This story actually starts about 20 years ago. Mike and Jenn both went to La Costa Canyon High School and were in the same graduating class. They had mutual friends and knew of each other but didn’t have a close connection themselves, at the time. Since then, it’s been discovered that Mike and Jenn were both on the Senior Float (see below) and hung out at Grad Night (see below).

Fast forward to February, 2022, Jenn was still in San Diego, and Mike was living in Visalia (don’t worry if you don’t know where that is). After giving up on dating during COVID, Mike and Jenn were both on Hinge, looking to meet someone special and they matched. Mike immediately messaged Jenn but didn’t say anything about high school or remembering her so Jenn was a little nervous to respond because she clearly recognized Mike. Shortly after they started talking, they decided to meet and catch up. Jenn didn’t think this was a date but Mike did and he went out and bought a new shirt, just for the date. Both Mike and Jenn had been out of the dating game for a bit and neither realized they were meeting up on what was Valentine’s Day weekend. The place they picked for their date was packed and the only place to sit was on top of a beer crate so that’s how it began. Before Mike left San Diego to head back to Visalia, they were already planning Mike’s next visit to San Diego.

On what Jenn considers their second date, Mike came back to San Diego and introduced her to his entire family including his parents, brother, niece/nephews, and cousins. She knew she was in for the long run after meeting his entire family on their second date.

Mike and Jenn knew they had something special and continued dating long distance with Mike either flying to San Diego for a weekend or Jenn driving to Visalia to spend a week there. While they always made the most of their time together, long distance was hard and they knew they both wanted to be in San Diego and had to find a way to get Mike down there. After a year of no jobs in Mike’s field opening in San Diego, Jenn and Mike sat down at the computer and Jenn helped Mike update his resume and send it out to any Bariatric practices to try and get a foot in the door in San Diego. After a few months, Mike got a lead and then some months later, was able to secure a job in San Diego. After almost 2 years of their long distance relationship, Mike was finally coming to San Diego!

In November, 2023, Mike moved into Jenn’s 1 bedroom condo and they started the next exciting chapter of their lives together. Shortly after that, they moved into a larger townhome together. Just a few days after moving, on their 2 year anniversary, Mike got down on one knee at a romantic dinner at Mister A’s and proposed. It was the most special day in both of their lives so far, complete with rose petals up the stairs and champagne waiting when they arrived home.

Q + A

Are kids invited to the wedding?