Just like the majority of our generation, we found ourselves navigating the world of dating apps, swiping left and right in the quest for that special someone (ifyouknowyouknow). Our connection sparked on the Coffee Meets Bagel app, and as the digital banter flowed, we delved into conversations ranging from cenotes to poke, and discovered that we grew up just ten minutes apart. Fast forward a month, and our first date took place at an Anaheim Ducks game, complete with some killer ringside seats. Little did we know then that was only the beginning..

Our first big trip together led us to Troutdale, Oregon, to visit Stacie and Tom—Jacob's sister and her husband—and to explore the charms of Portland. We perused Powells books and had brûlée-d brie cheese for the first time. Multnomah Falls showed off its iconic waterfalls (and Jacob learned not to block letters in signs when taking photos), and our hike to Mirror Lake involved conquering switchbacks and an uphill trail. At the summit, we savored moments by the water with Mt. Hood as our backdrop. It was in that idyllic setting that Jacob asked Michelle to be his girlfriend, and she happily accepted. A necklace bearing the letter J became a cherished momento of that day, fondly known as her "Little J."

To celebrate our fifth anniversary, Jacob orchestrated a road trip along the enchanting Oregon coast. After exploring a secret beach, natural cliffside sea arches and sand dunes, the trip culminated at Cannon Beach, one of our favorite spots in Oregon. With Stacie and Carol (Jacob's sister and mom) as accomplices, a surprise, picturesque beach proposal unfolded, set against the dramatic backdrop of Haystack Rock. The proposal became a mosaic of those charmingly imperfect moments that define our relationship— Michelle taking forever to get ready, Jacob attempting to find an excuse to fly the drone (to secretly film the proposal), the ring box getting stuck in his pocket, and a gentle rain shower as we savored our beachside picnic as a newly engaged couple. It was wonderful. We’ve enjoyed countless sunsets, hikes, KBBQ dates, Netflix binges, “Can you take a picture of me here?”’s, family parties, walks and cuddles with Odin, and so many other memories, too many to list. And now we’re getting married on our sixth anniversary! July will now and forever be an exciting month for us (LOL). We can’t wait for this next chapter of our love story, and to have our loved ones there to celebrate with us!