These two lovers met of the softball field, so it was only fitting that the very same field was the one where they would become engaged lovers.
Who are Cindy & Mercedez?
C & M: We love to garden and explore new places to eat. We have a fur child, and his name is Rocky; we love taking him on walks during the sunset hour. Our home is filled with plants (17 to be exact), and they watch us dance in the living room, maybe a little too much.
And, how did you fall in love?
C: We met at Whittier College, where we had our engagement photos taken! We both played for the Softball team. I was a Junior, and Mercedez was a Freshman when we met.
A chilly morning in September of 2011, we were going to meet the new incoming class for our softball team on the track. It would be our first conditioning practice with everyone. As I walked to the track to meet everyone, Mercedez caught my eye immediately. I watched her the entire way as I walked across the other side of the track to formally introduce myself and meet her along with the other freshman. From that point on, we became inseparable and had Jack-in-the-Box breakfast after our morning practices.
We dated for two years, we broke up for three years, and then reconnected again. We have been together now for another two years. In total, we have been sharing laughs together for four years.
And, now, you’re engaged! Tell us about the proposal.
C: After we reconnected, we immediately knew we were each other’s person. We proposed to one another four months later. We had discussed marriage in our daily conversations, and our conversations spoke of the future and creating a family often. It’s true that we make a good team, so we know we are truly for one another.
There were two proposals. However, the plan was always for Mercedez to propose to me. But I secretly proposed to her first. On December 25, 2018, I told Mercedez that I would love to go play some catch at Whittier’s softball field, where we both played. She agreed, and after a few throws back and forth, I switched out the softball with a message engraved on it. The message read:
“You are the light of my life.
Our two hearts entwined,
A lifetime of love awaits…
Will you marry me,
Mercedez?”
She was completely shocked and said, “Yes!”
Less than two months later, Mercedez and I went to Disneyland with my best friend, Erica, of 14 years and her family. I was so surprised when Mercedez got down on one knee in front of the Mickey Ferris wheel in California Adventure and asked me to marry her. I was so emotional and had no idea! It was so special to have my best friend witness and capture that moment.
What does your engagement mean to you both?
C & M: Our engagement has meant shifting our mindset about the future and what that means for us. Since our engagement, we have bought a home, and look forward to the day we can create a family of our own to raise in our home.
Our engagement put our focus on becoming the best team we can be together. COVID-19 has taught us just how much we enjoy each other. More importantly, that even through the uncertainty, we are certain about the love we have for one another. The support has grown every day.
How is planning a wedding through a global pandemic?
C & M: Our initial wedding date was going to be October 11, 2020. However, we have had to postpone until next October. While we are incredibly bummed, we feel it is truly for the best.
We hope for our wedding to be filled with laughter, love, dancing, and embrace from our family and friends. We cannot wait to celebrate our love with those that love us so much.
Photography by Eric West Imagery
