We met through mutual friends at a cozy restaurant in our beloved Golden Hill neighborhood in 2021. Despite the unusual circumstances of that year, we quickly discovered a deep connection through our shared interests, similar sense of humor, wisdom, and similar upbringings (complete with our love of cats and always planning our next trip before finishing the current one).

From our first few dates, we knew we had found something special. What started as movie nights and takeout dinners soon grew into weekend adventures and road trips to new places. We discovered our shared love for trying new restaurants, merged our cat families (my two cats with her one cat, with... let's call it "minor success"), and soon began dreaming of our next chapter together. Our relationship grew stronger with each passing season as we took the leap from Golden Hill to Mission Hills. Together, we embarked on a large home interior remodel, creating a space that truly reflected both of us. As we lived in Golden Hill waiting for our renovations to be completed, we found joy in the small things - morning coffee rituals, evening walks through the neighborhood, and nights spent planning our future home while our blended cat family demanded attention. We've supported each other through job changes, renovation decisions, and growing individually and together. We've celebrated each other's wins and learned that even on tough days, coming home to each other makes everything better. Together, we've built not just a house, but a life filled with inside jokes, shared dreams, and the kind of comfort that only comes from knowing you've found your person.

Our engagement happened at the mouth of Yosemite Falls after a day of exhilarating hiking. The ring was burning a hole in his pocket the entire day as he was extra careful not to lose it in the rushing rivers. It was 2023, and the water flow was exceptionally high that year, creating a breathtaking backdrop for our special moment. He knelt down on one knee in a private pathway just beyond the falls river crossing. With the sound of cascading water in the background, he shared a few special words summarizing our incredible journey together, his love, and the life we built. Then came the question we had both been waiting for. Without hesitation, the answer was "Yes." We celebrated our engagement that evening over a special dinner, and later shared our joy with both of our families. Just like the powerful falls we stood before, our love continues to flow, strong and unstoppable, as we move forward together.