we're getting married!

We met the new-fashioned way, by trusting an algorithm more than our own instincts. It was late 2022. Geordie was in Scottsdale visiting his mom, fully prepared for tacos, patio weather, and a healthy dose of motherly judgment. Love? Not on the itinerary. But Hinge had other plans. Hao had been living in Arizona for about a year after finishing school. After a few witty messages (and some light Instagram reconnaissance), we decided to meet in person. In true Berta fashion, Geordie suggested Boondocks, where the drinks are strong, the floors are sticky, and dignity goes to die. Hao countered with a classier choice: Outrider, the rooftop bar at the Canopy Hilton in Old Town. What Geordie didn’t know at the time was that Boondocks was actually Hao’s regular Friday night haunt. But hey, first impressions matter. Pretending to be fancy totally worked! We ended up meeting at Outrider and instantly clicked. The kind of effortless conversation that makes you forget you just met a stranger from the internet. Thus began our long-distance adventure. Hao even bought a parka, just to date a man who lives somewhere the air hurts your face. We knew it was real when we could survive international travel together, especially when Geordie packed three things and Hao packed three of everything. We explored Belize, Banff, Cabo, New York, San Francisco, and Vietnam. Geordie popped the question at Emerald Lake, B.C. Very romantic. Very Canadian. Hao said yes, then immediately asked if there was Wi-Fi so she could tell all 73 of her group chats. And now… we’re getting married. (Don’t worry, the venue’s a step up from Boondocks.) We’re blending two cultures: Vietnamese and Canadian. So expect tearful aunties, unsolicited life advice, and way too many people saying “sorry” for things that aren’t their fault.