Our Story
Our first date was on August 10th, 2019, after connecting on a dating app. We went to Bonchon Chicken in Boston (great chicken)! After that, we spent more and more time together. There was a lot of laughter, comfort and warmth. We slowly became each other’s confidantes, and fell in love gradually, spending a couple months together knowing we loved each other, but didn’t risk saying it. By the end of February 2020, we became officially 'boyfriend-girlfriend'.
In March 2020, COVID hit. We were worried about our friends and family, and at the time, thought the pandemic might only last a couple weeks (so naive). To get out of the city, we decided to keep Guillermo’s mom company in Long Island, NY. We ended up staying there for three months, spending time with family, trying out new recipes, learning how to long board, and inventing new games and activities to keep us occupied. The pandemic was terrible, but the good that came of it was how it allowed us to become even stronger and closer as a couple.
After Long Island, we headed back to the Boston area. We had a great time with our friends who we didn’t get to see during the few months prior. For Christmas 2020, we both went our separate ways to spend time with our families. While I was in Maryland, I felt really aware of how much I missed my parents. I returned to Boston and told Guillermo how hard it was to leave them, after having only a few days with them. I specifically recalled how sad my dad was that the visit came and went so quickly. Guillermo, having a couple weeks off from his film/theater work, and since I worked from home, said, “Well, why don’t we go down there and spend a few weeks with them?”
We then spent three weeks in Maryland with my parents, from the end of January through mid-February 2021. We played lots of scrabble, went to outdoor breweries and wineries, mini-golf, etc. Guillermo was wonderful. He cooked constantly – one day, my dad came into the living room, rubbing his stomach, and said, “I know we’ve been spoiled, but will there be any more meat in the near future?” Guillermo chuckled and said, “Absolutely.”
I am profoundly thankful that Guillermo came up with the idea to go to Maryland for those few weeks. It meant a lot to me – not only because I got to spend more time with my dad before he suddenly passed, but also because during the last month of my dad’s life, Guillermo cooked him wonderful meals, introduced him to the Mandalorian and other related movies/shows (that my mom and I have no real interest in, but completely enamored my dad), and spent time playing games and exploring Maryland together. We headed back to Boston right before Valentine's Day, and my dad suddenly passed away on February 27th, 2021.
Now, we have two golden retrievers, Honey and Biscuit. They are the best – they make us so happy! Due to the pups, we knew we wanted a fenced yard, so that prompted us to look into buying a home. In June 2022, we decided to buy a cottage by the water in the Providence area of Rhode Island. We love it here.
On December 13th, 2023, Guillermo surprised me with a trip to the Adirondacks. He rented a cozy, beautiful airbnb – it had a christmas tree, soaking tub, sauna, fireplace, etc. It was heaven. Guillermo just wanted me to relax and enjoy the amenities while he ran around, tending to the fireplace, fire pit, and the sauna’s wood stove. At one point, I was reading and Guillermo sat down next to me in his own comfy velvet chair by the fireplace and completely knocked out. He slept for hours! I just let him sleep, happily reading my book. A few hours later, he woke up and said, “Oh no!” He started running around and looking at the time. I said, “Don’t worry – you needed the rest! You can just get the fireplace going and I’ll make us some hot chocolate.” We sat by the fireplace with our hot chocolates in hand, and Guillermo told me how much I mean to him. I told him the same. He then got on one knee, pulled a ring out from his pocket, and asked me to marry him.