We first met at BlackRock in April 2022 during a team happy hour at Rina, a Mediterranean restaurant conveniently steps from the office. Mel had just closed on her house and heard that Juan was “the real estate guy.” She approached him to ask a few questions—totally casual. That was our first time ever talking, and not in a million years would we have imagined that the rest would happen. Over the next months, we formed a tight friend group with a weekly tradition affectionately known as “Krobar” (Kroger + beers). In that deck by the Beltline, surrounded by homeless people and questionable decisions, we shared our funniest dating stories and slowly got to know each other. We took a surfing trip to Florida, randomly ended up in New York on the same work trip, and kept crossing paths through the rest of the year. Danny was the first person to notice the connection during Krobar sessions. While we kept talking about dates, Danny would look at Juan and point at Mel, to which Juan would always say “hah, we work together!” By the end of December, Juan decided to spend New Year’s in Atlanta—not for the fireworks, but for the tiny chance he might see Mel. At 3 p.m. on December 31st, he still had no plans. Then Mel messaged him: “Any plans tonight?” Instantly, Juan replied with more confidence than preparation: “Meet me at Dark Horse Tavern.” That night became the turning point. And that’s why December 31st is our unofficial anniversary—when a last-minute plan turned into something unforgettable. Because we worked together, we kept it quiet at first. Mel had only dated Chinese guys in the past and never imagined that changing. Hence from January to April 2023, we followed a very specific rhythm: we wouldn’t talk all week, then on Thursday Juan would send Mel a date plan for Friday. We’d go out, have the best time, and then go radio-silent again until the next Thursday. It was a huge distraction for Mel, who was trying to study for CFA Level I, and extremely fun for Juan, who felt like he was starring in his own romantic thriller. In March 2023, we went on a ski trip with friends to Park City. That’s when everything clicked for Juan. He already knew Mel was funny, smart, and beautiful, but on that trip he also saw the adventurous, passionate, full-of-life version of her. He met many of Mel’s “modes”—an inside joke that continues today—and he fell in love with every version. By April 2023, we were both going to Ultra Miami. At that point every friend in our circle knew we were basically dating, so we made it official within the group. And in early May, we became a fully “BlackRock-official” couple… which is the corporate equivalent of going public. The following year was full of adventures: Hawaii, Chicago, California, Florida, New York, China. Surfing trips, ski trips, cabin trips—basically, if the trip required snacks and a suitcase, we were there. The Engagement - May 2024 Mel gave Juan a very detailed list of proposal requirements, including (but not limited to): Harry Winston “The One” ring; outside of Atlanta; friends present; incredible view; fireworks; decorations; photographer; nails + makeup done; fancy dress; Juan on one knee. So naturally, Juan chose Costa Rica… during the rainy season. With the help of Danny and Dajana, he planned multiple elaborate moments—but every single one was canceled by nonstop rain. Finally, one afternoon, the sun came out for just a few minutes. Danny and Dajana sprinted to set up decorations in the hotel lobby, and Juan proposed right there. It was chaotic, rushed, imperfect—and absolutely perfect for us. Plot twist: during that Costa Rica engagement trip, Mel was already pregnant and we had no idea. We found out once we returned home. Nine months later, we met Axel—the sweetest surprise and the perfect final piece of our little family.

Every summer, we travel to Hawaii. The islands do something magical to us—our stress disappears, time slows down, and we feel completely connected. We swim every day, hike, drink coffee with ocean views, eat sushi like professionals, and soak in the peace of nature. Hawaii is where we feel most “us,” which is why it’s the perfect place to celebrate our next chapter together.