A future engineer and chef walk into a pizza joint… Madison and Ian met as coworkers in their hometown pizza restaurant at only 19 years old. Madison was working for just the summer before returning to Cal Poly SLO in the fall. A quick friendship turned into a relationship just before Madison’s sophomore year began. Ian spent the next 9 months driving to SLO every other weekend to visit. Two years and well over 10,000 miles later, Ian made the move to SLO for Madison’s senior year of college. Seven years, three homes, and two cats later, Ian proposed to Madison on July 2, 2022.

Ian knew that pulling off a surprise proposal would be a near impossible task with Madison’s type A personality. With a Europe trip planned for the summer of 2022, Ian knew it would be the perfect place to do it. Ian employed Madison’s two best friends—Jennifer and Ryanne—to discreetly acquire Madison’s ring size and get her nails done before the big event. In the days leading up to the trip, Madison began to snoop around the house too much while preparing to clean and pack. After several close calls to finding the ring, Ian swiftly changed plans and decided to propose before the trip. Ian made reservations at Prelude in Sacramento and took Madison to the Capitol Rose Garden after dessert. He hired a hidden photographer to capture the moment as he proposed in the garden. Madison was perfectly surprised.

Madison and Ian currently live in Sacramento, California with their 2 cats and about 200 plants. Lux (6) and Hank (3) are incredibly spoiled and enjoy a regular treat schedule, blanket forts on the couch, and all the catnip toys they desire. After 6 years, Madison is still trying to win over Lux’s heart as Ian remains her favorite.