We met at a Zoo. Greg was a groundskeeper and Stephanie was a zookeeper. One day Greg got the confidence to ask Stephanie a question while she was cleaning an enclosure. Not the best time to ask as she was dodging birds who did not particularly appreciate anyone being in their space despite zookepers trying to maintain the best care. We finally had a first date and it was not particularly the best. We got swarmed by mosquitos like pleakly in Lilo and Stich. We fell in love despite these things.

On our second date we decided to go somewhere indoors. So we went to see a movie (I know basic). But it wasn’t the movie that made it great. After the movie we took a walk around a man made lake in front of the theater. We saw roseate spoonbills for the first time. Stephanie shared her bird expertise and it kickstarted Gregs passion for birding. Since then we have gone on birding trips and started a birding social media page. We have enjoyed watching nature together. Being out there is amazing.

We are both non profit workers with a big hispanic family. We got engaged in 2021. We have tried saving money but on minimal income it has been difficult. Yes we can just elope. But family is so important to us. Stephanie has been through so much and would love to have one moment of celebration with Greg and our families. Our family deserves it too as it has been difficult to live in this world where being brown puts a target on you. If the larger wedding isn’t in the cards, we would buy a van.