To Have And To Hold

We both went to Garland High School (gig'em owls!), but we never had any classes together. So, we met through mutual friends and crossed paths in the hallways or school events. Yes, we both thought it was quite cool when we learned we have similar names!

We didn't talk to each other much during high school but talked more during our later college years. Although Viviano went to Texas A&M University and I went to The University of Texas at Dallas, we became close friends when we hung out during our holiday breaks at the end of 2017. Feelings grew for each other in the beginning months of 2018, and we started going on study dates any time Viviano came back to Dallas (yes, we actually studied, haha). Then, Viviano officially asked me to be his girlfriend on a dock while the sun was setting on July 18, 2018 (to be exact).

On July 31, 2021, Viviano proposed. July seems to be our favorite month, haha. The day started with getting my nails done with a couple of friends and went on to grabbing dinner with another group of friends. Little did I know that these hangouts were planned weeks ago. When I headed home and pulled up to my garage, I noticed some signs on it. For the first few seconds, I was freaking out because I thought someone had vandalized our garage, haha. But, I suddenly got excited when I read, "Walk through the gate to see your mate." So, I opened the gate to my backyard, and there Viviano was, standing in front of a large circular arch wrapped in bright lights. Pink roses, flickering candles, and pictures from the last three years of our relationship adorned the pathway leading up to him. He knelt down on one knee and popped the question, and I immediately said, "YES!" After proposing, both our families and my friends stepped out of hiding. I was so shocked to see my friends but even more shocked when I saw Viviano's parents and brother. I realized that our families met for the first time that day! Another surprise! When we went inside my house, there was a table full of my favorite foods and a cute backdrop to take pictures! I was smiling from ear to ear the whole night!