Love Story: Kristy & Raul

 

1.14.12 My birthday trip to NYC -On top of the Empire State Building

 Kristy & Raul

The couple has been together since July 2007 and have been married since May 2009.

2001 in my mom's classroom

How did you guys meet? 

We met back in 2001 when he first got here from Colombia. He was one of my mom’s students at Ponce de Leon middle school and I would hang out with him every time I visited my mom.

First Impression?

My first impression of him was that he was a ref! I know it sounds really mean but he didn’t speak any English since he had just arrived from Colombia and I would make so much fun of him! We then got to know each other and we liked each other back in 2001 but things never worked out. After all, I was only 14 and he was only 15, we were babies then.
 

Our 'first' date

First date

We really didn’t have a first date. After going our separate ways in 2001-2002, we reunited again in 2007 and Raul invited me to go clubbing with his friends. I will never forget it! I was with one of my girl friends and we met up with Raul and his friends, little did I know he was part of a “crew” and there were about 30 of them. Not only was I intimidated with how many people there were, I was super sheltered by my parents and I was hanging out with guys that were covered in tattoos and gold teeth. I definitely judged them and thought I was going to get raped or something but they all turned out to be the biggest sweet hearts of life. I had so much fun that night and it ended up becoming a routine for us to go clubbing Thursday through Sunday.

Proposal 

The proposal was so romantic and unexpected, well sort of. I knew he had bought me an engagement ring. He went with my mom and they picked it out together. On Easter Sunday of 2009, I was home with a sprained ankle. He knows that the way to my heart is through my stomach, so he brought me some tiramisu gelato. As I was eating it, I looked into the bowl and realized that there was something shiny in it. I immediately yelled out "Ew, gross. I think someone dropped their earring in my ice cream". My family told me to take it out, and when I did I realized it was a ring. I was speechless as he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was one of the best moments of my life!

     
What sets him apart from other guys?

He treats me like a princess but he doesn’t let me take advantage of it. He loves me for my weirdness and my bitchiness and only complains about it sometimes lol. He puts me first and tries his hardest to provide for me and our future family. He is the most determined man I know. Not only that, it helps that he is very handsome!

What do you feel keeps your relationship strong?

Communication! We tell each other everything, we respect each other, we give each other space, we do love to be random, and most importantly we keep the love and passion alive in our relationship. 

Any advice to people just starting out their relationship?  

Respect one another, love one another, communicate, and be forgiving. There may be something that may upset you but ultimately ones love is stronger. Lastly, focus on your future together, the past is the past and there is a reason why it is behind you, do not bring in any DRAMA from previous relationships because it will only hurt you.