Belize & Jacob: A Raiders Tailgate Proposal and a Love Built to Last

As their wedding officiant, I had the incredible honor of telling Belize and Jacob’s love story during their ceremony—and now I get to share it with you here. These two radiated bold, loyal, head-over-heels kind of love. From an 11-hour first date at Pier 39 to a Raiders tailgate proposal with DJ mic in hand, their journey is proof that when two people are meant to be, nothing—not distance, not life’s challenges—can stand in their way.

Photo by Rachal Fawn Photo at the California State Capital Rose Garden

Belize is somewhat of a self-made Raiders mascot, dressing up and having photos taken with and posted on Instagram by other fans of the game.

It was there on Instagram where Jacob first saw Belize and reached out to ask for her phone number, eventually making plans for their first date at Pier 39 in San Francisco.

There was an immediate, intense chemistry and somewhere along their 11-hour first date, Belize gave him the green light for their first kiss.

With her in Sacramento and him in San Jose, they had to figure out how they could make this new relationship work. After many trips to Sacramento to visit and with the help of nightly Facetime talks, they grew and nurtured their relationship over time and distance.

On April 20th of 2015, while hiking in San Jose together, Belize boldly and without hesitation told Jacob that she loved him and after 3 years of loving each other long distance, Jacob moved to Sacramento, leaving his family behind, but knowing he has all the family he needs with Belize and her daughter, Bella, and their dogs.

Jacob and Belize haves overcome great personal challenges during the 5 and a half years that they’ve been together, but neither have ever questioned the validity of their relationship. As equal partners, allowing each other time and space to grow, they’ve cultivated a deeper love than they’ve ever known.

With a passion for football and fun, it’s no wonder Jacob proposed at a Raiders football game tailgating party, DJ mic in hand, with all their friends, and a ton of other Raider fans, in attendance!

It is Belize and Jacob’s strength, patience, honesty, respect, kindness, loyalty, and dedication for themselves and each other that have allowed them to come into their best selves, becoming partner for the other to build a life with.