Our Story

December 24th, 2023

For most of 2022, my job took me to the state of Montana. In late October, one of our principal cast members unfortunately contracted covid. It was the perfect storm as we were not only set to film scenes that predominantly featured this particular actor but our remaining principal actors were not even present as there was no need for any of them at this particular time. The decision was made to immediately halt production for 10 days (the “isolation” time required for Covid infections at the time). This was the perfect opportunity for me to briefly escape the cold weather and spend some much needed time resting and recuperating in preparation for even more brutal weather that was to come. After returning home in Los Angeles for an incredibly quick 36 hours, I made the decision to experience Dia de Los Muertos in the motherland: I booked a flight to Mexico City with the intention of resting, relaxing, eating, and enjoying the Mexican culture during this Mexican holiday.

Casa Pepe Hostel Boutique CDMX, the hostel where we met.

Shortly after checking in to Casa Pepe Hostel Boutique CDMX on October 29th, I immediately made my way to the Zocalo where I was expecting to photograph the climax of CDMX’s world renowned Dia de Los Muertos Parade. After the parade was completed, I returned to Casa Pepe. The night was still young and even though I was exhausted from my day of travel and standing in the Zocalo for hours, I decided to explore the roof top bar offered at Casa Pepe and have at least one last drink.

I distinctly remember immediately exiting the elevator and walking past a beautiful girl with the most gorgeous hair. I looked back at it after we passed each other by and I remember liking what I saw. I should make it clear that I had no intentions of any serious romance during this short trip to CDMX; this trip was about getting away from the stress and the cold and giving my body some time to rest. Seven months of manual labor in Montana takes a toll on both the body and the mind. However, I also distinctly remember telling myself, “damn, you should’ve introduced yourself to her, Joel… keep your eyes open in case you see her again.”

I was sitting alone at the bar reviewing the photos I had taken at the parade and I was about halfway through my first margarita when I noticed someone approached the bar to order a drink. It was the girl I had walked by minutes before. I told myself, “well, buddy, it’s now or never.” I turned to her and introduced myself. Next, I asked for her name: “My name is Jessica.”

Our first picture ever taken together in Parque Chapultepec, CDMX.

Somehow and someway, I convinced her to take the open seat next to mine. She explained that she was from Brazil and her reason for coming to Mexico City was to experience Dia de Los Muertos and to celebrate her birthday. Naturally, I asked her when her birthday was. To my surprise, she answered, “today.” She also explained that she had been feeling a little down; she wasn’t sure how she would feel traveling solo on her birthday, however, now that she was there, she was feeling lonely.

I saw my opportunity:

“Well, I know it’s not much of a consolation, but, I’d like to buy your next round since it is your birthday. It’s the least I can do.”

She took the bait!

One drink turned into another and next thing I remember, we were at a Halloween costume themed bar in Centro Historico having more drinks and enjoying the dance floor.

We returned to Casa Pepe after 2am and I nervously, anxiously, drunkenly, and definitely not-smoothly made my move in the elevator. Fortunately for me, she kissed me back. We got to her floor, she thanked me for a fun night, and then retreated to her room.

The next day I woke up with the most painful hangover. My ego was also a little bruised as I realized just how drunk I had been by the end of the previous night. I felt like I really hit it off with Jessica but I was also incredibly embarrassed by how ridiculous I remember acting and how ridiculous I don’t remember acting. Later that morning, Jessica and I ran into each other in passing near the entrance of Casa Pepe. We briefly chatted but I remember feeling embarrassed. I was still in incredible pain and my embarrassment from the night before grew exponentially upon seeing her. We wished each other a good day and went our separate ways.

As the day proceeded, I could not stop thinking about Jessica. I had the best time and I felt like we had a strong connection. I told myself, “fuck it,” and I decided I was going to ask her to hang out again.

Jessica and I spent every day after October 30th together until her departure. She unfortunately departed just a few days prior to my departure but I gave her a ride from our hostel to the airport. I remember being incredibly nervous to admit to her that she truly left a lasting impression on me and that I had a real desire to see her again. I wasn’t sure how exactly that would work with us both living in separate continents and five time zones apart, however, I was so intrigued that I felt I had to see her at least one more time.

My personal favorite image I captured of Jessica in CDMX when we were in front of the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

First photograph of myself taken by Jessica in CDMX.

I returned to Montana and we finally wrapped our show in mid January. By the end of the month, I was in Rio de Janeiro. Shortly there after, I picked up Jessica at the airport in Rio and we were on our way to Paraty.

2023 was the worst year of my career and I lost more financially than I ever expected, however, I gained and grew more in my personal life than ever before. Jessica and I traveled to Paraty, Sao Paulo, Los Angeles, Porto Alegre, Bento Goncalves, Gramado, Lima, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. We got engaged in Montepulciano in the Tuscany region of Italy and we married in Santa Ana in Orange County, California. The rest is history.

At Pinacoteca in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Jessica’s first MLB baseball game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

In Plaza Mayor in Lima, Peru.

In front of the Rialto Bridge in Venice, Italy.

I hope, pray, and desire nothing more than a happily ever after with Jessica wherever that may be.