Our Story
They said, "I bet they'll never make it"
But just look at us holding on
We're still together still going strong
The Bride
NAME: Candace Joy Hathcox
BORN: August 4th
HOMETOWN: Brandon, FL/Winter Park, FL
EDUCATION: Business Major @ Valencia Community College
ASPIRATIONS:
To have a well-rounded, good-hearted, happy, God-fearing family.
To become an Event Planner & teach little kids dance.
To live with no regrets.
The Groom
NAME: Nicholas Gutierrez
BORN: April 15th
HOMETOWN: Bogota, Colombia / Orlando, FL
EDUCATION: Majoring in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology at Rollins College
ASPIRATIONS:
To complete med school & become a plastic surgeon.
To keep a close knit family.
To live a Christ-filled & centered life.
To view the world with my loved ones.
How We Met
We met at Lake Howell High School through mutual friends. Through fate, we ended up having 4th period Psychology class together. Our first date was December 13th 2005 at Cheesecake Factory and we've been together ever since. Together we have become friends, believers, high school sweethearts, graduates, adults, parents, and now husband & wife!
The Proposal
May 15, 2008
On a random Thursday, Nick showed up to my parents house and told me to get Sienna and I ready with sneakers & comfy clothes on. I thought "a day at the park...YAY!". Well to my delight the story takes a bit of a twist. Nick took my phone and had me drive while he frantically texted and avoided my every question. I followed his directions and drove past MANY parks to the Deland exit.
A few weeks earlier for Nick's birthday I had gotten him a gift certificate to go skydiving (something he has always wanted to do) at Deland Skydive. When we got off at that exit I put two and two together. NICK was going to jump out of a plane! Very nervous I assisted my "pookie bear" in filing out his form when the lady handed me one as well! "SURPRISE!" Nick said, I was going to jump with him!
As we kissed Sienna and walk hand in hand to the (what looked like toy) plane, I was so nervous about the jump. They opened the plane doors and several people jump before us as we watched squeezing each other's hands. It's Nick's turn and I watch the love of my life leap into open air! With my instructor attached to my back and my chin up I follow Nick into the big blue sky.
The view was so beautiful. I could see Nick at first but when our chute opened I could no longer find him. I looked all around at all the different landmarks within miles. As I got closer to the ground I noticed on our landing strip were the words "WILL YOU MARRY ME?" in big black letters painted on bed sheets. I landed to find Nick on one knee and my daughter, my mom, future-family, and best friend standing close by.
I said YES of course and instead of the park I got my PERFECT engagement story.
