Love is a game worth playing. You have to take a shot. Play to win.
It would be at AJ’s cousin’s wedding where he would meet Alejandra. Alejandra was a bridesmaid. Aj saw her as they were taking pictures. She stood out. “I remember how her smile shined just a little brighter than I’ve ever seen.” Meanwhile, Alejandra had noticed Aj. He had walked into the reception with his cousin Moi. She stared. “The moment I noticed AJ, I thought to myself he’s handsome but he’s probably taken because he looks so serious.”
It would be later that Alejandra would approach them, hugging Moi and saying hi to AJ. Aj went in for a friendly hug, but Alejandra stuck out her hand for a handshake. She was shy and nervous. AJ didn’t know what to think, but throughout the wedding, his family kept pointing her out and telling him about her. They didn’t need to; he kept noticing her. He played it cool. He was too nervous to let anyone know that she had caught his attention. But the moment he began falling was when the wedding party was on the dance floor dancing in a circle around the bride and groom. Alejandra was the last one to run in. “As she gets in the circle, she starts pulling up her dress to show off that she had slipped into some sandals. I don’t know why but this to me was one of the first moments I fell for her without knowing. I remember thinking to myself, ‘wow she’s beautiful, she has a good personality and she’s already loved by family.'”
As the night went on, AJ’s sister pulled him onto the packed dance floor. She intended to introduce him to Alejandra. She did, and AJ went in for a hug for the second time, but Alejandra stuck out her hand for a handshake once again and turned swiftly, leaving Aj confused.
As the night was coming to a close and one of the last dance songs of the night was playing, AJ and Alejandra found themselves next to each other on the dance floor. Aj wanted to ask her to dance. Meanwhile Alejandra’s best friend was encouraging her to dance with him. But as they were both trying to find the courage, the bride’s cousin stepped in and began dancing with her. The night ended and they had not shared a conversation or a dance.
But Love is stubborn, and it gets her way when a couple is perfect for one another. There is always another chance. There is always another shot. The game is far from over.
Friends and family wanted them to win. The bride and bridesmaids were going to make this happen. Alejandra was given AJ’s Instagram. She requested him and slipped into her Dm’s and never left.
It would be at Big ALs where they would hang out for the first time, neither called it a date, but love doesn’t need a label. You can call it whatever you want. It was a night of great conversation and food and a display of their competitive natures. They played arcade games and bowled. If either was keeping score, it did not matter, Love was winning. Alejandra felt safe and at peace with AJ. He was a gentleman with a big heart. “AJ is a man of God and values his word, he is selfless, loyal, and respectable. He always puts others before himself. This man would do anything for the ones he loves and it shows.”
It would not take long for AJ to see how special Alejandra was. She was ambitious, attentive, and optimistic. She was the best friend with whom he could have a heart-to-heart conversation. “When you talk to Alejandra, she has this can-do mentality. No matter how big an obstacle might be, she comes in with such a positive spirit. She has a way of making things appear so easy, and it is contagious. She constantly reminds me that we keep doing things together, and nothing will be too much.”
They would spend New Year’s Eve at Universal Studios. They walked through the park in the rain, looking forward to the countdown. Doubt had entered AJ’s mind. “This night felt like a movie scene. You know the one where the guy is living one of the best days of his life with a wonderful woman and just enjoying the evening as friend, then a thought crosses his mind…. Should I kiss her at midnight or is it too soon what if she rejects me…. Will I ruin our night If I do? Finally, the time came when we were in a room on the dance floor waiting for the count down and when it finally hit midnight, I looked at her she looked at me I told her, “Happy New Years,’ and she dug her face into my chest. Sorry to disappoint but there was no first kiss that night.” Love rolled her eyes, shook her head and sighed. After he had dropped her off, AJ texted telling her what had gone on his head. Her response would echo in his head. “Sometimes you just gotta go for it.”
So the next time he saw her before the date even began, he kissed her. And he knew she would be the one he wanted to kiss forever.
So on a tour of Dodger Stadium, as they walked on to the diamond, Aj had a diamond of his own. He reached into his pocket, took a step back, dropped to one knee and opened the box in front of Alejandra. He had this script, yet nothing came out. Alejandra was also shocked, nervous, and emotional I couldn’t believe that was happening. Aj managed to ask, “Alejandra, will…,” when she burst out with a quick, “Yes.” Love cheered! The shot had been taken. And the game had been won.
This Story was captured by A Story in Time Photography: Jessie Cadenas. If you are interested in your Engagement or Wedding Story being captured, don’t hesitate to contact us using the contact button at the top of this post or HERE.
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