We went to the same school and church growing up. In 2009, we became friends when Ricky started assistant coaching the LBA football team. In 2011, we went our separate ways as I started my undergrad at Azusa Pacific University and Ricky began his journey to nursing school. We remained friends during this time and turned to each other when we needed someone to lean on. At the end of 2015, we decided to give it a chance and started dating. For the next two years, we slowly got to know each other better. Learning about what we have in common, like adventures and all things outdoors, and support the things we didn’t have in common, like Ironman (Ricky) and country music (me). Ricky was in nursing school at this time and we spent a lot of evenings at coffee shops while Ricky studied and I applied to law school. In 2017, Ricky graduated from nursing school and I got accepted into law school in San Diego. It was a big change in our relationship but it brought us closer together. For the next 3 years, we had a long distance relationship, but Ricky drove to San Diego often to visit me. During that time, we had a lot of amazing adventures such as hot air ballooning, paddle boarding, and lots of road trips. After law school, I got a job and moved back to LA. We have really enjoyed being closer to each other and spending time with our families. We became engaged at the beginning of 2021, but Ricky will tell that story.

2020 was the year I decided that I wanted to propose to Heather, I just wasn’t sure when. Fast forward to August, I started my long-awaited ER training(as a registered nurse) at LAC USC. My training was scheduled to finish at the end of December and that’s when I had planned to propose. Well, 2020 put a damper on most peoples plan, including mine. My original plan of proposing in 2020, got pushed back into 2021. We both love traveling, being a part of nature and experiencing new landscapes, so I knew that would be part of the proposal. After some research, I decided on Valley of Fire State Park, located in Nevada, which is known for its bright red Aztec sandstone. I knew right away this is where my girlfriend of 5 years would become my Fiancé.