Like any modern fairytale, it all began with a right swipe on Hinge. Matt was instantly captivated by Mari’s Wonder Woman costume—equal parts beauty, strength, and Halloween commitment. Mari, meanwhile, was intrigued by Matt’s adventurous photos, which screamed “I do my own stunts” (and probably have life insurance ). Our first kiss: Mari, ever the romantic (and realist) , suggested they kiss in the parking lot of a KBBQ joint before they both reeked of garlic and grilled meats. Nothing kills the mood like Galbi breath. True love tastes better before kimchi. The first time we thought we might have found “the one”: For Mari, it was when Matt belted out Usher at full volume during a concert — so passionately that a middle-aged auntie from Atlanta turned to her and whispered, “Girl, keep that one.” For Matt, it was when Mari navigated a chaotic sea of Blackpink fans at Coachella to find their friends, with no phone, no map, and no mercy — just pure willpower and GPS-level intuition. Matt had declared it “impossible.” Mari, channeling her inner Wonder Woman, proved otherwise. Our favorite pastime : Cruising around DC on our bikes with our fearless teacup Yorkie, Dayo, who thinks he’s leading the pack (even though he fits in a backpack). The first time we said “I love you”: Right before Mari dropped Matt off at the airport for a trip to Vegas for the World Series of Poker. Nothing says romance like “I love you… now go crush some donkeys and win some money for our future wedding !”

Matt proposed during a romantic helicopter tour over the Vegas Strip and Red Rock National Park—yes, very cinematic. But because he figured a helicopter proposal was way too obvious, he went full Chinese dad mode to throw Mari off the scent. For days, he fixated on one thing: the deal. “I got us 30% off. Sunset flight. Champagne included. Ralph’s friend got us a sick deal!” By the time they lifted off, Mari was convinced it was just an aggressively + EV sightseeing activity. So when Matt actually pulled out the ring , Mari was shocked. The surprises did not end there , as a bunch of their friends gathered for a surprise engagement dinner, topped off with surprise visit from one of Mari’s bridesmaids from San Francisco.