Grant and I met at a winery called Malene, but it wasn’t by chance. There were a few behind-the-scenes matchmakers. It was 2019, and I was sitting in a late-night class at Cal Poly when I got a text from my sister, Taylor, who was in town visiting: “B I found your perfect match. You need to meet us downtown right now.” She was out having drinks with some of her old college friends, who just so happened to be friends with Grant, a grad student at Cal Poly at the time. As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t skip class. So Taylor, being Taylor, made sure the moment wasn’t missed. She invited him to go wine tasting with us the next day. And somehow, Grant said yes to spending a day with two girls he didn’t know… and I’m so glad he did. The moment I saw him, in cowboy boots, no less, I was a goner. We spent the day sipping wine and getting to know each other. That night, we ended up out in downtown SLO (Mo Tav, to be exact) and I was completely smitten. He was such a gentleman from the very beginning: buying me drinks, holding my jacket, and even asking if he could kiss me at the end of the night:) Not long after, we went on our first official date and it couldn’t have felt more natural. We connected instantly over everything we had in common, and I had this unshakable feeling that he was the one. Six years later, I get to marry my best friend, the person who still gives me butterflies every single day.

Where to start - one might say what started as a casual night out with some buddies escalated pretty quickly. I was in my first couple months at Cal Poly getting my bearings when a few friends from out of town wanted to get drinks. Boy did I not know what the night ahead would lead to. We ended up getting drinks with Brayden's oldest sister Taylor and before I knew it I was meeting up with her and Brayden the next day to wine taste. I remember calling my brother Dominic as I was questioning if I should join them, given that I did not necessarily know either of them, but Dominic said that since I was new to town it would be a good idea to get out and meet people. I don't always listen to Dominic but I am glad I did this time. I got out of my truck and walked over to a table with two lovely blonde ladies and was welcomed with a glass of wine - not a bad start. Brayden and I immediately clicked and I was intrigued to say the least. I knew she was interested because she laughed at all my jokes, even though they were likely not very funny. From there we went out for the night when at the end I asked for a kiss and she denied me - turns out she was just getting out of a relationship, and I am a respectful gentleman. Rather than taking it as defeat I went to Taco Bell and put down a chalupa/baja blast combo - so not a bad night all and all. After recovering from the mental and physical pain I experienced from denial, booze, and Taco Bell, Brayden reached out to go on a proper date. The seeker had officially been sought. We had some great drinks at Sidecar and I finally got a smooch. After that night, I fell for her calm and sweet demeanor, sense of humor, and our shared interests and values. The rest is history and after years of great experiences and growing together, I now get to marry the best person I know.