It all began in February 2014, when the stars aligned and brought us together in a way that can only be described as fate. We were both 19 and in our sophomore year of college, Jacqueline at the University of San Francisco and Jon at the California Maritime Academy. Two of our friends matched on Tinder and we joined them for a small party. While our friends’ match didn’t go anywhere, something magical happened that night—we found each other.

Jon’s cheesy request for a “good luck kiss” before a round of Guitar Hero set the tone for our relationship: playful, spontaneous, and full of unexpected moments that make us smile to this day. The very next weekend, Valentine’s Day, we went ice skating—a first date that turned out to be the beginning of something neither of us could have imagined. From that point on, we were inseparable.

That summer, Jon left for his school’s summer cruise, leaving us miles apart and what we thought might be the end of our fling. When Jon returned to California, he came straight to Santa Cruz to see me and told me he was falling in love. To say I was speechless is an understatement. In fact I was dead silent for and Jon had to ask for a response which was, finally, a resounding “me too!”

For two more years, we continued to build a relationship full of joy, adventure, and growth. We spent every weekend together, navigating college life side by side. Between studying during the week and adventuring on the weekends, our relationship quickly grew into something special. We traveled back and forth between San Francisco and Vallejo, creating countless memories—exploring the city, going to concerts, and soaking up the energy of college life with our friends.

However, as we graduated and stepped into the next chapter of life, we decided to go our separate ways, giving each other the time and space to grow as individuals. Though we weren’t together, we never truly let go of each other, staying in touch and quietly holding onto the connection that had always felt so special.

Fast forward six years to 2022: the timing was finally right, and we decided to give our love story another chance. In 2023, we moved in together in Daly City, blending not just our lives but our families—Jon’s dog, Moose, and Jacqueline’s dog, Olive, who quickly became inseparable. It felt like everything had come full circle, and we were finally where we were meant to be.

In August 2024, during a birthday trip to Hawaii, Jon planned a proposal that we will both never forget. Nothing actually went according to plan, which fits with us and our story so well. Jon planned a helicopter tour which was cancelled due to a hurricane and the ring didn’t show up on time. He made the most of the situation and on a beautiful beach in Maui, got down on one knee and asked her to spend forever with him.

As we prepare to celebrate our wedding in September 2025, we’re filled with gratitude for the love and support of our family and friends. You’ve been with us through every twist and turn of our journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter together with all of you.

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift we could ask for. Should you wish to honor us with a gift, a contribution towards our future together would be sincerely appreciated.