It all began in December 2013 on what seemed like an ordinary day at MVEC. I saw him for the first time and immediately asked a coworker who he was. By the end of the day, she had gone out of her way to get his number! Embarrassed but intrigued, I sent him a text. We started talking and became friends. Over the years, he became my go-to person during hard times—always offering advice and being someone I could count on. Our coworker Ferna added his own twist to our story, often telling him to ask me out or take me to dinner. I’d occasionally buy tacos for him (because, you know, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!), and Ferna would deliver them with endless teasing. Once, another coworker saw us talking in the hall and later asked if we were a couple. I laughed and said, “We’re just friends,” but she pointed out, “Well, the way he was looking at you says otherwise.” At the time, we weren’t ready for more. But in October 2015, everything changed. We started talking more frequently, and by November, he invited me over to “watch” the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Let’s just say it became pretty clear he wasn’t just interested in the show. A month later, on December 18, 2015, we took a trip to San Antonio, Texas, to see the Holiday Lights on the River Walk. That magical night, we made it official. Our journey together since has been nothing short of amazing. We welcomed our first son, Ethan, on December 29, 2016, followed by Michael on February 26, 2018. In June 2018, we moved into our first home together, and our family grew again with the arrival of Violette on May 29, 2020. My daughter Mia has been loved, cherished, and protected by him as if she were his own, which means the world to me. - Vanessa Rodriguez

After years of building a life and family together, he surprised me with the most beautiful proposal on December 21, 2024, at Monarch Mountain in Colorado. We had been rushing to make it to a snowmobile tour by 1 p.m. and after calling ahead, found out they wouldn't wait. We scrambled to get there just in time. Once on the tour, we stopped in an open area where we could explore and take pictures. After some family photos, he said, “Now just you and me.” Wearing my helmet, goggles, and snow suit, I could barely hear him, but when my daughter said, “Mom, turn around,” I saw him on one knee, holding the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was the easiest “yes” of my life! We are so excited to celebrate our love with all of you as we begin this new chapter as husband and wife!