We’re Eloping!

Devon and Viri first crossed paths at Merced Community College in a math class, where they sat next to each other. Life led them in different directions when Viri transferred to CSUN in 2011. A couple of years later, in 2013, she moved back to Merced. By chance, a neighbor stopped by with an unexpected job offer. Despite initial hesitation, Viri accepted and was instructed to show up at the lab on Monday at 9 AM. When she arrived, she walked up to the front desk and was surprised to see a handsome young man named Devon in scrubs. He looked familiar and so handsome. Devon went to the back and told the neighbor, "Maryann, a little girl is here to see you,” unaware that Viri was older than him. Devon ended up training Viri for the job, and they spent hours together during training. Initially, Viri couldn't stand him—he had no filter and always had a lot of energy. One day, while driving around for work, Devon randomly asked, “What was the last math class you took?” Then he described a math teacher she remembered vividly. It clicked—he was that Devon from the math class who drove the teacher crazy with endless questions. To this day, Devon claims not to remember her, but Viri laughs, wondering why that would be the question to ask her out of nowhere! Viri graduated with her bachelor’s degree in May 2014, proud of achieving her goal. Not long after, she and Devon went on their first date on July 19, 2014, at an anime convention in Fresno with her little brother. A week later, on July 26, Viri went skydiving for the first time and texted Devon afterward to share that thrilling moment. Soon after, she began visiting his apartment for swimming lessons—and never left. They officially became a couple on September 7, 2014. Since then, they’ve been through life’s ups and downs, growing stronger together. Devon has always been Viri’s biggest supporter, encouraging her and helping her become the best version of herself. Later, Devon encouraged Viri to pursue her master’s degree in one year, always believing in her potential. He consoled her through the tough moments when she struggled to pass her BCBA exam, and when she finally succeeded on February 27, 2020, they celebrated by going to the zoo. In October 2020, during the pandemic, Devon planned the perfect proposal in San Francisco. Despite unexpected delays from picking up Viri's brother, his husband, and their friend (RIP Zoyer), Devon adjusted his original hiking plan. Instead, he led Viri near a scenic cliff. With her face mask doubling as a blindfold, Viri turned around to see Devon on one knee, holding a ring box. Through shock, joy, and tears of happiness, she said yes. Although the pandemic initially delayed their dream Santorini wedding, their love remained strong. On December 12, 2022, they took a symbolic leap together—literally—skydiving in Hawaii, bringing their story full circle from Viri's first jump years earlier. Now, after years filled with love, adventure, and unwavering support, Devon and Viri will elope in beautiful Hawaii in April 2025, continuing to explore the world they've built together.