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How we met on Halloween
Bekah was wearing a cute lederhosen costume. Ruben was wearing a beret, black turtle neck sweater and carrying a feather. He was the French Tickler. Ruben tickled Bekah with his feather in a crowded bar on the patio of RiRa. And the rest is history... (If you want to see a reinactment picture of their costumes, check out Halloween 2010 on the timeline!) -
Las Ramblas: Our first meet-up date
They met up at this tapas restaurant on their first date. Not only because it was a cool spot, but more also because Ruben knew it was half-price bottle of wine night. After a night of great conversation and 3 bottles of wine at the bar, we called it a night. Ruben gladly broke his rule of no kissing on the first date when Bekah lunged at him in the parking lot and sealed the night with a goodbye peck. -
Nikko: Our first official date
Their first official date where Bekah trusted that Ruben wasn't a crazy stalker and allowed him to pick her up at her house. They had amazing sushi and even more amazing conversation. It was becoming obvious that something special was developing. -
Our first trip to Asheville
This was their first weekend getaway. They escaped off to the mountains in Asheville, NC and stayed at the historic Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa. It was the first time they told each other "I love you." And this was first of many trips to this breathtaking hotel. (Spoiler alert: This is where Ruben would later pop the question and Bekah would say "Yes!") -
Our first Christmas together
They picked out a tree together for Ruben's cozy bachelor pad bungalow and celebrated their first Christmas together. -
New Year's in Vegas
They decided to ring in the new year in fabulous Las Vegas. Took in a show, ate some amazing food and just had the best time ever. -
Grove Park Inn Getaway
Their second trip to this very special place. -
Steeplechase
Their first and only trip to this long standing horse race called the Queen's Cup. It was a great opportunity for Ruben to see Bekah rock a big hat. -
Taste of Charlotte
Beautiful day in Charlotte. Tried some great food, cold beer and got annoy everyone with some good old fashioned PDA. -
4th of July at GPI
Another special trip to the Grove Park Inn. Watching the fireworks over the city while having their favorite dinner at the Sunset Terrace. Ruben had the Ribeye Oscar Style and Bekah had Salmon with Bleu Cheese Fondue. -
Trip to St. Croix
Ruben and Bekah's first international trip together. They lounged on the beach, rode horseback and simply enjoyed each other in paradise. -
Lake Norman
One of many excursions out on the boat on Lake Norman. Soaked up some sun and threw back some cold ones. -
Panthers Game
Supporting the hometown team against the Steelers. The Panthers lost, but the beer and nachos were delicious. -
Labor Day at Grove Park Inn
Another amazing trip to the Grove Park Inn. It's like Ruben and Bekah''s home away from home. Relaxation, spa treatments and spectacular food. -
Ruben's 35th Birthday
Ruben, Bekah and Mona had a very nice dinner at PF Chang's. Where Ruben open cards and gifts. A very special birthday celebration. -
Renaissance Festival
Obviously Ruben and Bekah were the King and Queen of the festival. Where they spoiled their subjects with turkey legs, beer and jousting events. -
Halloween
Ruben and Bekah decided not to dress in costumes that year. Instead they just wore their normal weekend attire and went to a party. -
Bekah's first trip to Texas (Thanksgiving)
Bekah's home state is Texas, however she hadn't been there since she was a baby. So it was a homecoming of sorts for her. Bekah met Ruben's family and was instantly welcomed as apart of the family. Ruben and Bekah enjoyed great Tex Mex, BBQ and visited some of the local sites in Austin and San Antonio. -
Christmas
Ruben and Bekah's second Christmas together. And it would be the last Chrismas in Ruben's bachelor pad bungalow. -
Moved in together
Ruben and Bekah said what the hell, let's shack up. And not totally unpacked and not quite settled in yet, they watched the Oscars with an HD antenna and had they're first dinner together in their new love nest. -
Cinco de Mayo
There's no better excuse to have Coronas and Margaritas on a week night than Cinco De Mayo. -
Cavalia
This show was like Cirque de Soleil on horses. Amazing. -
Trip to Orlando
Ruben and Bekah's first trip together to an amusement park-Universal Studios. They rode roller coasters, watched some shows and got really wet on a water ride. -
Memorial Day Weekend at Grove Park Inn
Another special trip to our place. Amazing views, spa treatments and food that's to die for. -
Lazy Day at the Park
Picnic at the park. No better way to spend the afternoon. -
Paul McCartney Concert
Bekah is a huge Beatles fan. So Ruben surprised her with tickets to see Paul McCartney in Charlotte. It was a really special night. -
Panthers Game
Preseason game at Panther's stadium. Supporting the hometeam. -
Trip to Texas for Mikey & Lori's Wedding
Ruben's old friend from Texas was tieing the knot so they made the trip to San Antonio. Bekah got to meet some of Ruben's friends and it was another great trip to Texas. Filled with good food and good times. -
Halloween
It was a reinactment themed Halloween. Ruben and Bekah wore the same costumes they had on when they first met. -
Renaissance Festival
Another trip to the Renaissance Festival. Cold beer, good shows and Bekah was hypnotized and commanded to act like a chicken. Ruben still knows the trigger phrase but saves it for special occasions. -
Thanksgiving
Ruben and Bekah's first Thanksgiving in their place together. -
Bekah's Graduation Party
Bekah finishes nursing school! Definitely a reason to celebrate. -
Our Engagement Weekend
Ruben and Bekah's engagement weekend started off with wine tasting at the Biltmore, then a candle light tour and dinner. Followed up the next day with a couples spa treatment and dinner at their favorite restaurant at the Grove Park Inn. Where they sat at the same table they first told each other "I love you." And that's where Ruben popped the question. And she said yes. -
First Christmas Living Together
First Christmas living together and first Christmas engaged to be married. Truth be told, Ruben already received the best gift ever when Bekah said yes at the Grove Park. -
New Year's in Texas
Fresh off their engagement, Ruben and Bekah had to head to Texas share the good news in person with the family and ring in the new year. -
Discovered we were having a baby!
Christmas had passed, but there was one more gift that we discovered when we got back from our trip to Texas. -
It's a Girl!
The first ultra sound. Where Ruben and Bekah discovered they should start incorporating lots of pink into the decor of the baby room. -
Engagement Party
Ruben and Bekah throw a party to celebrate their engagement. Mac's BBQ, a keg and cornhole. The perfect Spring day. -
Preparing Madelyn's Room
She has a name! Madelyn Mariana Lopez. Now she needs a room. Ruben, Bekah and Grandma Mona work together to get things ready for their bundle of joy. -
Baby Shower at EMA
The good folks at Ruben's office surprise them with a baby shower. Good times and amazing people. -
Our baby is born
Ruben and Bekah meet baby Madelyn for the first time. A family is born. -
Madelyn Meets Great Grandparents
It's always special when great grandparents meet their great grand daughter. It was love at first sight. -
Trip to Texas (Thanksgving)
Madelyn meets family and friends in Texas. Everyone instantly falls in love with her. As they should...
