Damon and Kristina’s story began the way many great South Bay stories do — somewhere between mutual friends, Hermosa Beach weekends, and nights along the pier. They met in 2014 at a party in Hermosa, where Damon introduced himself before the group headed out for the night. At one point, Kristina went to buy him a drink and returned to find he had mysteriously disappeared searching for the friend he came with — a detail she still hasn’t let go of. The next day, Damon reached out to ask her on their first date at Underground Bar & Grill. Depending on who you ask, they’ve either been together since that first date or since a trip to Las Vegas a few months later, where Kristina met Damon’s family and the relationship quietly became something more serious. Either way, the years that followed took them from California to Washington, D.C., and eventually back to the South Bay, building a life shaped by travel, friends, coastal weekends, and a shared appreciation for both adventure and getting “cozy cozy” at home. Their relationship has always been built on contrast. Damon is competitive, structured, and activity-driven; Kristina is spontaneous, social, and effortlessly brings energy into every room. He plans the itinerary, she finds the best scene. He orders an Old Fashioned, she orders champagne. Somewhere in the balance between the two, they found something that works perfectly. In July 2024, Damon proposed privately at home before dinner in Manhattan Beach — an intimate moment that reflected their relationship perfectly: understated, thoughtful, and deeply personal. They are incredibly grateful for the family and friends who have been part of their story and are so excited to celebrate this next chapter together in San Diego. ***Written by Damon. The bride would only like credit for buying the first drink.***