How did your love story begin?

My husband and I met at work. I couldn’t understand him at first because of his accent—he once told me he liked my “teets,” and I was confused until he pointed to his teeth. We laughed, and that moment sparked something. I helped him with English, and he taught me Spanish. The language barrier wasn’t easy, but with patience, humor, and care, we created a connection—and a language—of our own.

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

Some of our favorite memories come from sharing our cultures. Meeting his family was a highlight—they were so warm and loving, just like him. We used Google Translate to communicate, and I remember him saying, “Now you see where I get my charm” when his father struggled to compliment my lipstick by making kissy faces at me and pointing to his lips. Learning each other’s roots brought us closer, and those moments—full of laughter, food, and connection—are ones we’ll never forget.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would plan a whole family wedding (my husband and I got married at the court house). Family is very important to him and it’s been difficult that I haven’t been able to meet them in person. He hasn’t seen his brother or sister in years, and he hasn’t seen his parents in two years. With the money, I’d fly his family to the US and throw a wedding with both of our families together so we could celebrate our cultures coming together.