Miranda & Enrico

My fiance Enrico and I met in Taos while working together at a local bank. We quickly developed a great friendship and eventhough I was completely interested in dating him, the feelings weren't mutual. We continued our friendship for a year before we decided to become an official couple. Shortly after we began dating my Grandad passed away and I was heartbroken. Enrico was there for me throughout my grieving. My love for Enrico grew very quickly, not only because of his vibrant, encouraging and caring personality, but more importantly of his acceptance of my 2 1/2 year old daughter. He welcomed her with open arms and he knew we came as a package. His love for us grew simultaneously and he has become her daddy.

After a year and a half of dating Rico gave both Jadyn and I promise rings. His promise to Jadyn was that he would love and take care of her for the rest of his life. And his promise to me was that he would love and take care of Jadyn and I for the rest of our life. He also said the promise ring was to keep my finger warm, because he intended to propose sometime in 2008.

In July of 2008, we celebrated 2 years together. Before we started back to school in August we decided to spend a few days in Las Vegas, NV. We had already talked about rings and had gone to look at a few but I didn't think Rico would propose until Christmastime. On our way to the airport, Rico was very nervous but I didn't think twice about it because the behavior was typical anytime we took a trip. Rico took a carry on with him and said that it just had our boarding passes and a magazine to read. When we got to the gate, Rico said that he had got mixed drink tickets from a friend and wanted to make sure they were valid. When it was time to board the plane I sat by the window as usual but he didn't sit next to me, he sat with a seat between us and said that if I someone else needed to sit down he would move over, otherwise this would give us room to stretch out during the flight. I was fine with that. Before long we were up in the air and Rico needed to go to the restroom. I told him to wait because the seatbelt light was still on, but he refused. He got up quickly went to the back and returned within a few minutes. The flight from Albuquerque to Las Vegas is not long at all but Rico pointed out three times during the flight what time it was. Were about twenty minutes from landing when I decided to get up and use the restroom. Rico told me that the bathroom wasn't that clean and that I should wait. I listened and sat back down.

A couple of minutes later a flight attendant passed by and tapped Rico's shoulder. He asked the guy in front of him if he would put his seat up. At that time I heard the flight attendant on the intercom ask "Will Miranda please stand up?" I looked at Rico and said "Why does she want me to stand up" (STILL CLUELESS!) He said "Just stand up." I tried to stand but I was so nervous that I couldn't unbuckle the belt! I finally got in undone and saw Rico on one knee in the center of the aisle. My had covered my mouth as he said " I asked your mom, aunt and brothers if I could marry you. And I asked Jadyn if I could marry you. The one person that I was not able to ask was Grandad, and this is the closest place we could get to heaven to ask you if you will be my wife." All I could do was nod my head yes. The tears rolled down my eyes as I hugged him. "Well," he said, "is that a yes?" "Yes!" I said. "I will marry you!" It meant so much to me that Rico took the time to propose in such a meaningful and unforgettable way.

We plan to marry on August 22, 2008 in Taos at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church surrounded by our family and friends. During the ceremony not only will Rico and I exchange vows, but Jadyn wil be included in these vows as well.