Alexis Valdovinos and Stephanie Joy Heredia

“I was pursuing Latin American Studies and finishing up my last semester at the Elliott School, and Stephanie was just starting her first semester of graduate studies in the same program. A mutual friend invited me to join an art and culture event at the Embassy of Uruguay. As I was leaving Elliott that night, I saw someone attempt to park in front of the school without checking the street signs, and I was worried they would get a ticket since I had just gotten one the week before. So I got to the car and started to give some unsolicited parking advice. Lo and behold, it was Stephanie… and as you’d expect, she was unimpressed. But we saw our friends and off we went to the event… I pretended to study and appreciate the art, and they were nice, but I noticed my heart beat ever-so-fast every time I caught sight of her. I would occasionally meander towards her and try to impress with a quip or two about the art, and she would remark thoughtfully, but then we’d move on. This little dance kept going throughout the night, but just as the event was about to end, I overheard her asking to play on a gorgeous piano in the main room. The instant she started playing those sweet notes, I couldn't help but fall for her. I loved everything about her -- her boldness, skill, confidence. Every key she played melted my heart. I knew then she was someone special… after a year of meet-cutes, we started dating, and we've been happily together ever since!” – Alexis