Valerie and Stephen first met in 8th grade and were lab partners in science class. They attended different high schools, but were reunited years later at a friend's birthday party in September 2012. Their first date was on the 21st night of September. Stephen invited Valerie to an architecture exhibit, followed by a concert, at Cal Poly Pomona where they were both attending college. They have been inseparable ever since.

In September 2019, they attended a friend’s wedding in Cairo, Egypt. After a week of adventuring, they split off from the group to visit the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el Sheik. The moment came during a sunrise hike to the top of Mt. Sinai. As the sun rose over the mountains, Stephen got down on one knee and popped the question.