They met the way all great college stories seem to begin, at their favorite bar (The Bear), surrounded by friends, music, and just a little bit of chaos. It was St. Patrick's Day 2016 in Chico. Tyler's attempt to impress Maija by chugging beer out of a plastic leprechaun hat was successful and he secured a first date that followed a couple days after their initial introduction. That first date quickly turned into long nights talking, inside jokes no one else understood, and a growing friendship that neither of them wanted to end. After graduation, life took them beyond campus, but never away from each other. Through new jobs, moves, grad school, challenges, and milestones, they grew up side by side and built a life together. They became each other’s constant, their favorite person to come home to, and their biggest supporter. Now, a decade after that first meeting at their favorite college bar, they’re saying “I do”, a full-circle moment that feels both surreal and perfectly right. It's proof that the best things in life often begin when you least expect them. From one simple night to a lifetime of love, this is just the beginning of their forever. ♾️