Celebrate Our Love

Ethan and Gianna met through mutual friends in their close-knit hometown, where everyone seems to know everyone and where love stories often start with a shared friend group and a little curiosity. Their first official date was at the local Chinese restaurant, a simple night that would later become legendary in their relationship… especially because Ethan's Chinese zodiac sign is a Snake and Gianna's is a Dragon. Gianna had always said she didn’t want to start dating until she was 16. So, in true Ethan fashion—thoughtful, persistent, and just a little bit extra—he waited. The day after her 16th birthday, he asked her to be his girlfriend in front of the ice-skating rink at Merry Main Street. That night, the lights twinkled just a little brighter, and their love story officially began. Not long after, their first kiss happened in the front yard of Ethan’s parents' house—who, fun fact, are also high school sweethearts. From that point on, it was them. At 18, they moved two hours away to Tucson to start college life together. Gianna earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, while Ethan worked hard toward his career goals and passions. After a few years of studying, late-night takeout, and building a life together, they eventually moved back home to Safford, where Gianna now works as a personal banker at a credit union and Ethan works as a correctional officer at the federal prison. Gianna is the planner—organized, thoughtful, and a little anxious (in the best way). Ethan is sweet, driven, and full of great jokes. He never smiles in pictures, but don’t be fooled—he’s usually the one making everyone else laugh. Together, they love concerts, watching TV and YouTube, trying new food, traveling, and hanging out with their two dogs, Gaara and Neji, who are basically their children. After nearly a decade together, they decided to elope—because nothing felt more “them” than starting forever in a new place, exploring somewhere fresh, and making memories just the two of them before their next chapter begins. They’ve grown through school, moves, career changes, and everything in between—and they know this is only the beginning. From small-town teenagers to lifelong teammates. And now, officially, the Acostas.