They met in high school on the bus to their after-school orchestra program, introduced by a mutual friend. He walked up and confidently introduced himself — along with his instrument, the double bass — while she played the violin. What started as casual conversation quickly turned into a routine. Before orchestra each morning, they’d sit in the hallway watching cheesy telenovelas together, and somewhere between bus rides and early mornings, they became inseparable.

For a few weeks, they were clearly more than friends but had never officially said it. When she finally asked, “So… what are we?” he replied, “What do you mean? Aren’t you my girlfriend?” despite never actually asking. They laughed, made it official, and later chose the day of their first kiss as their anniversary, which felt like the perfect place to begin.

After her college graduation, which took place at the same location as their first date, he suggested they go for a walk. As they walked through the park, near the koi pond she had always loved, he asked if she would let him take some pictures of her in her cap and gown. When she turned to pose, he was ready—and in that moment, he proposed.

One of their funniest traditions began because he is a bit of a procrastinator. Every year, he tries to get her flowers for Valentine’s Day, but he always waits until the last minute. By then, the flowers are gone, so he ends up bringing her a small potted plant instead. Over time, it has become a sweet, funny little part of their Valentine’s Day.

Their dogs are their whole world. Maple came first, when they started dreaming about building a life together, and quickly became his best buddy (despite his “no dogs in the bed” rule). Not long after, they found Waffle by coincidence and couldn’t say no. Even though he claimed he didn’t want a second dog, it didn’t take long for Waffle to win him over. Now Maple and Waffle are the heart of their little family, keeping them laughing every day.