Celebrating our love

It all began in a restaurant 11 years ago. Carlos went to Bailey Street Kitchen in Uptown Whittier for lunch with family and from the corner of the room, a folksy voice captivated his attention. He listened intently and on the way out, he complimented her, gave a tip and took a business card.

For a year, the two followed each other on social media platforms, exchanging likes and the occasional comment. During a trip to Disneyland, Carlos took his shot and sent a message: "Disneyland :D". with a picture. "Lucky!". Tori replied. There was familiarity and comfort, like they had already known each other. DMs turned to regular texts, texts turned to movies, dinners after work, cupcakes, music gigs and visits with families, solidifying their affections and breaking their walls. September 1st marked the official start of forever. With Jesus' grace, it’s been 10 years of deepening love, sharing life, commitment, laughs, hardships and growth together. They’re dog parents to the cutest little stinks, who is their world. Now they want to celebrate these years, commemorate that commitment they made long ago and spend the rest of their lives in matrimony.

2024, Carlos had been planning for several months to propose at Disneyland and landed on April! Tori was sick the whole week before and panicked because she refused to rest, hints started to emerge: Begging her to rest, asking about comfortable shoes, what she wanted to wear and finally telling her where they were going. Where to do it? He’d gone back and forth on whether to propose at the spot from the original picture he sent or to have a photo moment in front of the castle. When? in the morning light or lights of night; Tori kept messing up his plan. Afternoon came and he asked a couple to take a photo. Then he turned and got on one knee. People gathered around but the world faded, just these two locked in the moment. Excited nerves stole their words, she gave him finger guns (FINGER GUNS?!) and with a big smile, she said YES! Events ensued with hilarities in perfect whimsy- so characteristic and needed - for these opposites. It was the perfect representation of their happiest days ahead and their happiest place on earth - together.