Erica and Nick are getting married...

(click on pic for better, larger view)

CONGRATS to the lovely couple from their respective families!

Nick proposed to Erica during a birthday party which her family hosted for her on Saturday, July 19th, 2008. It was a very special event. Erica was celebrating her 25th birthday in a few days (Weds. 7-23), but had to be in Dallas for classes at SMU for her bank job on the actual day. Our sister, Eva (Erica's Mom), decided to schedule the fandango that particular Sat. before Erica's business trip. No one but a handful of ppl knew what dear Nick had in mind so needless to say, our entire family was taken aback but, in a very good way. The story goes as I was honored to claim witness to it...Nick joined the d.j. on stage a couple of hours into the party and joked that he had been practicing to sing a song for Erica as she had often wanted to hear him sing Karaoke. He managed to bring smiles and laughter to the fairly ambiguous but happy crowd. Ambiguous because if you knew Nick, it is so not like him to be so bold & brazen (I was proud of him). Others in attendance included a handful of slightly raucous ppl who managed to contain their emotions and go about in celebratory fashion - loud fashion (ha, ha). Naturally, since it was a b-day celebration, there were also a scrambled bit of inebriated individuals about the dance hall (La Vedera in Big Spring, TX). All types of folks around, Nick hit a "homerun" as he continued to joke and made everyone laugh and take a relaxed approach to the entire event. It calmed the waters, per se, until the serious speech came about. Nick then proudly announced his love and admiration of Erica and how many years they have been together...it was clear by this point what was coming, and we were right...he semi-proposed on stage then walked over to where Erica was, and true to form as a gentleman would, (good to see that chivalry apparently has not died), he dropped down to one knee and propsed again with the beautiful ring in hand. Erica, being the intelligent person she is and with the splendid & beautiful heart she does indeed possess, said "YES". Clearly, one can tell she loves him and respects him as much as he does her.

I am so proud of them both as are our entire family members. Fun preparations to follow I am certain until the proud day arrives. They will share their love in celebratory-fashion as they recite their nuptials next June 13th, 2009. More data to come as our family continues to make preparations.

So without further adieu, join us in congratulating

Erica Guzman and Nick Puentes!