We were fortunate to have flexible jobs that allowed frequent travel between Houston and Mexico City, and we filled our time together with adventures: snuba and zip-lining in Cancún, scuba diving in Acapulco, Tequila Train in Guadalajara, and hang gliding in Valle de Bravo. After many emotional farewells at the airport, we adopted a rule of booking the next flight immediately so we could count the days until we reunited. While apart, we maintained our connection with nightly video calls, synchronized movie nights, and surprise food deliveries; sustaining a long-distance relationship was difficult, but our commitment endured for two and a half years until Stephanie received the life-changing news that brought us back together.

Craig had been clear he couldn’t move to Mexico, and Stephanie took it as a challenge. When a role opened on the US team (big shout out to Thalia for the tip), Stephanie applied, never imagining that a few weeks later, while we were on vacations in Guadalajara, she’d get the call: she got the job. Excited that we’d finally be in the same country, Stephanie packed her life into four checked bags and two carry-ons, and with Craig’s help we flew to Chicago on July 4, 2022. The first months were an adventure as Stephanie adjusted to a new city and US traditions, and when Craig later moved in the real adventure began: snowy winters, lots of deep-dish pizza, a new apartment nearly every year, and learning how to build a life together.

On June 27, 2026, Craig invited Stephanie to a date night - one of our regular weekly outings - but he had a plan. Craig took Stephanie to The Highlawn, a restaurant with an incredible view of the city, knowing how much she loves New York. After steaks and a lovely conversation, as we were about to leave, Craig got down on one knee, gave a short speech (that Stephanie doesn't remember), and asked the question she’d been waiting for. Stephanie kept saying yes, and just like that our new chapter as fiancés began.