In our relationship, one thing is unmistakably clear: the Hand of God has been all over it.

María: We met at the Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) of the University of Central Florida. I remember walking into the sacristy for the first time and feeling butterflies when I saw him: big afro, warm eyes, and a smile to match. We were briefly introduced and went our separate ways.

José: Uneventful... at first. Then we ran into each other on campus a few days later. We sat down and started talking about life, family, and everything in between. One highlight? Her salsa class. She mentioned needing to record videos for it and not wanting to do it alone. Lucky for her, I’m always down to boogie 🕺 I immediately volunteered. 

M: Bold move, given his... questionable dance experience. 

J: And just like that, we became salsa partners. Then friends. Then “we hang out so much people are starting to ask questions” friends. It was one of those friendships that felt easy, fun, and light… but it also felt like it was going somewhere. 

J: Naturally, I caught feelings. 

M: Naturally… I told him I was discerning religious life. Dating was not part of the plan. So when I realized feelings were forming, I nervously turned him down. Twice. (Yes, twice... poor guy.) 

J: Minor setback... But I stuck around. Because honestly, I’d rather have her in my life as a friend than not at all.

If you’re reading this on our wedding website, you already know we didn’t stay “just friends” forever.

M: Senior year, God flipped the script. The Lord moved in my heart in ways I couldn’t ignore. I realized He was calling me to marriage, not religious life. The Lord gently opened my eyes to see that the man with all the qualities I had been looking for in a husband had been beside me all along, twirling and laughing with me through every salsa step. 

J: Finally.

M: That night, I texted him: “I’m going to start dating.” Smooth, right?

J: Best notification of my life.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Now, we’re stepping into this next chapter of our lives, putting our trust in the Lord and following where He leads. The future may not be certain, but this much is: God brought us together. Much like Mary and Joseph, we’re walking forward in faith, obedience, and love.