In the midst of a challenging time for the world, our story began in July 2020. We met through Bumble, the dating app, and immediately bonded over our shared love for Harry Potter, Disney, and chicken tenders. With most traditional date spots—like movie theaters, restaurants, and bars—closed due to the pandemic, our first dates took place outdoors. We spent many sunny afternoons enjoying park picnics, which quickly became a cherished way to connect. Piper, Tiana's beloved dog, was a part of our story from the start. She and Ben formed an instant connection, becoming the best of friends. As our relationship grew, so did our adventures. From camping trips and beach days to more park outings with Piper, we spent countless hours getting to know each other in meaningful and memorable ways. By the summer of 2021, we decided to take the next step in our journey together and moved into our first apartment in Concord, CA. During that time, we celebrated many milestones with our close friends, attending weddings and sharing in their joy. It wasn’t long before we seamlessly became a part of each other’s families, deepening our bond even further. As our lives grew busier, so did our need for more space. With three bikes crammed into the guest room, it was clear that our cozy first apartment was no longer big enough. In 2023, we moved into a townhouse in Pleasant Hill, CA where we found the space and comfort to continue building our life together. In the summer of 2024, we embarked on a trip to New York City to visit friends and explore a city neither of us had been to before. What began as a fun-filled adventure turned into one of the most memorable moments of our lives. On July 25, 2024, Ben proposed to Tiana in Central Park at a picturesque spot on The Lake. It was a perfect touch to an already incredible trip and the start of an exciting new chapter. We’re now looking forward to building our life together as a family, alongside Piper, as husband and wife. Thank you for being a part of our journey—we can’t wait to celebrate this special moment with all of you!