Peter and Bre’s story began in 2016 when Bre transferred to the Stanislaus State track team. What started as a friendship between teammates slowly grew into something deeper. As they spent more time talking and getting to know each other, they realized their connection went beyond friendship. Over Christmas break that year, Bre stayed in town, and Peter took the opportunity to plan their unofficial first date. He brought her to a local burger joint, Lula’s, then drove her around to some of his favorite childhood spots. At one of those stops, they shared their first kiss — with Bre making the first move. Later that night, while sitting together on a park swing set, Peter leaned in for their second kiss. In the months that followed, they continued supporting each other as teammates and close friends, while their love steadily grew. On April Fool’s in 2017, Peter put the jokes aside and asked Bre to be his girlfriend. Peter quickly knew Bre was the one and constantly looked for ways to make her feel special. When he found out she had never had a traditional “first date,” he decided to change that. He picked her up and took her on a hike at Pinecrest to Cleo’s Bath, where they enjoyed a beer and a beautiful waterfall. After the hike, Peter told a small white lie that he needed to help Gary (groomsman) move a couch while Bre got ready for dinner. Instead, he went to the store, returned to ring her doorbell, and greeted her with a bouquet of flowers. With a big smile, Peter walked her to his Ford Ranger and took her to dinner. Seeing the thought and effort he put into the evening made Bre feel truly seen and appreciated. As they laughed and enjoyed dinner together, she thought, “I could definitely keep doing this.” Over the next years, Peter and Bre would go back and forth making sure the other felt supported and loved. When Bre learned Peter hadn’t really had birthday parties growing up, she surprised him by organizing an escape room with his close friends. On their first Valentine’s Day, with only $40 in his bank account, Peter made the day special with a mermaid wine glass, wine, a heart-shaped pizza, and a movie night. Before beginning long distance, Bre surprised Peter with a farewell dinner surrounded by his family and friends. He was deeply moved by the thought and effort she put into bringing everyone together, knowing moments like that would become harder to coordinate in the years ahead. The night ended with one final hoorah in downtown Turlock before officially stepping into the workforce and their next chapter of life. Peter’s first few months living in Portland were filled with learning, adjusting, and exploring his new city before the world changed with COVID. While it was a difficult time for everyone, it meant Peter was able to spend more time back home that year — a hidden blessing for both him and Bre as she finished her final in-person semester of school. Peter eventually asked Bre to move in with him in a uniquely meaningful way — by gifting her the game Catan, a childhood favorite her family still plays. In January 2021, Bre moved to Portland, and they began their first chapter of living together. Over the next five years, they explored the area, built a community, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Looking back on their nine-year journey feels surreal. Along the way, they’ve celebrated major milestones — Bre earning her master’s degree, Peter finishing his actuarial exams (yes, he’s done done!), and buying their first home together. Through every high and every low, they’ve been each other’s steady rock and biggest supporter. They’re beyond excited to continue building on the foundation they’ve created — and to celebrate the start of their next chapter with all of their loved ones on 06/28/2026 (that’s you reading this — Woo!).