Like many modern love stories, ours began with a dating app—Hinge, to be exact—in November of 2019. At the time, Chelsea was just about ready to give up on dating altogether, but at the gentle encouragement of a friend, she decided to give the app one last try. Carlos was the very first person to message her. Neither of us expected anything serious to come from that initial exchange, but life has a way of surprising you when you least expect it. We met for dinner in Livermore, and what was supposed to be a casual first date turned into an evening that neither of us wanted to end. We wandered from spot to spot, sharing stories, laughter, and great food. By the time Carlos dropped Chelsea off that night—offering her a pair of teacher socks as a thoughtful (and very on-brand) gift—it was clear something special had begun. For a while, our relationship was semi-long distance, with Carlos living in Modesto and Chelsea in Livermore. Then the world changed. As the pandemic unfolded, we became each other’s constant—navigating uncertainty together, growing closer with every weekend visit. In October 2020, we made the decision to move in together and began building a home filled with love, laughter, and eventually, two very spoiled cats: Alani (adopted in May 2021) and Brie (who joined the family in April 2025). Then, on a beautiful trip to Kauai last June, Carlos planned a moment Chelsea will never forget. On the shores of Lumahai Beach, with the waves crashing and the sun setting, he asked her to spend forever with him. Now, here we are—so full of excitement and gratitude as we begin this next chapter in our story. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!