From Spark to Flame: Our eventful first date.

Because of our Colombian roots, we choose the familiar ambiance of La Chiva for our first rendezvous. Christina, with a twinkle in her eye, insisted there was nothing sexier than empanadas to kindle the flames of a first date.

Merely minutes before, Juan's phone rings — Christina is calling. "She's cancelling," he thought – a knot of disappointment tightening in his chest. In a dramatic twist of fate, she had been in a car accident, her voice trembling over the line.

Driven by a mix of concern and responsibility, Juan races to the scene. There, amidst the chaos, as he exchanges information with the other driver, he learns more about Christina than most would on a typical first date – her middle name, her precise stature and weight, even her selfless declaration as an organ donor. Each detail painting an even clearer picture of the woman he was destined to marry.

After filing paperwork with the police and the insurance company, the night's tension slowly unwound. Remarkably, we salvage the evening with a dinner that sizzled with chemistry and laughter. Our connection deepening despite—or perhaps because of—the day's earlier trials.

Juan, emboldened by their unexpected bond, invites Christina on a picnic to the City Park Jazz Festival two days later. Amidst the jazzy melodies, the clink of wine glasses, and the rich tastes of cheeses and charcuterie, we have our first kiss.

A week later we find ourselves hiking the rugged paths of Empire, Colorado, with Juan’s canine brother Beto. This day marks our first family portrait— a trio framed against the wild, sprawling backdrop of the Rocky Mountains – full of smiles and promise.

Thereafter, with each passing moment, our romance wove itself deeper into the fabric of their lives, each thread pulling irresistibly towards the next chapter.

Santa Fe, Where Our Love First Wandered.

As the seeds of our love sprout, we take to the road, destined for the enchanting vistas of Santa Fe, NM.

Juan, a regular visitor, plans a weekend that melds the enchanting atmosphere of New Mexico with the calm of its natural landscapes and spas.

While hiking, an inquiring couple mistakes us for newlyweds – and for the first time our eyes meet with a deep understanding that the question of marriage wasn’t if, but when. We both already knew that our hearts were bound to a shared future.

Welcoming the New Year with Whispers of Wanderlust.

With the turn of the new year, Juan gives up snowboarding for skiing, a sacrifice he makes in the name of love. Soon after, our romance leads us to the sun-soaked shores of Isla Mujeres, MX, where we profess our love for each other for the first time.

More travels follow, each one uncovering more of our profound connection, solidifying our conviction in having found a partner for a lifetime of shared adventures.

Rambo, the Frenchie Who Stole Our Hearts.

Messages filled with French Bulldog Reels had colored our conversations since the very beginning of our relationship. After the trials of a Paris trip full of Covid-19, canceled flights and Parisian dickheadedness, we discovered depths of partnership, trust and patience we never previously experienced. We both knew we were ready for this important next step.

Unbeknownst to Christina, Juan contacts several Frenchie breeders in the area.

To her delight, she receives a flurry of adorable Frenchie puppy pictures – her excitement bursting at the seams as she tries her best to keep her focus on her work.

Two days later, we fall for a lively and mischievous little boy, brimming with energy and personality. We name him Rambo, a name perfect for a thicc and rambunctious little terror.

Rambo, with his loving and playful spark, soon becomes the heart of our home.

Peak Romance: Our Proposal in the Heart of the Rockies

In the secluded splendor of Beaver Creek Ski Resort, a gem nestled between Vail and Avon, the Rocky Mountains rise majestically, creating the perfect setting for the most monumental moment of our lives. It was against this breathtaking backdrop that our destinies became forever intertwined.

Juan plans the proposal for Christina’s 31st birthday, intending to make the day unforgettable and simultaneously concealing his grand plans. He books a stay at the Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch, a place known for its après-ski charm, situated in the heart of the alpine paradise. 

The night before our departure, Juan encourages Christina to pack many elegant outfits, his voice carrying a hint of mystery. "It's your birthday, mamacita, you'll want options," he says, trying to calmly disguise his excitement for a surprise. Days earlier, Juan hired a photographer to capture the proposal and shoot engagement photos.

After questioning him extensively, Christina eventually listens, but not before causing a slight panic with her inquisitiveness.

By 11am, we found ourselves in the serene setting of Bachelor Gulch, Juan cleverly concealing the ring and a small bottle of champagne within his gear. We quickly slip into our ski boots, and set out.

A meeting had been set with the photographer at the summit of McCoy Peak at 2:30pm, with Juan having sent a selfie for easy identification.

During the ensuing three hours, Juan battles silently with his nerves, the burden of the diamond in his pocket weighing on his every move.

As the minutes slip by in the crisp mountain air, the conversation delicately turns to Christina's deepest desires for her 31st birthday.

With a vulnerable honesty, she whispers, "My number one wish for my birthday is to get engaged," her eyes locked onto his. Juan, with a mischievous glint in his eye, smoothly diverts – "And what’s your second biggest wish?" – his question, a desperate attempt to veil the imminent proposal.

Christina's frustration at his apparent dismissal only set the stage for the extraordinary surprise he has in store. 

The chairlift carries us upward at 2:20pm, moving us closer to our momentous occasion atop McCoy Peak.

A man in snowboarding boots and with a camera meets us with a charismatic smile – "Hello, I'm Chris, with the Vail Daily News. I’m writing a story about couples who come up for spring skiing. Would you like to appear in the newspaper?" His smooth invitation gets Christina excited. “Well of course! Today is your lucky day because you picked a really good looking couple”, Christina giggles.

After we trudge through deep snow to a spot with a stunning view of Mount of the Holy Cross, Chris guides us through various poses.

Mid-shoot, he gestured skyward, "Look, it’s a bald eagle!" Juan, puzzled, responded eagerly, "Oh my God, where?!" With a discreet nudge, Chris hints, "It’s supposed to be a cue." 

Seizing the moment, Juan pulls out a red velvet box from his jacket. Christina's eyes flicker between Chris and Juan, her confusion melting away as she grasps the true intention behind this 'chance' encounter. 

Christina's realization dawned as Juan knelt before her to ask for her hand in marriage, the snowy peaks bearing witness to our love. Elated, and in a loving embrace she says yes. We sit to take in the moment, pop champagne, and bask in the magic of the moment we just lived.

We descend to celebrations at Bachelor Gulch where we are showered with cheers and the warm glow of congratulation from kind strangers.

The following morning Chris arrives for a second photoshoot. Christina’s array of carefully curated outfits now serving to capture our newly engaged bliss, each frame a testament to a love as enduring as the mountains surrounding us.

It was here, in the secluded splendor of Beaver Creek, where secrets were softly spoken and dreams were freely shared, that our love story found its forever beginning.

We are so excited to continue to live our love story and make you a part of our next chapter.