A Journey Years in the Making

RJ and Melissa’s story began over 43 years ago, back in the hallways of Boone Elementary in San Antonio, Texas. As sixth graders, just 11 years old, they were two kids navigating recess, homework, and the occasional middle-school drama. They shared classrooms, laughter, and a tight-knit group of childhood friends who remain constant in their lives to this day.

RJ, with his love for sports, became a well-respected athlete, dominating the fields of Clark High School and later in college. Melissa, on the other hand, was the girl who never met a stranger. Her warmth and entrepreneurial spirit set her on a path to a career that reflected her vibrant personality. Though their interests diverged, their shared roots and the connections they maintained over the years formed the foundation for something extraordinary.

They remet at their 30-year high school reunion in October 2018. What began as nostalgic small talk turned into hours of conversation. They laughed, reminisced, and discovered that their bond had stood the test of time.

“It was like finding a missing puzzle piece,” Melissa often said, smiling at the memory of that magical evening. For over six years, they nurtured their long-distance relationship, flying back and forth across the country on Delta Airlines. RJ, now a successful physical therapist assistant in home health, and Melissa, a passionate entrepreneur, balanced their careers, families, and love.

A Proposal to Remember

Two years ago, RJ called upon the creativity and fun loving spirit of Melissa's daughter, Isabella and his daughter Toryn, to orchestrate the proposal of a lifetime at Melissa’s favorite venue, the Emma Hotel in San Antonio. With the blessings of all four children to become a blended family—Isabella, Toryn & Ryken, and Lorenzo—and the love and support of their closest family and friends, he created a moment that Melissa would cherish forever.

What was suppose to be a weekend stay to celebrate Valentine's day, The sunset stroll turned into quite a surprise. As Melissa approached the San Antonio Riverwalk walking hand in hand with RJ, she was greeted on the platform by their entire family (some even flew in from CT) with warm smiles, music, a wedding proposal held up by the kids, and the love of her life kneeling on one knee. It was a beautiful surprise, the culmination of their love story’s chapters and the prelude to a new beginning.

A Christmas Wedding

The celebration of RJ and Melissa’s love will take place on December 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., bringing together family and friends in the warmth of the Christmas season. The ceremony will be held at the Connecticut home at 255 Kent Rd., New Milford, CT, a place lovingly referred to by Melissa as her “Heart Home.” The home will be transformed into a holiday haven for their special day.

As the sun sets and the stars begin to sparkle overhead, the celebration will continue with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt toasts.

RJ and Melissa’s wedding will be a day to remember—a celebration of a love story that began 44 years ago, rekindled through fate, and continues to shine brightly, surrounded by the joy of the season and the warmth of the people they hold dear.

A Love So Nice They will Celebrate Twice! SAVE THE DATE!

With the distance of family and friends, another celebration will be held on October 12, 2025 in San Antonio, TX. More details to come!