I was born on February 6, 1987 in Visalia, CA to my mother Marta, Father Vincent, and brother and sister Steven and Tiffany. I have always been blessed to be around a loving and fun family. As I reflect, I understand how lucky I have been to always be with someone that really loves me. My childhood was filled with sports and family trips. I remember my mom, who is from Pasadena and grew up in Seal Beach, always “commenting” on the fact that we should live in Southern California as opposed to Visalia. After my Junior year of High School, she made the move in an effort to re-plant our family roots in a place where we would have more opportunity. My dad stayed behind with me so I could finish my senior year, playing sports and hanging with my pals. After my high school graduation, and an epic summer living with my brother in Visalia, my mom tried to convince me to come and give the So-Cal lifestyle a try. Reluctantly, I agreed to move and try ONE semester at a local Junior College.

After my move, I needed a job. I had always been interested in health and fitness, and there happened to be a 24 Hour Fitness less than a mile from our house. My first day at work was an interesting one. I worked the afternoon shift, and was ready to go home when the night shift employee called out “sick”. I guess I should find him and thank him, because not long after I was supposed to originally go home, my life changed forever.

I was standing at the front desk when in walked the girl of my dreams. Even though it was dark outside, she was somehow glowing. However, she didn’t look very excited to see me. She started to explain to me that she worked there (best news of my life) and therefore didn’t bring her membership card. Once I was able to re-focus and snap myself out of the montage in my head of our future together, I understood that I needed to go for my best attempt at being charming. I decided to believe her, but not before trying to make a good impression. Apparently, I didn’t do too shabby.

Until I met Bree, I thought love at first sight was a myth. I knew, at that moment, that one day I would be asking her a very important question…