In the spring of 2011, Alex and Katrina attended SUNY Albany as undergraduates. Their paths crossed due to a love of their Asian American heritage, community, and a meddlesome friend. Their first date was in New York City, where they shared cheesecake and their dreams for the future. The beginning of their relationship was not without challenges as Katrina was transferring to Binghamton University the following fall. Over the next decade, they would move all over the country to pursue their individual goals. Alex started medical school in Pennsylvania and Katrina spent a year in California completing a graphic design internship. They would take great joy in planning trips together to make up for time apart. Their previously defined challenges of distance proved to be the foundation of their love and commitment for each other. The greatest lesson in their relationship is that love makes the journey worthwhile.

Katrina and Alex traveled to the Dominican Republic to celebrate Katrina’s birthday in March 2020. They were planning to continue their tradition of making memories in their short time together before going back to their homes in different states. However, news of the pandemic caused them to end their trip earlier than expected. Instead of returning home to Queens, Katrina went back to Philadelphia with Alex. In the years of living together, they made different kinds of memories including adopting an adorable cat affectionately named Mango. In January of 2021, Alex planned a carefully curated date in New York City where they had their first date. He pointed out key moments and places they visited during holidays and special events. Their date ended at the Brooklyn promenade and as the sun set, Alex got down on one knee and asked Katrina to marry him. They plan to marry in one of many places they traveled together: Hawaii. Written by Elizabeth Aritonang