It all started at the happiest place on earth, well, close enough…SeaWorld in the fall of 2021, where Jess and Andre first crossed paths. What started as just colleagues, soon grew into a friendship, the kind built through laughter at social gatherings and conversations that always felt easy. At the time, life had them on separate paths, separate relationships, so friendship was as far as it went.

Fast forward to late 2022 and early 2023, when life’s unexpected turns brought change. Both found themselves single again, and by coincidence, or maybe fate, they began spending more time together through mutual friends. Their bond deepened quickly, evolving into a friendship so natural it felt meant to be. They found comfort in one another, agreeing to keep things simple with a “commitment free” understanding… What started as two friends keeping things casual quickly turned into something much more. Their “commitment free” plan unraveled faster than expected, and soon they found themselves only wanting each other.

Though neither wanted to admit it at first, their feelings grew stronger by the day. Then came New Year’s Eve 2023, when Andre asked Jess, “Do you see yourself ever having kids?” Her heartfelt “yes” told him everything he needed to know, he could see an amazing future with Jess. By January, love had been confessed and fully embraced by both.

Their connection flourished, and by May, the world officially met “Jess and Andre” through Hard Launch, joyful post from Jess’s birthday trip to Cabo. Soon after, they combined households and families, becoming a crew of six: two humans, two dogs (Jonah and Victor), and two tarantulas… Yes, two tarantulas! Though Jonah and Victor took a little longer to warm up to each other than Jess and Andre did, love (and a few dog farts) filled the home in no time.

As their adventures continued, so did their love. Traveling together became their favorite way to experience life. New places, shared memories, endless laughter. Andre knew without a doubt that Jess was his forever. In February 2025, he nervously asked her parents, Diane and Mike, for their blessing. With their joyful “yes,” he began planning the perfect proposal, complete with a custom-designed ring inspired by everything Jess had unknowingly mentioned loving or disliking in conversations with others.

Then came July 13th, 2025, the day that would change everything. During their long-awaited trip to Turks and Caicos, surrounded by family and the beauty of the islands, Andre got down on one knee and asked Jess to marry him. She said yes!

After celebrating in paradise and a follow-up adventure to Costa Rica, the couple returned home to San Diego to begin wedding planning. Full of excitement, love, and just a little stress.

Now, as they prepare to say “I do” on July 18th, 2026, Jess and Andre can’t wait to begin their next big adventure together. They are so grateful to share this special moment with the people they love most and are thrilled that you are part of their story.