We're getting married!

Our story began in Queens at Valence College Prep, where we were both teachers. Shaneli made it her mission to befriend Brendan, but little did she know that friendship would blossom into something far deeper! Bonding over our shared passions for teaching, hiking, and exploring every corner of New York, we soon became inseparable adventurers, turning city strolls and mountain trails into the foundation of our love story.

Together, we’ve chased adventure across the globe: soaking in Costa Rica’s volcanic hot springs, roadtripping along the coast of the Dominican Republic, savoring fresh arepas in Colombia, and collecting national park badges on epic U.S. road trips. Every mile has been better with each other by our side.

Brendan swept Shaneli away on a secret week-long adventure to New Zealand, but the real magic happened above Lake Wanaka. In a tribute to his late father, Al Hopper, a beloved helicopter pilot, Brendan arranged a breathtaking helicopter ride. As we took in the mountains and lake view, he surprised Shaneli with the ultimate question. Spoiler: She said yes, and the view wasn’t the only thing that took her breath away.