We first crossed paths about 8 years ago through mutual friends in Long Beach. We probably didn't say more than a few words to each other. Years later, on January 22, 2016 we ran into each other at a punk rock show with our friends. We instantly connected and had so much fun. The next day we hung out again and discovered that we share a strange sense of humor and instantly felt at home with each other. We took things slow and for months tried to convince each other that we didn't want a serious relationship, but we were inseparable. Five months later we were in Big Sur and saying I love you for the first time after that trip. We had some challenges our first year together...if you know our personalities then you understand why ;) But we came out stronger because of it and grew together. We built a solid foundation for our relationship and it gets more wonderful every day. There have been so many fun adventures over the last 2 years: Atlanta, Palm Springs, Big Sur, Costa Rica, Germany, Italy, & Switzerland. Our last adventure was to Portland, Oregon for Alex's birthday. On November 12, 2018 Alex planned a beautiful hike for us outside of Portland. Alex was lagging and walking behind me. I kept turning around and asking why he was walking so slow. Then he said my name in a way he had never said it before. He was down on one knee with the engagement ring. Alex was so nervous that the only words he could get out were "Will you marry me." We laughed, we cried. It was perfect. We couldn't be more excited to spend the rest of our lives together. We are best friends. We are partners. Life is easier. Life is more fun. We are better together. Thank you for being a part of our wedding.