Crystal and Joe met at a Halloween party in Los Angeles in 2021. Crystal was dressed as Joan of Arc and Joe was immediately struck by her beauty; she was a vision of grace in DIY chainmail. Joe attended as Frank from Donnie Darko and made a similarly strong impression. “Why did that guy in the rabbit mask keep staring at me?” she later asked. “He’s creepy.” Joe proved her correct by stalking her on social media for several months. At some point he messaged her, expressing concern about her character choice in Smash Brothers after a victory post. He bought a Switch and practiced in case he’d have to back up his unrequested advice with action. They became friends online, sharing the type of easy rapport that causes hours to pass in sprawling conversations about any – or no – subject. When an anonymous tip made him aware that Crystal had become single, Joe took the next flight to Los Angeles. Over the next two months they spent each weekend there together, exploring corners of the vast vibrant city. For Crystal, this was an opportunity to see her chosen home through the eyes of a tourist. For Joe, it was a chance to win her over. Not long after they travelled across Europe with a group of friends. In Copenhagen, they rode electronic bicycles around the city and stayed up all night trying to track down one of their group who went missing*. They had their fill of another kind of nightlife in Berlin and even conned their way into Berghain. One afternoon in Paris they meandered along the banks of the Seine as the day waned and the sun’s last rays shone on the river. On a whim, Crystal gave Joe an old brass ring and asked him to marry her. At the time, she thought she was making a joke. Joking or not, Crystal moved to San Francisco one month later. The pair became inseparable and settled into effortless domesticity. A proper proposal followed which spanned three continents and ended with a ring and promise given at the Madonna Inn, around the corner from where Crystal was raised. Currently Joe pursues a variety of projects, some more successful than others. Crystal has fulfilled her destiny as former president of San Luis Obispo High School’s chapter of the Future Homemakers of America. They hope to welcome a child and a pug into their family in years to come. Until then: travel, which birthed their relationship, plays a prominent role. More importantly, they are here in the Bay Area now. And they would be honored if you would join them in San Francisco to celebrate their love. *Don’t worry, he’s okay