Our Love Story... Is Like No Other. 

It truly is. I mean isn't everyone's love story unique and different?! THEY ARE! No two stories are the same. 

Daniel and I met through a mutual friend aka his best friend, and my boyfriend at the time. He immediately became the older brother I never had. Always harassing me, showing up at my house uninvited, giving me a hard time, making fun of me. I literally referred to him as "My Big Brother Daniel". (Oops.)

When Daniel returned home from his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2006 we began hanging out, talking, and really getting to know each other. I was unsure of where we would end up, but the Daniel who I knew pre-mission, was NOT the Daniel who came home after his mission. (He'll tell you it's because he lost a lot of weight. I say it's because he came home more mature.) 

Our dating period was crazy. He lived in Portland, I lived an hour outside of Salem. (So about 2.5 hours away from each other). He was working full time. I was going to school full time. It was hard to see each other and hang out as I would only come home every now and then, and at one point we began talking about how this long distance relationship thing might not really be working out.

Two weeks later, over spring break, he surprised me by coming up to the beach to visit and hang out with me and my family. I remember being excited and confused as to why he was there... And during a walk on the beach, alone, together, his intentions soon became clear. He was there to end things. I told him, do it now, don't make me wait (this being shouted back to him as I stormed off down the beach.) When I turned around to give him some more what for, he was down on one knee.... And the rest is history. 

We were married in the Portland, Oregon Temple on September 8th, 2007. 

It was the best day of my life. The best decision I ever made was to marry that man. I have never looked back and thought "what if". He really and truly is my other half. And on occasion can be my better half :)

We have a funny relationship too. Being headstrong, independent, strong willed, hot headed, stubborn, passionate people leads to many interesting LOUD discussions. We are in the moment people, if there's an issue, we deal with it, right then. We are literally the stereotypical Spanish/Italian couple. Loudly discussing one moment, and loving each other madly the next. And quite frankly... I wouldn't have it ANY other way.