Gem was new to San Diego after a teaching stint in S. Korea, didn't know anyone, and thought it wouldn't hurt to give OKCupid a whirl. Iah signed up for an account on a suggestion from his college bestie Jeff Mercado and his now-wife Ja-Shin. Once Iah shared his interests in music, books, and film (specifically - a Tame Impala cover of OutKast's "Prototype," his Murakami collection, and love of Godard/Chaplin/Gondry) with Gem, she was hooked but tried to play it cool. Banter and music sharing over email ensued, then a meeting in person at Caffe Calabria in North Park + attending a concert at Soda Bar, followed by weeknight "extreme dining" gatherings with his SD besties Ian & Flo put them well on the way towards couplehood.

Being that it was the holiday season, Iah made some tumblers of hot chocolate and asked Gem to join him for a night walk in Balboa Park to enjoy the festive lights and holiday decor. They stopped at the fountain in the middle of the park to take in the view of surrounding museums and California tower in the distance; he turned her to face him, then to her bewilderment he choked up a bit. Then she choked up as he got on one knee. There were no words, just tears - but ones of happiness.