It was May 2016 when Cecilia and Grayson first met. While they both attended Tarrant County College, Grayson put together a Student Political Awareness Club and invited various groups to discuss current events. Cecilia was urged by her debate coach to attend the event and hopefully recruit talent for the debate team. After an awkward event, Cecilia left wishing she had picked up a shift at Chili’s, and the two wouldn’t meet again until 5 years later.

Towards the end of 2021, Grayson scrolled on to Cecilia’s Hinge profile and was puzzled on why she seemed familiar. After a successful match and conversation discussing Cecilia’s work, they agreed to a first date. While Grayson wore an unnecessary leather jacket in humid weather and gave Cecilia an odd side-hug, there was an immediate spark. They agreed to multiple dates over the course of the weekend and couldn’t get enough of each other.

Over time, the relationship went through early stress tests that included an apartment fire, a cancer scare, family members passing away, and living together in a 500 square foot studio apartment. Acting as a team, they got past these dilemmas and celebrated each other's successes. Cecilia grew more every day with her ambitious work at the ACLU of Texas, her fun sessions at Pottery for the People, and her overwhelming love for their dog Mae. Grayson owed a lot to Cecilia too for the ways she inspired him. It was because of her that he became a first-time homebuyer, got out of a toxic work environment, and really started approaching life with a more open-minded attitude.

On December 23rd, Grayson built up the courage to propose. For months prior, he had spoken to various diamond companies and worked with a hidden photographer to give her a fun surprise in the hiking trails of Sedona. The actual proposal ended up being a lot more confusing than anticipated between parking issues and an Apple Maps glitch, Grayson was frantically texting the hidden photographer while holding on to Mae. Before this could turn into an argument about missing a dinner reservation, Grayson found the photographer and set up the proposal. Cecilia was shocked when Grayson got onto one knee and Grayson could only mutter “Hi”.

Since the engagement, Cecilia and Grayson have just enjoyed putting together their house, playing with Mae Mae, and staying busy with a dog boarding business. They’re looking forward to the life they will continue to create together and what new adventures await them. With both having histories of being treated differently, they can finally have an everlasting relationship where both feel truly accepted.

Thank you to those of you who joined us!! My parents, Julissa and Rodrigo, loved hosting everyone and hope you had a great time. Please enjoy viewing our gallery from the evening.
Photos by Sierra's Love Stories