Tom –

As a couple of old souls, it’s ironic that we met online. My initial impression of Consuelo was that she seemed interesting and fun which led to weeks of talking online. In October of 2022 we finally met in person when I went to visit her in San Diego. We spent four wonderful days getting to know each other. The Italian restaurant at Liberty Station was our first official date where we enjoyed a fine Italian meal, and a walk around the venue continued to grow our affection for one another. Her kindness, bright eyes and mischievous smile were and are very alluring. I was smitten!

In November 2022, I took my second trip to San Diego to celebrate Consuelo’s birthday where I treated her to the Broadway show Hamilton! Also, during that visit, she introduced me to Phil’s BBQ (IYKYK) and we took a tour of the USS Midway. Other than me bumping my head every 10 minutes it was wonderful. We spent an hour or more just sitting on deck looking out into the Harbor, holding hands the entire time. A retired soldier, who was volunteering at the ship, walked by. He commented that he doesn't see couples hold hands that often anymore and how sweet we looked. It made both of our days. We then watched a couple get married in the park below which was a perfect end to an exceptionally wonderful day! I knew then that I wanted to share my life with her!

When back home in Vegas, she was constantly on my mind, and I longed to be together again. Thankfully my birthday came the next month and Consuelo came to visit. She took me to dinner at my favorite restaurant, Musashi. Special thanks to John and Jenn Hardin, for introducing me to it so many years ago.

Shortly after the new year I had a professional setback and Connie, as I told her, stood by me without wavering an ounce. I couldn’t be more thankful for her compassion, strength, and positivity! She continued to visit me every month for the next year and on April 19th I officially proposed. I hope you all can join us in celebrating that she said yes!

Consuelo –

What Tom said…. Just kidding!! 😊

Tom and I began our relationship in a way that felt unconventional to us, but is quite common these days. What started in the fall of 2022 has blossomed into the best relationship I could have ever hoped for. We met and decided to embark on a long-distance relationship during the San Diego Padres' best season in a long time, though, unfortunately, their season didn’t work out. Thankfully, our relationship did, and we chose to keep seeing each other.

From then on, my little sister Josie would drop me off and pick me up from the airport each time I visited Tom. For the past 18 months, we've done our best to schedule time to see each other in person, talk and message every day, and meet each other’s wonderful family and friends.

Tom has detailed some of the amazing experiences we’ve had as a couple, which recently culminated on April 19th when he proposed. That day was anything but ordinary. Tom was going to join me at a concert of my favorite artist, Luis Miguel (it was his birthday that day too!). I said Yes to Tom, and off we went to see my favorite artist together as an engaged couple. Since then, Tom and I have experienced together his first Quinceañera, dancing cumbias, and eating authentic tacos in Tijuana.

We are so happy we took a leap of faith and stepped out of our comfort zone. Because of this, we not only found each other but have all of you as part of our wonderful circle. We can't wait to share our special day with you!