Can't wait to celebrate!

Once upon a time there were two young Bruins attending the most awesome college in all the land, UCLA. Their names were Alex and Vivian (though at the time they were better known by their extra cool nicknames, Alika and "V".) Our beloved couple met working at Kerckhoff Coffee House, the main on campus coffee shop and hub of South Campus social life. Alex was a supervisor and Vivian was just starting her barista career. They each thought the other was rather attractive, but were both too shy to say anything. One night at a particularly "bumping" apartment party, the two Bruins ran into each other. With some liquid courage and groovy music, they finally connected. The rest is history!

Following their lovely meeting and blossoming friendship in 2007, Alex and Vivian fell out of touch. Alex began to pursue his new career and post graduate life, while Vivian moved to Australia for a semester abroad. Naturally after her return, both parties had drifted apart and started living separate lives thinking "that was the end of that chapter." BUT THEY WERE WRONG!! Twelve years later in 2019 as fate would have it, Alex saw Vivian's profile on Bumble one evening couldn't wait for them to match, so he reached out through Facebook to invite her to a Game of Thrones series finale viewing party at Netflix. Knowing she was the one, he even invited his brother Arman to meet her! (Ok, ok...it was Arman's birthday and really Vivian was the party crasher. ) They bonded over their love for travel, food, Disney, Star Wars, and being a Bruin. But the story wasn't over yet for these two lovebirds, in fact it was just beginning...again.

On New Year's Eve 2021, Alex and Vivian planned to celebrate at his mom's house in Reseda, CA. Since this was a holiday in the time of COVID, only a handful of people in their "bubble" were in attendance. Alex convinced Vivian to dress up, since it was a party after all, and they pulled up in a suit and gown with their dog Theo in tow. Alex led Vivian around the side of the house to the backyard (which she thought was very odd since they usually use the front door). There he had set up a gazebo with twinkle lights, rose petals, champagne, chocolate, and even a paparazzo! (Thank you Arman!) He held her hands tight and in a barely audible whisper, Alex asked Vivian to marry him. She squealed with delight, nearly knocking him over and yelled "YES!!" Then Alex's family surprised the newly engaged couple by turning on the lights in the house. They were watching the whole time! It was a joyous and intimate moment that shall be lovingly remembered for many years to come.