HOW WE MET... In 1984, we met on the first day of history class at the College of San Mateo. What began as a shared curiosity for the past quickly turned into a future we couldn’t imagine without each other. Melisa sat behind Jacques in class. She didn’t remember his name at first—and she definitely didn’t believe how old he claimed to be. In fact, she made him prove it by showing his driver’s license. From that moment on, the conversations never stopped, and neither did the laughter. OUR FIRST DATE... As part of earning Melisa’s trust, Jacques took her—and a few of her friends—out for a night at a bar called Lord Jim’s. Knowing he had some convincing to do, he didn’t just bring flowers for Melisa—he brought them for her friends, too. A couple of cocktails later, and it was clear Melisa was feeling the fun (and maybe the drinks just a little). It was a night full of laughter, charm, and the beginning of something unforgettable. Melisa "abandoned me" and moved to Southern California. HOW WE RECONNECTED... During a work trip, Jacques found himself in town a day early and asked Melisa if she’d like to hang out. The two went paddleboarding in Huntington Beach, followed by a walk through the town. At one point, Jacques reached for Melisa’s hand—only to be met with a quick pull-away and the firm declaration: “I don’t hold hands!” Jacques was a bit puzzled, but he didn’t press. That evening, they went out for dinner, and by the end of the night, something had shifted. Melisa turned to him and said, “I want to hold your hand.” And from that moment on, she never let go. THE PROPOSAL... We traveled to the beautiful Greek Island of Kefalonia, and with Jacques planning to propose, there was one very important item to keep track of: the ring. Melisa carried it in her secure travel bag, refusing to peek at it—even though she knew exactly where it was hidden. Every morning and night, she’d eye the exact spot... and note that it hadn’t moved. Halfway through the trip, just after sunrise, Jacques proposed on a quiet beach. Melisa, in a state of surprise, said yes—somewhere between disbelief and bliss. Jacques had been nervous, not about her answer, but about whether she'd be upset over her hair in the proposal photos. Luckily, Melisa thought it was perfect. OUR LIFE TOGETHER NOW... After two years of a long-distance relationship, Melisa made the move to Northern California to be with Jacques. She settled into a small studio apartment nearby for six or seven months, giving them time to adjust to daily life together before taking the next step. Eventually, with a few fresh coats of paint, some clever storage upgrades, and a lot of love, Jacques' place became their place. Melisa moved in—and they began building a home, side by side together. WE ARE SO EXCITED TO... Together, we’ve made it a priority to grow, explore, and experience new things as a couple. Whether traveling to new places or spending quiet weekends on the houseboat—where Melisa loves to fish—we find joy in both the adventure and the stillness. It's in these shared moments, big and small, that our love continues to deepen.