andres-ortega

[andres-ortega]

Elyse —

When I call my angel, it’s not just a pet name to me. You truly saved me and brought a light to my life that I didn’t even realize I was missing. The storm clouds parted, and there you were. Willing to accept me as I am, willing to learn and grow and work towards the truest thing either of us have ever known. My love for you is more than just a feeling… it’s a dedication and a promise to stand by your side forever as your protector, your partner, and your husband. I love you eternally, my angel.

[andres-ortega]

I’m marrying my Valentine next month. Luckiest man in the world.

[andres-ortega]

Visiting my niece!

[andres-ortega]

Making this house a home.

[andres-ortega]

The best is yet to come.

[andres-ortega]

There was a moment a few months ago - a brief, painful moment - when Andres thought this would never happen for him.

The love of his life was slipping from his fingers, his friends were more distant than ever, and his life overall has gone from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows. But hitting rock bottom felt like a knock of sense, and from there, he got back up.

He was never the type to let someone else win. Whether that someone was Bernard, or just the pain of life in general — he always came out on top.

Through hard work and groveling, Andres found himself back on track for what his future should look like. Elyse was happier than ever after finding her mother, and together, they’d also found the home of their dreams. 

The movers and Andres worked all day to bring in boxes and furniture that’d be shipped from Miami, along with new items Elyse had picked out for the Victorian-style home in San Francisco. It was the perfect location to ensure they were close to her mother and her closest friend. 

Finally, at the end of the day, Elyse and Andres collapsed onto the couch set up in their living room. They were dirty, sweaty, and surrounded by unpacked boxes, but he knew it was the perfect time. After carrying it around for months, Andres dug a small, velvet box out of his pocket.

“Elyse?” Andres called to his girl as he slowly slid off the sofa.

Elyse had her head back with her eyes closed, clearly trying to relax after the day they had. “Yeah, baby?” She mumbled sleepily, sitting up and rubbing her eyes.

As she did, she would see Andres on one knee in front of her, the box opened with a blue, teardrop diamond ring catching the light.

“I bought this ring months ago in hopes an engagement could save us. What I didn’t realize then, was that the work we needed to put in could not be substituted with a diamond. I needed to be patient and prove to you, with my actions, how beautiful and secure our future could be. I kept telling myself that I’d know the moment when it came. I went through over the top scenarios that included trips to Paris, fireworks, and even a hot air balloon ride…” Dre laughed at this, tears now stinging the corners of his eyes. “But this is the perfect moment. My hair is flat from wearing a hat all day, and yours is stuck to your forehead. We’re wearing clothes with holes in them and you have a little dot of dirt on your cheek… and you know what? I have never loved you more. You have never seemed more beautiful; more lit from within than you are right now. I want our dreams to begin in this house, and that includes making you my wife. Will you do me the incredible honor of marrying me?”

[andres-ortega]

just staring at my love

[andres-ortega]

[andres-ortega]

[andres-ortega]

A lot to be thankful for @elyse-wingard

[andres-ortega]

Getting ready for San Francisco ✈️

[andres-ortega]

Finding a dog everywhere we go. @elyse-wingard

[andres-ortega]

forever his

[andres-ortega]

[andres-ortega]

[andres-ortega]

Deep conversation with somebody who actually understands you is the best therapy