Jon and Madison have two different views of this story... In the eyes of Madison... I recall a memorable evening at Beachwood bar with my girlfriends, showing support for our friends on the SDSU surf team. Little did I know that this evening would mark the beginning of a beautiful chapter in my life. As I sipped my Rum & Coke and chatted with my friends, there was not the slightest inkling of a setup or cupid's play in the air. Had anyone hinted at such a plan, I likely would have hesitated to join in the first place (as many know, I was NOT one for setups). Fate, however, had its own intricate design in mind. Amidst the scent of Coors Light and Kesha on the speakers, a guy I had often spotted on his skateboard, approached me and asked if he could buy me a Long Island Iced Tea (an exciting, "sophisticated" drink I had never tried before!). We engaged in conversation, and as he began to share his music tastes, my heart started to sway to a rhythm (pun intended) only he seemed to know. Then the moment that would forever be etched into my memory - he asked if I had heard of the band Band of Skulls, a group I had always loved but had never found another admirer. It was in that instant, as our eyes locked and our shared enthusiasm for music poured forth, that I felt an unspoken connection. Now, as I reflect on that evening, it's hard to believe that 11 years have passed since that serendipitous encounter. My love, which blossomed from that chance meeting, continues to flourish and grow stronger with each passing day. I find myself as enamored today as I was the moment I met him. I am forever grateful for that Long Island Ice Tea and a love that has enriched my life beyond measure! In the eyes of Jon... I was first told of Madison’s existence by a couple of friends at an underground festival known as Coachella. Enamored by her beauty and style via the likes of Instagram, I was in. Now the question was how and where? My confidants informed me that Madison was going to be at Beachwood for a surf premier event and that it would be the perfect opportunity to meet her. One little problem though, I was required to go to a philanthropy event for the Fraternity that night. They say love acts in mysterious ways and I followed my gut to disobey said Fraternity in the hopes of meeting this mystery girl. A couple of long-island ice teas later, we were bonding over our similar taste in music and I thought I was in. No no no. It would take a summer of me courting her to various dates at Balboa Park, Urbn Pizza and ultimately falling over a handful of bikes at a house party for me to be able to call her my girlfriend. With the awkward “will you be my girlfriend” out of the way, the bicycles were a thing of the past and we sailed (pun intended) onto bigger and better things together traveling Europe during a semester at sea. Having not dated for more than 6 months most were shocked that we decided to spend the entire summer together. Madly in love, I knew what I was doing as I wanted to spend every moment with her. Now I get to call her my wife (Borat voice) and she is stuck being a Krupka forever (evil laugh).

My father's wisdom always echoes in my mind - patience, a virtue worth cherishing. It struck me that the best way to impart this to Madison was through eight years of dating before getting engaged. Amidst career shifts, city changes, and a whirlwind of other life events, I held out, determined to become the man she truly deserved (still striving for that). She was already the perfect woman for me - beautiful inside and out, a contagious laugh, a similar outlook on life, and my #1 fan. After receiving her parents' blessing in early March, I turned to her girl gang for guidance on the perfect ring. With the hardware secured, I took a more hands-on approach, meticulously planning a trip with friends to Sayulita over the Christmas to New Year's break. Madison was none the wiser, making it the perfect cover to invite friends to celebrate our engagement without arousing suspicion, as we typically traveled post-Christmas. With the friend part sorted, I shifted focus to planning the actual proposal and figuring out how to incorporate our families. What better way to unite everyone on the most magical day of the year? What better gift than the promise of marrying me? CHRISTMAS DAY IT WAS. In the quiet presence of just Madison and her Mom, I knelt down (and let a few tears fall), asking her to be my wife. Shortly after, friends and family joined us in the afternoon on Christmas Day, sharing in the joy and each other's company. That night, Madison and I jetted off to Mexico City, savoring our first days engaged before reuniting with friends in Sayulita for New Years. One full house remodel later, we are ready to do the damn thing and can’t wait to celebrate with you!