Our journey began in March 2002 with a chance encounter in Manhattan, New York. Tamara was shopping with her two young children when Marcos was drawn to her, not just by her presence, but also by the tender sight of little Javar, just two years old, sucking his two fingers. With a smile, Marcos asked 10-year-old Lamar if he could talk to his mom. Lamar replied, “Yes.”

That brief exchange of words and phone numbers became the spark that lit the beginning of something truly special. As fate would have it, we met again a few hours later at a local pizzeria, where our conversation picked up effortlessly. A few weeks later, we shared our first date in the heart of New York City. From that day on, we've been inseparable.

As we fell in love, our families came together naturally. With love and open hearts, we embraced each other’s children and began blending our lives. Through countless visits, shared holidays, and many miles traveled, we formed deep relationships with each other’s loved ones and built a foundation of unity, friendship, and love.

In 2005, we were blessed with a beautiful addition to our family, our son Elyjah, who carries many of his father’s qualities.

Over the years, we shared a love for travel and adventure, creating cherished memories near and far, on land and at sea, exploring the world, and celebrating life together while finding happiness in each other’s company.

One of our most unforgettable memories came on

Thanksgiving Day 2017, surrounded by nearly 50 friends and family members in North Carolina. In the middle of a circle of gratitude, Marcos stepped out and, to Tamara’s complete surprise, he got down on one knee and proposed. The room overflowed with tears, joy, hugs, and love. Though Tamara’s beloved grandmother and aunt had passed just the year before, we know they were present in spirit, smiling down in that unforgettable moment. Her grandmother always adored Marcos’s spirit.

Through all the seasons of life, we’ve grown closer.

Still laughing, Still learning, and Still falling in love.

After 23 years together, our hearts are just as full as when we first met.

Today, we celebrate not just each other, but our love story includes seven incredible children: Jarrel, Vanessa, Marcos Jr., Tiffany, Lamar, Javar, Elyjah, and a cherished daughter-in-law, Sunni. We are also blessed with six amazing grandchildren: Nala, Christoff, Domiano, Benjii, Marli, and Zoe.

As we begin this new chapter as husband and wife, we do so with overflowing hearts, surrounded by love, grounded in gratitude, and excited for all that is STILL TO COME.