It all started in the summer of 2016. Mikaela had just graduated from UCSB and was ready to embrace the next chapter of her life. She moved in with her sister Tanya in sunny San Diego to embark on her journey into adulthood. The job market proved tougher than anticipated, but Mikaela wasn’t one to back down from a challenge. Determined to keep moving forward, she took a job at Bed Bath & Beyond in Encinitas—a decision that would change her life forever. On her first day of orientation, as the session was winding down, Mikaela’s attention was suddenly captured by something—or rather, someone. Enter Jonathan. Walking up the stairs with his perfectly gelled hair, a fitted t-shirt that highlighted his gym-earned muscles, and an air of effortless charm, Jonathan made an unforgettable first impression. Mikaela couldn’t help but think, “Maybe this job won’t be so bad after all.” For weeks, their interactions were limited to fleeting glances as their shifts overlapped. That is, until one fateful closing shift brought them together under the same stars. Mikaela had high hopes of finally chatting with the guy who had caught her eye. But then she overheard Jonathan talking about Pokémon Go. And just like that—friend-zoned. Despite her initial doubts, the two began chatting more during their shifts, and Mikaela soon discovered that Jonathan, with all his “nerdy” hobbies, was actually kind, funny, and sweet. Slowly but surely, a crush began to blossom. A few months later, their paths crossed outside of work during a night out in Encinitas. Mikaela, ever determined, tried her best to catch Jonathan’s attention. Subtlety, however, didn’t seem to be working, so she decided to take a bolder approach. After one failed attempt to grab his attention, fate stepped in—literally. As Mikaela wandered into oncoming traffic, Jonathan instinctively swooped her into his arms, saving her from disaster. That was the moment everything changed. Their connection only grew stronger from there. Eight-hour shifts at Bed Bath & Beyond turned into late-night happy hours at Compass in Carlsbad, where they’d talk, laugh, and truly get to know one another. What started as chance encounters and shared shifts blossomed into a relationship filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Now, nearly nine years later, the rest is history. We can’t wait to celebrate the next chapter of our story with all of you.