We're getting married!

In January 2018, Guillermo and Valerie were both living in Champaign, Illinois. Guillermo was working as a Spanish interpreter at a local clinic, and Valerie was studying history at the University of Illinois. One day, Guillermo’s charming Bumble profile caught Valerie’s eye—and after a few messages, the connection was undeniable. A week later, they met at Seven Saints for their first date, where they talked and laughed for hours, instantly knowing they’d found something special. Not long after, they made it official and began their journey together. Champaign became their first home, where Valerie began working with the ASPCA and Guillermo pursued his Master’s degree. Their bond only grew stronger as they supported each other through every challenge, including Valerie’s battle with breast cancer in 2020. Through it all, their love proved steadfast and unbreakable. After moving to Chicago for Guillermo’s new job, they spent two wonderful years in the city before settling down in Warrenville, where they bought their first home and adopted two adorable bunnies, Wally and Sadie. Then, on a cozy December evening in 2024, surrounded by the warmth of their home (and their hopping witnesses), Guillermo asked Valerie to marry him—and she said yes! Today, they love discovering new cuisines, cooking together, and watching horror movies with Wally and Sadie close by. Whether they’re decorating for Halloween, going all out for Christmas, or sharing laughs over a heated game of Monopoly, Guillermo and Valerie are happiest simply being together—building a life full of love and laughter.