It all began in Orlando in 2017. Hurricane Maria had just forced Manny to leave Puerto Rico, and fate brought him to a bar called Attic one Sunday night. Mike was there, dancing with friends, when Manny walked in with his best friend, Josh. It was love at first sight—but with a twist. Snapchat handles were exchanged, with Mike saving Manny as “Mary J. Blige” (because, as Mike joked, he wanted no drama from this Puerto Rican), and Manny saving Mike as “The Boss” (for obvious reasons).

Their first date—a movie night—was hilariously memorable. Manny promptly fell asleep, leaving Mike to enjoy Star Wars uninterrupted. For Mike, it was love—it meant he could nerd out in peace without explaining plot twists. From that moment, their connection only grew.

Over the next year, they became inseparable while living with their friends Brandon and Michael at Skyhouse in Orlando. Life was filled with laughter, love, and a shared determination to build their futures. In November 2018, opportunity knocked, and Mike landed a job at Amazon Web Services. They packed up their lives for Seattle, WA, embarking on a six-day cross-country road trip with friends Daniel and Elias. Between the endless snacks, belly laughs, and nearly freezing to death in Yellowstone during a snowstorm, it was an adventure they’d never forget.

Seattle brought challenges. A city lockdown during COVID-19 meant two years of navigating a pandemic in 900 square feet. But their love only deepened, proving they could weather any storm together. By 2020, they decided to return to Orlando, where Mike took on a remote role with Google, and Manny put his business degree to use at Salvatore Ferragamo. In January 2021, they welcomed Max, their adorable Goldendoodle, into their lives, and by August, they’d purchased their first home together where they live and enjoy life together now with family and friends!

Family has always been central to our lives. Mike comes from a vibrant Italian-American family. His mom, Joanne, and dad, Carmine, bring warmth and tradition to every gathering. His niece Kalista can not possibly be in her mid-20s already! His sister Janine and brother-in-law Jake add energy and fun with their growing family of daughters— Charlotte, Julianna, Lucia, and a baby on the way! Italian family gatherings are all about lively conversations, hearty meals, and memories that feel like scenes from a classic movie.

Manny’s Puerto Rican family is equally spirited. His mom, Iris, and dad, Luis, have instilled a deep love of culture and connection. His brothers Jefet, Luis, and twin Jose, along with sister-in-law Jessica, make every gathering feel like a celebration. His niece Aleena and nephew Emmett bring joy and laughter to every moment. Holidays in Manny’s family mean music, dancing, and dishes like pernil and arroz con gandules—always served with a side of love.

As these two families come together, one thing is certain: holiday tables will be filled with a lot of noise, a lot of love, and a lot of food. From Italian antipasti to Puerto Rican coquito, the blend of traditions will make every moment unforgettable.

Our life together has been a whirlwind of adventures, from cross-country road trips to exploring new places around the globe. We share a passion for celebrating life, whether it’s hosting Pride events in Orlando for our chosen family or traveling to Pride celebrations worldwide.

Closer to home, we treasure quiet nights watching movies (or Manny napping while Mike nerds out over Star Trek), hosting Friendsgiving dinners, or just spending time with Max, our Goldendoodle, who’s the real star of the house.

The future excites us because it’s ours to build together. We dream of traveling the world, expanding our family with four-legged companions, and continuing to host gatherings that bring people together. Most importantly, we look forward to creating a lifetime of memories filled with love, laughter, and resilience.

We can’t wait to celebrate our wedding day with all of you—the people who have been part of our story and will continue to shape our future.