We met during our sophomore year at the University of California, Riverside. We were both Business majors and had a lot of classes together. We were also part of the same business and social clubs on campus. During our college years we were strictly friends as cupid had yet to strike his bow. However for some reason, we both knew that we had a very special connection and that our lives would somehow stay connected in the future.
We both graduated in June of 2001 with a degree in Business Administration. Looking back at graduation, we even sat next to each other (perhaps that was a foreshadowing of things to come).
After graduation, we maintained in touch via frequent phone calls. However it was not until middle of 2004 when we realized our feelings for each other stemmed a bit further than just “friends”. How did this happen? How did we go from being just friends to becoming romantically involved? It has been said that absence sharpens love while presence strengthens it. This was certainly true for us. At the time, Yansy’s job required her to do a lot of international travel. She was out of the country quite frequently. Although she was miles away, sometimes oceans apart and even in different time zones, we managed to talk on the phone on a regular basis. Sometimes for hours upon hours never getting bored with each other and always discovering something new. There was a certain level of comfort over these phone conversations that often accompanied a smile of remembrance. It was during one of those long phone conversations when we both admitted to having a crush on each other. Long story short, we decided to go on a date as soon as Yansy returned from her trip. One date turned into three and four and by the time winter of 2004 rolled around, we were officially boyfriend/girlfriend.
It had been an amazing journey, discovering one another on a deeper level, getting to know each other’s friends and family, and being there for each other through the good, the bad, and the ugly. It was during one of those good days, a lovely summer afternoon in late June 2008 when we got engaged. The engagement was beautiful and understated. We had lunch on the beach at a restaurant overlooking Laguna Beach. After lunch we decided to take a walk along the water to watch the sunset. Right as the sun was setting on the beautiful Laguna coastline, Jose propped down on one knee and spoke the magic words “What are you doing for the rest of your life?". The rest is history! We are both extremely lucky and greatful to have found each other and are looking forward to growing with one another as the next chapters of our lives unfold.
Thank you for being such great friends and we hope that you will continue to be a part of our lives :)
xoxo
yansy and jose