Our story began long before February 2016, though it was during that month that our connection truly took root. We first met at Band Camp when Jose was entering his freshman year of high school. While our friendship grew steadily from that point, it wasn’t until a fateful night during Carnival season that our paths truly intertwined in a way neither of us could have anticipated.

The spark came on February 12th, during a spirited school event. Amid the laughter and chaos, a cupcake—playfully thrown—landed squarely on Jose’s face. What followed was a moment of shared laughter that broke the ice in a way no words could. It was a lighthearted yet unforgettable encounter that marked the beginning of something special.

Just days later, on Valentine’s Day, a simple yet thoughtful gesture—a handful of Jolly Ranchers—added warmth to our budding connection. It wasn’t extravagant, but its sincerity hinted at the possibility of something deeper.

By March 21st, we officially became a couple. In the weeks leading up to that moment, we shared countless experiences that strengthened our bond. What began as a friendship forged during Band Camp evolved into a partnership built on laughter, thoughtful gestures, and shared memories.

What started with a playful cupcake toss during the vibrant chaos of Carnival has since blossomed into a story of love and connection. It’s a journey we cherish, a reminder that even the most unassuming moments can lead to something extraordinary.

By the seventh year of our relationship, one question seemed to follow us everywhere: “Where’s the ring?” It was a lighthearted inquiry from friends and family, but for me, it carried a deeper significance. I knew the moment was coming, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

Getting the ring was an experience I’ll never forget. From the moment I held it in my hands, I knew it was exactly what Yulianna had always wanted. The sparkle of the diamond wasn’t just a symbol of our love—it was a reflection of the years we’d spent growing together and the future we were about to build. The weight of that realization filled me with both excitement and a sense of responsibility.

The day of the proposal arrived in December 2023, under a gray, overcast sky. The rain had only just cleared as we made our way up Dough Sahm Hill. I was nervous, not only because of what I was about to do but also because I worried the weather might disrupt the moment.

As we climbed higher, the emotions between us began to build. When we reached the top, Yulianna’s eyes widened as she saw the billboard that read, “Will you marry me?” She turned to me, her expression a mixture of surprise and joy.

I spoke the words I had carefully prepared, though my voice wavered with emotion. Before I could finish, she nodded, tears streaming down her face, and said, “Yes.”

That moment, standing together at the top of the hill, was everything I had hoped for and more. The gloomy skies had cleared just enough to let the significance of the moment shine through. It was the perfect start to the next chapter of our lives—a memory etched in our hearts forever.

We often reflect on our educational journeys as first generation students. Every form we filled, we would list "high school or less" under parental education status, and realizing that now our children will now put "Master's or equivalent" for us, it's truly mind-blowing! It really isn't just a piece of paper; it's a milestone that breaks barriers in both of our families. we really can't wait to retake this picture with our doctoral gowns one day!

We never thought we would be saying this but Guns Up AND Hook 'Em Horns, Baby!

Buying our first home together was stressful, exciting, but certainly unforgettable. Moving to Austin was always been one of our goals and when the opportunity came by, we took it and yet we both couldn't believe it! But we didn't imagine we would become homeowners so soon. Suddenly we went from being two teenagers who had nothing to now living in the big city with our fur-baby Chloe. We have been dreaming of days like this, so seeing this house that had been built just for us and being able to walk into it thinking this was ours, was one of the best feelings in the world. As the years go, we will always look back at "nuestra casita" as if was proof that if you can dream it, you can do it.

We would like to thank everyone who was and continues to be part of these chapters. We are so excited for what the future holds and continue writing more pages in our book. We are counting down the days for our wedding to celebrate with the people we love the most.