Our Story It all started thanks to my best friend, who introduced us at a party she threw. On our very first night meeting, he asked me out on a date. I remember laughing and saying, “One tiny little date—I’m not looking for anything.” But that one little date turned into dinner at Panini’s… and eventually into six amazing years together. I realized he was the one when he became the only person I wanted to be around. With him, I can always be my authentic self, and that kind of love is something so rare and special. Tanaka’s version: Who knew a get together at a friend's house would change my life forever. There I was, hanging out with friends at a house party. From across the yard I saw a familiar face. I’d seen her before while hanging out with this group of friends but I had never talked to her. We always seemed to miss each other; she was never at the party for too long and I was always fashionably late. This night was different, this night our paths finally crossed in a meaningful way. We finally got the opportunity for first impressions and had our first real conversation. What I learned in our first conversation was that she was usually the 1st to leave the party because she was ambitious and wanted to get a head start on the next day, “she needed her beauty sleep”. I was impressed that this young lady was the most mature person at the party and never let the atmosphere get in the way of her professional life. Usually, I go to parties to hang out with the people in attendance, but after that night I was smitten by the girl who was always leaving early. The next morning she was all I could think about…I decided to ask her on a date. I could tell she was reluctant and she mentioned she was not looking for anything serious. Maybe she was just being polite, but for some reason she replied "Sure, I'll go on one little date". The date went well and literally not a single day has gone by since then that we haven't spoke - as of writing this we have a streak of 2,057 days. Aleaya quickly became my best friend, grew to become my other half, and soon to be my Wife for life. The proposal was a complete surprise. I thought I was just going to my dad’s birthday party—only to walk in and see huge letters spelling out “Marry Me,” rose petals scattered across the floor, a red carpet, and glowing candles. Both of our families were there, making it the most magical and unforgettable moment of our lives. Through the years, what we’ve cherished the most is simply being together. Whether we’re out on an adventure or just enjoying a quiet night in, being in each other’s company is where we’re happiest. And now, after six beautiful years, we can’t wait to celebrate the start of forever with all of you.