Connect How did your love story begin?

We had a mutual friend who introduced us. Neither of us were looking for a match maker but we quickly became friends. I would take Cristina (Chachita) to work. Being Colombian, she would great me with a kiss on both cheeks. Being Irish, I would turn beet red and couldn't wait to take her to work the next day. We began spending time together as I showed her around Austin and a friendship blossomed over the summer. We stayed in touch after she went home. Friendship turned to romance and marriage!

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

I flew to Bogata on Christmas of 2024 and asked her immediately, on bended knee, if she would be mi espousa. She thought I'd never ask and said yes! I spent the next three weeks traveling all over Columbia and met all, and I mean ALL of her family members! Such a beautiful country and people. We got married the following year in Las Vegas. We now live together in Austin, TX and she is now an official US resident and working toward citizenship!

What would you do with $20,000?

The first would be to take her on a honeymoon! We weren't able to take one as she couldn't leave the Country until her marriage green card was approved. We have it now. Secondly, we would use the majority of the money to help her start her eco-tourism business in America, "Leaving Footprint". She did this in Colombia and would be great at it in the states!