Not looking for anything serious, Santiago and Valerie both swiped right on the dating app Tindr. They shared their first date at Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napolitano in New Haven, located halfway between where they each lived at the time. After a few dates and getting to know each other, the two grew close. Santiago always says that Valerie latched on and wouldn't let go but what really kept them together was their willingness to allow the relationship to grow naturally. The pair have based their relationship on honesty and unpretentious kindness which has lead them to the happiness they have today. Now they live less than three miles from the pizzeria and love to go back with family and friends to share the place where it all began.

One average evening together, Val was particularly feeling the love and came to the decision that she wanted to propose to Santy. Unbeknownst to us, Santy was in a similar mindset and had been planning to go ring shopping with Paulina and Erika. Surprisingly, it was Val who got down on one knee first. On a beautiful morning in early September, Santy suggested a bike ride down to our local lighthouse for a picnic, with Chance in tow. This was exactly the moment Val had envisioned to pop the question, so she grabbed the ring she had hidden in her night-stand, not sure if she would have the courage to follow through. The morning was so full of love and joy and all of the things that had made her want to propose in the first place, giving her the confidence she needed. Santy was completely surprised and said yes, despite his disappointment at having her steal his thunder. Of course, now he'll always get to use his favorite line "Hey, hey, hey. YOU asked ME for this!" when he needs a good defense.