It all started with a simple “Hi Melanie” on the dating app Hinge and soon turned in to Brendan waiting patiently for Melanie to respond. Thankfully he did and they spent about a month messaging (long messages) back and forth until finally Melanie agreed to a quick coffee date at Philz Coffee before work one day. Brendan will tell you that he knew that day, even though Melanie was firm on her timeline and usually scared people off. From there they spent lots of days going to lunches, bowling, coffee, family events, Dodger games, and just spending time at each others houses. Melanie learned a lot about volleyball in the last 2 years and has even grown to like it more than other sports. Brendan from day 1 was always sweet, kind, and patient with Melanie and all her extra activities in her life. Even though it was tough to not be together all the time the first year, Melanie knew he was the one and they would eventually be inseparable. On August 31, 2024 they moved in together.

On June 13, 2025, after months of preparing for this moment, Brendan created the most magical and intimate proposal at their home thanks to the help of Melanie's best friend, Erika...and Oakley of course! It was the perfect moment and they wouldn't have had it any other way!