The Engagement 

During the last week of April 1998, we vacationed together in Puerto Rico, María's homeland.  We visited her family and friends, and then  spent a few days as tourists on the island.  On Monday, our first tourist day, we headed to the east side of the  island to hike in El Yunque.  El Yunque is the rainforest of Puerto Rico, situated on the side of a mountain. 

We started hiking at around 2000 ft above sea level, to the Los Picachos peak at about 3000 ft.  The climb lasted about two hours, with a lunch break.  As expected in a rainforest, everything was very green and very wet -- as we approached the top, we donned the yellow Mickey Mouse ponchos that Maria's mom had lent to us.  The weather was very foggy, misty, with a light rain. 

The peak was a 20-foot square grassy area, which, in good weather, offers views of St. Thomas.  We only saw fog and mist, and were completely alone.  After a few minutes of admiring our accomplishment, Dan retrieved the ring from his backpack, completely surprising María with The Question.  She said Yes, still in the yellow Mickey Mouse poncho.

The wedding is over and the couple is living happily ever after.  Maria has a few photos of the wonderful day on her site.

Read and print our Places to Visit in Austin page.  

Wedding Trivia 
Ceremony: At 2:30PM in Austin at St. Louis Catholic Church with Monsignor Edward F. Jordan of St. Theresa's Parish. 
Reception:  The Texas Union Ballroom (Texas Union main page) 
Coordinator: Amy Mader of Amy's Platinum Weddings. 
Photographer:  Innovative Photography 
Deejay: Penguin Entertainment 
Dinner music: High Island Hepcats 
Cake: Lucy's Cakes 
Flowers: Aaron's Flowers and Weddings 
 
Go to: Dan's Home Page | María's Home Page