In March 2018, It was our first time meeting in Platteville, WI. Our night ended in a kiss, which Yali initiated. Brandon lived in Platteville at the time, and Yali in Chicago, so our paths didn't cross much, yet we couldn't help but think about that goodnight kiss. Later that spring our paths did end up crossing again and our night ended in another kiss. Into and through summer we started communicating a lot more, eventually leading to Brandon inviting Yali to his Dad's Wedding as his date. We hit it off.

September 23rd, 2018, we officially started to date. We did long distance, Yali in Chicago, Brandon in either Platteville or Stevens Point. It was challenging, but we kept constant communication and made frequent weekend trips to each other. Often being crazy and waiting to do the 3+ hr drive back to work or class until Monday morning. We spent every spare opportunity we could with each other because we knew we had something special. Even opportunities to meet each other's crazy families didn't scare each other away, including a trip down to Florida to see Yali's Brothers.

Spring 2020 was a crazy time. Brandon started his career down in Dixon, IL, and Yali was still located in Chicago. Yali started working remotely, and gave an unusual opportunity for our separate worlds to collide. With Yali's flexibility in work location, we decided to move in together! We were able to get a dog(Dexter) in the summer of 2020. We enjoyed learning to raise our pup, and the dynamics of living with each other. Fast forward to fall 2021 and we are on a romantic little vacation in Colorado. With highlights of hot air ballooning, scooter tours, nice dinners, and staying in Vale.

Summer 2022 we learned the household would be growing by one, Yali was pregnant with Mateo. Through 2022, until February 2023, we tried to prepare and learn to be parents. Our families were incredibly supportive through the entire process, and we knew how much our little man was loved before he ever even had a birthday. Mateo is a little over two years old now. We love watching his personality continue to develop into the little character he is. We still are learning to be parents, and through the process, we are growing to love each other even more.

It was the morning of May 27th 2024, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; Brandon headed out to get Yali's favorite breakfast at the little local coffee shop. He decorated the kitchen table with rose petals in the shape of a <3, lit some candles, and placed the ring around the straw of her favorite caffeinated morning drink. she said YES!

We look forward to marriage! We're currently located in the Appleton, WI area. Hoping to become homeowners someday and maybe even think about growing the family some more.