It all started on a regular Thursday—January 18, 2018. I was working at Nordstrom in the women’s shoe department when I noticed someone staring at me. I looked over and there he was—Emmanuel—standing with his PT school roommates, smiling like he already knew me. We’d never met, but he had recently followed me on Instagram and dropped a “you glowing girl” under one of my Cancun pics… so the timing felt a little intentional.
He came right over, introduced himself, and asked if I was going to Rose Gold that night. I told him no, even though I was definitely going. I had plans to meet my best friend, not him—but let’s just say fate had other ideas.
That night, we ran into each other again at the club, danced like old friends, and laughed like we’d known each other for years. He even whispered to my bestie, “I love her!” before the night was over. Smooth, right?
He got my number—and accidentally left his wallet in my car (which sat there for weeks before I finally noticed it). That “forgotten” wallet turned into our first date at Chipotle and Sprinkles cupcakes, and from then on, we were inseparable.
For Valentine’s Day, he surprised me with roses at work and a private dinner at home, filled with all my favorite things—foods, candles, wine—thoughtfully remembered since the day we met. That night, I remember thinking, God, how did I get so lucky?
From concerts and baecations to flying private to Turks and choosing my ring just six months in, Emmanuel made it clear: he was all in. And now, so am I.
This is the beginning of our forever <3
Meeting Wendy was truly a blessing. Better put, a gift I didn’t know I needed but God knew was perfect for me. We both graduated from the University of North Texas, though just missed each other; I graduated in December 2014, and she transferred in January 2015. Our paths didn’t cross on campus, but through mutual friends, we ended up following each other on Instagram. I remember seeing her glowing in a photo from Cancun, and I couldn’t resist messaging her, “You glowing girl! Enjoy your trip!” It was just a friendly compliment, but little did I know, that simple message would lead to something much more.
Months later, while I was in Houston for my Doctorate in Physical Therapy, I ran into Wendy at Nordstrom. She caught me staring at her, and I was immediately struck by how familiar she looked. I had to go over and say something. Turns out, we were both going to the same party that night. This was a party thrown by her best friend’s boyfriend. We ended up spending the whole night in the same section, and I jokingly mouthed “I love heeerrr” to her friend, though I wasn’t joking at all!
At the end of the night, Wendy gave me a ride to my car, and in my excitement, I accidentally dropped my wallet. The next day, I messaged her to ask if she had seen it. But also as an excuse to talk to her again. A few days later, while cleaning her car, Wendy found my wallet and came by my apartment to return it. From that day on, we were inseparable and she helped me experience things I normally didn’t do since I was so busy with school. We went to concerts, working out together, traveling, and sharing countless adventures.
Loving Wendy has always felt so natural. Whether it was destiny or divine timing, God’s plan brought me a best friend, a girlfriend, a fiancé, and soon, a wife. I’m beyond grateful for every moment with her, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life by her side.