UC Riverside will always hold a special place in Claudia and Mark's hearts. Although they were living in the same dormitory and wing, but on a different floor, during their freshman year of college, Claudia and Mark did not meet until their 2nd year at UCR in 2012. It started off as just friendly hangouts - grabbing boba at Boba Tea House, eating tacos at Rubios, or ordering combo lunch plates at Life Cafe. The friendship blossomed after Mark asked Claudia to accompany him at his fraternity's formals. After becoming inseparable the next two months and knowing Claudia loved hot air balloons, Mark took Claudia to The Great Park Balloon Ride in Irvine and made the relationship official. They experienced life together for the next 6 years - graduated from UCR, started their careers, moved into their own home, raised their two fur babies Molly and Mason, and just simply enjoyed each others' company throughout life's challenges. On September 8, 2018, Mark and Claudia returned to The Great Park Balloon Ride and Mark proposed. Despite 2020 having plans of its own, Mark and Claudia decided to officially tie the knot at Old Orange County Courthouse on March 23, 2021. However, the commemoration together with family and friends is the true celebration.