Berto and I have known each other for a long time—like, middle school long. We spent years firmly in the “just friends” category, growing up, drifting in and out of each other’s lives, and never really thinking much of it. Turns out, life had other plans. In 2017, those plans started to make themselves known. We reconnected more intentionally and went to a Giants game with friends one night in May. Then July rolled around and so did a house party—lots of laughs, a few drinks, and a moment neither of us planned for. Somewhere between that night and the next morning, the line between “just friends” got very blurry. A few weeks later, we had plans to check out a tiki bar with our friend Herm… until Herm canceled (honestly, we owe him one). Berto texted, “I’m still down if you are,” and that last-minute plan turned out to be the beginning of everything. Berto may have thought he had it all figured out at first, but somewhere between that night and all the ones that followed, we both fell—hard—and the rest is history. Before Berto fully entered the picture, there was Baloo. I’d had him since 2012, and it didn’t take long for him to decide Berto was his person too —and let’s be honest, Berto and I wouldn't be a thing if Baloo didn’t approve. In 2021, we added Barley to the mix, and our little family felt complete. When Baloo started getting older, we planned family photos for his birthday at Crissy Field, a place full of memories for us. During the shoot, while it was just Baloo and me in front of the camera, I turned around and found Berto on one knee. In that moment, in a place that meant so much to us, he asked me to be his forever—and of course, I said yes. From middle school friends to forever partners, we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter with all of you!