H&S

Once upon a time, in November 2024, fate brought us together on Hinge. Sarai swiped right on me first—though I like to think it was destiny calling! From the very first message, there was an undeniable spark between us. At the time, I was working in Newport Beach, California, for just two short weeks. Yet, in that brief moment, we made every second count. We went on four dates in rapid succession, each one more magical than the last. Our very first date was at the Anaheim Packing District. The moment I heard her voice, it felt like the world had paused for us. Six hours passed in what felt like minutes, and by the end of that evening, we shared our first kiss—a moment etched forever in my heart. The adventure didn’t stop there. The very next day, we explored San Diego, wandered through Palos Verdes, and even shared a meal at Chipotle, laughing and discovering each other with every step. Then, in December, on a road trip to San Jose, I asked her to be my girlfriend, and she said yes. From that day forward, our story has been a whirlwind of laughter, love, and unforgettable memories. And here we are, ready to start the next chapter together—forever.

The proposal took two weeks of careful planning, and it was all the more meaningful because Sarai and I had been navigating a long-distance relationship the entire time. I flew out earlier in September to ask her parents for their blessing, and then the real planning began—two weeks of sleepless nights, phone calls, and FaceTimes with her closest friends to make sure every detail was perfect. Her brother, Cris, and Mark were my co-conspirator in the plan, and together with a group chat we affectionately called Pizza Party, we brainstormed and coordinated how to best surprise Sarai. Anyone who knows her knows she’s incredibly perceptive—and very suspicious—so this had to be flawless. On the day of the proposal, Sarai had no idea. I walked to Manhattan Beach at sunset, the sky glowing in shades of gold and pink. When our favorite song, “Treat You Better” by Rufus Du Sol, began to play, I dropped to one knee and asked her to be my wife. She said yes—and in that moment, all the planning, the nerves, and the anticipation melted away, leaving only pure joy. It was, without a doubt, one of the happiest moments of our lives. We're so excited to celebrate this next chapter in our lives with you. See you in LA!