Joel and Rudy’s story begins at a wedding. But what makes their journey extraordinary isn’t how it started—it’s how it unfolded. They were brought together by someone else’s love story, never realizing that their roles as groomsmen in a 2014 wedding would set the stage for a bond that would shape the rest of their lives. At the time, they were simply two people crossing paths. Rudy was busy chasing his dreams across the world, exploring new places, and building a career in unfamiliar cities. Joel, on the other hand, was rooted, working two jobs and pushing himself through school. Though they’d run into each other now and then over the years—sharing casual hellos and light-hearted conversations—neither of them could have predicted how their story would unfold. Their interactions were brief and ordinary: a wave across the room, a quick joke, a “see you soon” that often turned into months apart. Yet, through these small moments, something quiet but powerful was forming. Little did they know that those simple exchanges—about life, love, and shared dreams—would someday anchor their lives together as one. In 2020, the world as they knew it paused. Life slowed, fear spread, and uncertainty lingered in the air. But while the world seemed to crumble around them, Joel and Rudy’s story was just beginning. Joel’s life had taken a heavy turn. He graduated into a stagnant job market, was furloughed from both of his jobs—including the one he’d dreamed about for years—and found himself heartbroken after the end of a long-term relationship. It was a dark time, and Joel often felt like he was standing still in the ruins of what his life had once been. Rudy, too, had faced his share of challenges. But with work on hold, he suddenly found himself with something rare: time. He spent his days running around Lake Carolyn, where Joel lived. Worrying for his friend, Rudy urged him to join. “It’ll help you,” he’d say, “it’s good for your heart, your body, your mind.” At first, Joel resisted. Running wasn’t his thing. But eventually, he gave in. One step, one conversation, and one mile at a time, something began to change in both of them. Those runs became a lifeline—a place where Joel could breathe, talk, and laugh again. For Rudy, they became something just as meaningful. He found comfort in Joel’s wild humor, his spark, and his company. What started as simple runs became something sacred. In a world full of chaos, they found stability in each other. When Joel needed a place to heal, Rudy offered him a home— both literally and figuratively. It was a gesture born of friendship, but it planted a seed neither of them could ignore. Rudy found himself seeing Joel in a new light. His feelings grew into something unfamiliar, something deeper than friendship but wrapped in the same warmth and understanding they’d always shared. Rudy knew this was different. This was special. One moment bled into the next, and soon, their love became undeniable. They traveled together, exploring the country, learning about each other, and dreaming bigger. Among those dreams was one they both shared: visiting Japan. It was more than just a destination—it was a promise of adventure, of building memories, of stepping into the unknown together. When they finally stood on a towering skyscraper in Tokyo, surrounded by the glittering skyline, Rudy did something he’d never imagined himself doing. A man who once vowed never to marry, he got down on one knee and asked a simple but life-changing question: “Do you want to do this forever?” Joel stood in awe, the weight of the moment sinking in. This wasn’t just about love—it was about resilience, friendship, and the journey they’d taken to get here. With Japan cradling them in its beauty, Joel, who had once doubted love’s return, looked at Rudy and found his answer. The rest? Well, that’s their story to tell. One filled with laughter, travel, compassion, and a love we hope you get to witness for yourself.