Depending on who you ask in the Gabica household, someone deserves the credit for playing matchmaker—but the real answer is still up for debate. Before Shannon officially made the move to San Diego, she went down for a visit to see her best friend Karli. Somewhere in the background, Walt had already gotten her number (thanks, Karli and Ryan!) and sent a casual, “Hey Shan” text—already on a nickname basis. The next day, the two met in person at a BBQ hosted by none other than Karli and Lane. Over the next few months, their paths kept crossing at group outings—Joe’s Crab Shack, beach days in Coronado, pool parties, and a Halloween bash. There was always a little spark, but the timing wasn’t quite right. Just as Shannon finally made her move to San Diego, Walt made his move… to Texas. Go figure. They didn’t expect much to come of it, but somehow they found themselves flying back and forth between San Diego and Texas every other weekend. Casual, right? They made it official at the Waste Management Open in Phoenix (because nothing says romance like a rowdy golf tournament), and over the next year they navigated long distance, lived together in Texas, and eventually on August 26, 2024, exactly one year later, made their way back to San Diego—this time, for good.

On the morning of February 22, 2025, Walt and Shannon were having coffee on the patio, taking in the view of Coronado and the Pacific—just a normal Saturday… until Walt casually got down on one knee and proposed. Shannon said yes, and they spent the morning soaking it all in, slightly stunned and very happy. But Walt had another move up his sleeve. At brunch, Shannon was surprised to see Karli and Lane. The four spent the rest of the day bouncing around San Diego—grabbing drinks, laughing a lot, and somehow ending up at a rooftop bar where a photographer was setting up for someone else’s engagement. Naturally, they agreed to pose as the “test couple” and walked away with a few unplanned but very appreciated professional photos. It was low-key, a little spontaneous, and very them—the perfect way to kick off their engagement. Walt and Shannon can’t wait to get married in Cabo and start their next chapter together.