Like any modern love story, ours began with a swipe right on Hinge. For our first date, we met at Golden Road Brewing, because nothing says "I’m trying but not trying too hard" like beer flights and bar food. We were both a little nervous, but we laughed way more than expected, and silently thought, "Wait... this could actually be something." We bonded right away over a shared love of great beer (especially IPAs) and the fact that both of us had camped near Bridgeport, Ca every year growing up (!!!). Date #2? Straight to Ballast Point, because why stop a good thing? Somewhere between a Sculpin and probably another Sculpin, we realized we actually really liked each other. We had such a good time at Ballast that after a few other dates we made our way back there and officially become boyfriend and girlfriend! And as if that wasn’t enough, Ballast came through again—because it’s also where we said “I love you” for the first time. So, we went from swiping right to sipping pints to falling in love—all with good beer, great vibes, and a new best friend.

The proposal happened at the top of a hike at Virginia Lakes, CA (near Bridgeport!)—but not just any hike. It was a trail I had been hiking my whole life and was a place that had always felt like home to me—familiar, peaceful, and full of meaning. It was only natural that Sterling joined the yearly trip once we met and of course we couldn't miss out on hiking the trail to the summit each year. The plan seemed simple: go for a hike, take in the view, maybe snap a few pictures. But little did I know, Sterling was carrying a ring (and a lot of nervous energy) the entire way up. At the top, with his heart racing—partly from the climb, partly from what was about to happen—Sterling dropped to a knee and asked the question that would change everything. We were both ecstatic and still had a couple days of the trip left in Yosemite to continue the celebration with each other. A few days later, while we were in Yosemite, my parents completely surprised me by showing up to celebrate. And let me tell you, I was SHOCKED. Sterling had secretly arranged it—knowing how much it would mean for me to share this huge life moment with the people who had walked so many of life’s paths (and hikes!) with me. From a childhood trail to a mountain-top proposal, to a surprise family reunion in one of the most beautiful places on earth—it was a storybook beginning to the next chapter of our lives.