Anthony and Ale’s story began in the most unexpected way: a middle school band class and a twist of fate. As newly next-door neighbors, their paths crossed when Ale was randomly assigned to write a biography about Anthony for his 8th-grade commencement. Naturally, she asked for his number—strictly for “research,” of course.

Little did they know, this simple exchange would be the first note in a beautiful melody that would span more than a decade.

Over the next few years, Anthony and Ale texted here and there, trading books, calculators, and bits of laughter as neighbors do. Though they went to different high schools—Anthony to De La Salle and Ale to Tracy High—their connection stayed strong. During Ale’s junior year, Anthony invited her to a New Year’s Eve outing with friends. That magical night marked the beginning of something special. A few weeks later, he picked her up from school for their first date—pho—and although the date included an unexpected (and highly embarrassing) run-in with three of Ale’s uncles, it was unforgettable.

On February 1, 2014, Anthony officially asked Ale to be his girlfriend, and her heart said yes.

As life took them in different directions, their love grew stronger. Anthony graduated high school that year and began college at UC San Diego, and Ale later headed to the University of Oregon. Though miles apart, they made the distance feel small, FaceTiming every night and flying across the country to see each other as often as they could.

After Anthony graduated, he moved to Eugene, Oregon, to apply to medical school while Ale finished her senior year. They shared a cozy chapter of life together and supported each other’s dreams. When Anthony's medical school cycle didn't go as hoped that year, they decided to embrace the unknown together, moving to Portland, Oregon, where they shared a tiny 375-square-foot studio apartment as Ale would begin building her career.

That tiny home held some of their biggest joys, including the arrival of their Shiba Inu puppy/son, Giorgio (or as they lovingly call him: Sonny, Giorgi, Mr. Sakamoto, and Bub).

Their journey took another turn when Anthony was accepted into Wayne State Medical School in Detroit. Packing up their lives once again, they headed to the Midwest to start a new chapter. In Detroit, Ale found a home away from home at Bon Bon Bon, a chocolate company that became her family while Anthony pursued his dream of becoming a doctor. Despite the challenges of medical school and life in a new city, their love only deepened.

One of their most magical summers came when Anthony’s away rotations brought them back to Northern California for two months. Together, they spent that time reconnecting with family and soaking in the beauty of home. It was during this chapter that Anthony fell in love with neurology and started dreaming about matching into a residency program at Stanford.

Then, on the eve of their 10-year anniversary, Anthony surprised Ale in the sweetest way. After an evening of drinks and dumplings, he proposed to her in their driveway under the Detroit stars. Completely caught off guard, Ale said yes to forever.

Just weeks later, surrounded by family, they celebrated Anthony’s Match Day, learning the news they had dreamed of: he had matched at Stanford, his top residency choice. This meant they could return to Northern California, close to family, to start the next chapter of their love story.

Now, back in Ale’s birthplace of Redwood City, they are cherishing this new season together. Anthony is loving his residency program, pursuing his passion for neurology, while Ale is busy planning their wedding, helping out at the Family Pizzeria and excelling in her career as a Marketing Manager. Most of all, they are overjoyed to be back with their loved ones, ready to celebrate the next big adventure: their wedding day.

Their love has traveled many miles and weathered countless challenges, but through it all, they’ve held onto each other. With hearts full of gratitude and excitement, they can’t wait to see what the future holds for them.