head to Washington Heights for a party his college friends had invited him to. That party was Yolayna’s birthday celebration! The night was filled with good vibes and even better laughs, and it also cemented the seed in their lives that they had no idea would grow to this special day in 2020!

Keli Alvarez (Yolayna's sister-in-law) was participating in her first New York City Marathon (which she crushed with a sub 3:30 finish!!!) so the family was all gathered in support of her milestone that weekend. Dinner was planned that night in the Big Apple to celebrate Keli's big day. As the family rejoiced and took in a nice dinner after a long day, they all stood up for a toast, and on this toast, Tomas dropped down to one knee and eagerly asked the golden question: Will you marry me? You already know the rest!