Our love story

Our story started on Hinge in 2019, and after just a few dates, we both sensed that there was something special between us. Mercedes had her doubts, unsure of how Cody felt, until one evening when he cooked an amazing dinner for them. With a mix of nerves and hope, Mercedes asked, "What do you want? Are we friends or more?" With a steady gaze and a hint of nerves, Cody took her hand and said, “I want a relationship.” That moment became the quiet yet powerful beginning of our story—one that would be built on love, trust, and an unspoken understanding between us.

In 2020, as the world slowed down, we found joy in the little things. We spent countless afternoons and nights riding our scooters through the empty streets of Houston, turning those quiet rides into adventures that were ours alone. After the world opened back up, we traveled to major cities: such as DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, and vacationed to amazing places for our exciting adventures from the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii to the desserts in Arizona, from the snowy mountains of Colorado, and to the “world’s happiest place on Earth” in Florida. In 2024, we ventured across the Atlantic to explore four beautiful countries in Europe, making memories that will last a lifetime.

We've helped each other grow in ways that feel both natural and profound. Mercedes encouraged Cody to try new foods, introducing him to sushi and showing him how to expand his color palette. Now he confidently claims blue and green as his own. Cody, in turn, has given Mercedes the confidence to be unapologetically herself, supporting her passions and dreams every step of the way. We’ve embraced each other's interests too; Cody has supported Mercedes in her fitness journey, and she introduced him to powerlifting and Olympic lifting routines. Together, we have created new hobbies and interests that are woven into our story.

Over a span of five years, we have created wonderful memories with each other through our travels. We were able to introduce each other to our closest friends and family, and form new connections together. Our life is a mix of all that we've built together—filled with laughter, inside jokes, and a deep love. We truly balance each other, not just in our differences but in how we push one another to live life to the fullest. We know we're each other's perfect match, ready for all the adventures that lie ahead as we keep exploring, growing, and loving each other every step of the way.

Our proposal

On the day of our fifth anniversary, we decided together to go to the movies with Cody’s parents and then recreate our first date at BB's, a place we hadn’t visited since that very first night. Later that evening, in the quiet of our kitchen at 10 pm on a Sunday, Cody dropped to one knee.

With the most beautiful ring in hand, Cody looked up at Mercedes, his eyes full of love, and said, "I want more than a relationship." In that moment, the ring faded into the background – all Mercedes could focus on was the man she loved, asking her the question that was the easiest "yes" of her life. We can't wait to spend the rest of our lives making memories and growing old together.