There is a tradition at Occidental College where incoming students are told there is a very high chance they will meet their future spouse during their four years at school. Everyone laughs and says "I won't become an Oxy marriage statistic." Well, we are about to become one of those statistics. Although we met in college, our first date wasn't until the Fall of 2019. Vanessa had just graduated from Oxy as a Biochemistry major and was conducting cancer research at Children's Hospital Los Angeles while also preparing to take the entrance exam for medical school to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. David was working as an environmental policy lobbyist and had just been admitted to the University of Southern California to pursue his Masters Degree in Urban Planning. Two young, passionate, and optimistic Oxy alums who had gone through college not meeting their future spouse. Or so we thought. Vanessa made the first move reaching out over social media and David wasted no time to ask her out. We quickly realized our connection was truly something special and we officially became a couple in January 2020. The following years truly tested and strengthened the foundation of our relationship. We weathered tough times together: A global pandemic, close family losses, adjusting to a bi-coastal long distance relationship, and navigating medical school and professional life. But we also experienced joyous moments together: Adventures across the east coast, promotions at work, passing major exams, and reuniting back home during the holidays. Through the good and the bad, we always had each other's back. Our shared love for our families, culture, faith, our city, and each other made it clear that the question of marriage was never a question of if, but when. So in November 2024, David proposed and the rest is history. We are blessed and excited to share this beautiful milestone of our love's journey with you. In some way, shape or form, you played a role in getting us here and we are forever grateful. We can't wait to see you on May 22, 2026!