In 2019, we crossed paths in the most unexpected way—at work!  At first, we were just colleagues: Monique in the Quality Engineering department and Shawn in Research & Development. Our interactions were friendly but casual: collaboration meetings, quick hellos in the break room, and the occasional email exchange. But as time went on, things started to shift.  After we left our previous company, life took us in different directions. Shawn moved to the sunny shores of San Diego, CA, to advance his career in Research & Development, and Monique stayed in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA, embracing a new role in Regulatory Affairs. Suddenly, we went from seeing each other every day to navigating a long-distance friendship. It was a bit tricky, but what we both realized was that we were eager for something more. So, in 2022, we decided to explore our romantic feelings for each other! Our long-distance relationship continued until 2024, when Shawn surprised Monique with a magical proposal in a hot air balloon floating above the stunning views of Temecula, CA!  Now, when we look back at those days, we can't help but smile at how it all started. Those work deadlines, those small moments of connection—who could have guessed they would lead to a love story that would change our lives forever? We never saw it coming, but now we know—love was in the air all along.