We didn’t have a big wedding the first time around. No aisle, no cake, no speeches—just the two of us, a whole lot of love, and the quiet certainty that we had found our forever.

We met on Bumble (after I bailed on him a couple of times—sorry!), and finally had our first date at Crushed in Pacific Beach. It was instant. The connection, the laughter, the this-just-feels-right vibe. We hit it off like we’d known each other our whole lives.

And apparently, he felt the same—because shortly after that date, he confidently bought us tickets to a Rascal Flatts concert months in advance. We moved fast, but it never felt rushed. I brought him as my plus one to my sister’s wedding just a few months in, and not long after that, we booked a trip to Acapulco. When we knew, we knew. Within five months, we were buying a house together. (And yes, I may have casually invited myself on his family’s Lake Tahoe vacation for New Year’s.)

He already had two incredible daughters, Scarlett and Evelynn, and I had Lucy—my first love in dog form. Becoming a mom figure overnight changed me. It taught me how to love deeper, listen harder, and let go of things that didn’t matter. It also prepared me for our next chapter: bringing our son Griffin into the world.

He proposed with a scavenger hunt, using the girls to help deliver clues that spelled out “Will you marry me.” It was playful and heartfelt—just like him. We eloped in Hawaii while I was pregnant with Griffin. No audience, no dress, no big moment—just love. But now, five years later, we’re ready to celebrate that love with all of you.

Since then, we’ve built a beautiful (and sometimes chaotic) life—buying homes, raising our three kids, saying goodbye to our sweet Lucy, and welcoming Darla, our golden doodle sidekick. We’ve faced challenges that have tested us, but more than anything, they’ve taught us how to hold on tighter and love even harder.

This time, we’re doing it right. The vows, the dress, the dance floor—and all the people who’ve been part of this journey with us.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you.

Q + A coming soon!