Claire and Clay first met in Big Sur in 2017. With his notably long hair, Clay made an impression, but as Claire often reminisced, "It wasn't the time yet."

By their senior year in Santa Barbara, proximity brought them closer, happening to be next door neighbors in Isla Vista. The music of "The Six Sevens", Clay's band, became the soundtrack to many of their evenings, and Claire was always supporting from the crowd. By the end of the year, their friendship had grown deeper as they officially began dating during their last quarter at UCSB. They found joy in simple things: walks on the bluff, bike rides downtown, early mornings at the library, weekends wandering State Street, hanging with friends on the beach, and catching sunsets together.

After graduation, Claire traveled to South America with her close friends, while Clay embarked on a road trip across the U.S. with his best buddies. They reconnected a few months later in San Francisco, renewing the bond and deepening their connection.

Over seven memorable years in the Bay Area, they discovered various pockets of San Francisco, from the charm of Nob Hill to the peacefulness of the Sunset, to the vibrancy of The Mission and The Castro. Their weekends often consisted of exploring local eateries, walking throughout the city, spending time in parks, and building memories with their close-knit group of friends. Life took them to Oakland and eventually to Berkeley, where they have made a home together.

These days, both are diving deep into their academic and career paths, as Clay has developed a passion for working with kids with disabilities serving kids in K-12 public schools. Clay's love for music persists, and he can still be seen playing occasional shows, and creating music under the moniker "Small Hoop." Claire, after years in environmental consulting, recently received a master's degree in public policy at UC Berkeley and is looking to continue her journey making positive environmental change. She can often be spotted zipping around on her scooter to Berkeley Bowl or immersed in a home improvement project, bringing her vision to life. Their shared interests, from long walks and exploring new restaurants to traveling and spending cherished moments with friends and family, continue to nourish their connection.

From Big Sur to Berkeley, Clay and Claire's journey reflects a bond that has grown stronger and more meaningful over the years.