I still remember the first time I saw Celeste. She was the new animal expert in the office and she was being introduced to all the staff. We exchanged smiles and little did we know it was the start of the beginning of everything. For the next few months, we worked closely in various projects at work. Often collaborating on different sales strategies and projects for a local agribusiness firm. She sat in the cubicle behind me, and I’d catch glimpses of her between meetings and deadlines. She had this way of being both intensely focused and effortlessly kind, always quick with a smile, always the first to ask if anyone needed help when things got hectic. I found myself looking forward to our brief conversations in the break room, trading jokes venting over our shared frustrations at work. Somewhere between going on our afternoon walks and bonding over the marine life at the Ventura Harbor, we became more than coworkers. A friendship bloomed—honest, easy, full of warmth—and from that friendship grew something deeper. I asked her out one afternoon after we wrapped up a project, my heart pounding like I was presenting in front of the whole company. She said yes with a smile that made the whole world seem brighter. Since then, we’ve built a life together—one full of laughter, shared dreams, and long-lasting memories. We’ve supported each other through every high and low, every triumph and setback. And now, here we are engaged. In September, I’ll stand across from Celeste and say “I do” to the woman who changed my life unexpectedly and beautifully. Some people talk about love at first sight. Ours wasn’t quite that. It was love built slowly, intentionally—layer by layer, moment by moment. It started with a hello across the office, and now, it’s a forever kind of love.