Frederick and Sydney’s journey began in 2014 at the Black Leadership Retreat in Bodega Bay, California. As undergraduate students at the University of California, Davis, their paths had crossed before, but it was during this retreat that they truly connected. From that moment on, they built a friendship filled with laughter, support, and shared experiences that carried them through college.

 After graduating and settling into life in Sacramento, they found themselves drawn to each other in a new way. What had always been an unshakable friendship evolved into something deeper, and they decided to take a leap and see where love could take them.

Years later, Frederick planned a special weekend getaway to Napa, one of their favorite places to escape together. But the biggest surprise came when he arranged a beautiful photo shoot back in Bodega Bay—where their story first began. At the final photo spot, with the ocean as their backdrop, Frederick got down on one knee and asked Sydney to spend forever with him.

 Now, they can’t wait to celebrate their love with family and friends as they begin this next chapter together!