It all began at Borders bookstore in Woodbridge, VA over caramel frappes and books about 15 years ago. We had been long time co-workers and our families had even been intertwined for years, attending each other’s family events, social gatherings, etc. Over the years we have consolidated households and built a blended family of Nina’s two son’s Derek & Derrin, along with Mario’s daughter Desiree, and even added a daughter-in-law Alastair and two grandsons Derek Jr. (DJ) and Zander.

If you know us, we love to travel internationally and have been to places like Aruba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cancun, Cabo, & Cozumel Mexico, St. Marteen, Greece. So, it only made sense three years ago, while on vacation for Nina’s birthday in Cancun Mexico, with the help of complete strangers, who are now like family (if you know Mario, this wouldn’t surprise you) he got down on one knee pool side and proposed. Nina said, “Are you serious right now, stop playing” and to her surprise Mario was very serious. In fact, he had our new friends recording it for him, and of course she said Yes! As they say - the rest is history.

Mario & Nina could not be more thrilled for this next chapter of their life together to begin, and are so excited to celebrate their true love with family and friends on 7/19/2026.

#CrawfordToRivas71926