It’s 2010. Chris was in his third year, Gina her first, at San Diego State University. Gina was attending parties at Chris’s fraternity, Sigma Nu. Our friend groups started hanging out more, including Monday Fundays, beer pong, Christmas parties, and movie nights. When we exchanged numbers, we found out we had the same area code, and realized we had grown up 20 minutes away from each other (shoutout Martinez and Brentwood!) Since the beginning, there was light banter and some flirting, but college was not our time. Our friendship grew over the years, hanging out almost daily and doing most things together. Soon we become best friends. 2014, after we had both graduated college, we both found ourselves single at the same time for the first time. From then on out, the romantic sparks flew! A friendship building for years become an amazingly fun and adventurous “unofficial” and untitled relationship. After a year of adventures, on 10/03/15, we found ourselves at our favorite bar, Miller’s (RIP) with Ryan Schuler. The ever-so-smooth wing man Schuler simply asked, “So are you guys dating yet or what?” Chris, the suave guy that he is, responded “No” while laughing awkwardly. Schuler walked away distracted by others, and Gina gave Chris a look that said, “wrong answer buddy.” Over mason jars of Bud Light, we both realized we didn’t know why we were unofficial and untitled, because we both liked (dare we say Loved?) each other so much. We decided then and there to put a title on it and were boyfriend and girlfriend from there on out!

San Diego, California. Back to where it all started. We were heading out to celebrate the first birthday of Blair Ambrose, reunite with our friends and finally get to meet their children, and see our friends Schuler and Maggie's first home! After spending Saturday with our friends that we hadn't seen in over a year, Sunday we took our killer rented Mustang and headed out to one of our favorite places, Pacific Beach, with Schuler and Maggie. Everyone knew what was going to happen except for Gina! The plan was California burritos at Taco Surf and Red Bull Slushies at Shore Club, two of our favorite places. On our way over to PB, Gina was constantly reminding Chris how much she misses this place and how it is one of her favorite places to spend the day. We arrived at Taco Surf and immediately found a parking spot (which never happens) and we knew it was going to be a great day! After devouring our burritos, Chris and Schuler went in to throw away the trash and did not come out for a few minutes. Gina was suspicious about what they were discussing, but due to the tightness of Chris's pants, there was no way he could have had a ring box hidden anywhere. In reality it was Chris and Schuler going over the plan for the proposal, with Chris having the ring in his long sock (so clever.) Chris was extremely nervous and asked for some advice as to a good timing for the proposal, and the advice he got from the Best Man was "you wanna just knock this thing out?" Chris told Schuler to just follow his lead and when the timing felt right, it would happen. Along the walk over to Shore Club, Chris was extremely nervous and the amount of people walking the boardwalk was making him think none of the spots he had in mind would be available. His head was not in the conversations and Gina asked multiple times if he was good, to which he just smiled and said he was great! He knew the moment would come but wanted to make sure the setting was perfect. At Shore Club Red Bull Slushies were enjoyed while taking in the breathtaking view of the ocean on the beautiful day! When leaving Shore club, it was decided to head to another bar up Garnett Ave and away from the beach. Chris stopped the entire group and said he wanted pictures on the beach. Gina thought that was odd since Chris wasn't a big "go out of our way for a picture" guy. But Chris saw the perfect spot. He proceeded to make everyone walk out in jeans and shoes to this spot to take pictures. Gina stated she felt like a shoobie walking on the beach in booties, but laughed and carried on. Everyone knew what was going to happen except Gina. This was the moment. Schuler and Maggie let Chris gather his thoughts by taking their picture first. Then it was Chris and Gina's turn. Pictures were taken, and as Gina tried to step away, Chris grabbed her hand and said, "I love you, I really love you, and I love this place." He proceeded to get down on one knee. Tears instantly from Gina. Best surprise ever! Chris made a perfect speech despite the nerves, and then fumbled with the ring for a minute getting it out of his super amazing hiding place. With 7.5 amazing years together, it was all leading up to this, and it was perfect. Gina obviously, happily said "YES!"

In 2019 we decided it was time for a BIG adventure! We packed up Gatsby and moved to Denver, Colorado! We absolutely LOVE living here, with the beer, snow, and mountain activities! We have started careers, received promotions, and added another cat to the family, Fathom (named after a Ballast Point beer.) We love having our airline perks and are looking forward to exploring more new places!