Mariella and Michael met on Hinge and had their first date at Granville in Pasadena on Easter Sunday 2023. Michael got stuck in traffic and was 15 minutes late, but luckily Mariella thought he was cute enough that it didn't matter! They bonded over rock climbing, astrology, and books, then got some ice cream. Over the next year and a half they talked about anything and everything, took several weekend trips (and one international one!), and moved in together in November 2024, along with Dragon, their oldest kitty. In September 2025, their other cat, Star, joined the family! On December 27th, 2025, they visited San Francisco with Stacie and Mark (Mariella's mom and stepdad), where they explored the city until they ended up at Bakers Beach. Next to the sunbathing nudists, selfie-ing tourists, and some other lucky couples, Michael got down on one knee! Mariella was so excited by the ring, she forgot to say yes right away. Michael got his own proposal with a custom designed FaB card (if you're not sure what FaB is, a some of the wedding party can help you out!) They can't wait to celebrate with their loved ones in Sacramento this fall!