The journey began in 2018 when Bethany started working with the Thrive in Joy Foundation, where her boss and mentor, Mary Fagnano, was the mother of Alex's high school friend Nick. Over the next few years Bethany and Mary became very close - working on mission trips to the DR, fundraising for the foundation, and kickstarting a number of new programs. Finally, in July of 2019 Mary had the instinctual feeling to 'nudge' Alex to set up a blind date with Bethany. And the rest was history...

After a few missed connections, Alex and Bethany were finally able to schedule some time for dinner and drinks. Bethany, being a senior at USC, suggested meeting on campus at Rock & Reilly's and what was originally scheduled for a quick drink became hours of talking about family and life goals. It was as though the two had known each other for a lifetime and the only question that remained was when would Alex be able to see her next.

A few months into the budding relationship, the two were getting very close and meeting each other's family and friends. Of course the logical next step was a weekend getaway to see if the two could vacation together and really confirm the feelings they had for each other. Little did they know, Alex would embarrassingly end up confessing his deep feelings for Bethany and his excitement for what lay ahead - they left San Diego stronger than ever.

After spending most of 2020 in quarantine together, Bethany and Alex were coming to the next big test in their relationship. Alex was accepted to Carnegie Mellon's MBA program which meant he would be moving to Pittsburgh for the next two years. Luckily, Bethany was able to find an apartment with Alex's sister, Jessica, and the two became extremely close while Alex was away.

After two years in Pittsburgh, Bethany and Alex signed their first lease together in Hermosa Beach. Although they had essentially lived together through most of 2020 and during Alex's summer breaks, this would be the first time they built and shared a home together. They coined their home Casita Sunset and love being in Hermosa to enjoy beachside walks and bike rides.

With thoughts of forever on his mind, Alex was able to trick Bethany into thinking Saturday, October 14th would just be another fun date night with dinner and drinks. What Bethany didn't know was Alex had been coordinating a surprise beach proposal, guest appearance by Bethany's sister Ana, and an engagement party with friends and family. They arrived at Driftwood Beach in Culver City, an extremely special location for the two of them, and Alex asked the question that would change their lives forever.