Our story could easily be a plot from a romantic comedy showing at your local theater! In a special apartment complex in Santa Monica, Evan struck up a friendship with his downstairs neighbors that were new to the complex, Jose and Angel. After meeting Evan and getting to know him, Angel knew their close friend, Litzaya would think Evan was a cool cat and began to plan an introduction. Shortly after introducing the two of us, Angel and Jose took on the roles of Cupid, working their magic behind-the-scenes.

When we first met, there was an undeniable connection, as if we'd known each other in a past life. Despite this, we played it cool, insisting to everyone that we were just friends and still getting to really know one another.

One evening at a happy hour, orchestrated by Jose and Angel (who invited Evan, unbeknownst to Litzaya), we discovered our shared interests in books, movies, sports, and a mutual fascination with all things WWII. Later, at Angel and Jose’s, Evan dusted off his guitar, and in a serendipitous moment, he played Litzaya's favorite song, “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye, just as she was mentioning it in conversation a few feet away—a coincidence that still amazes us. Correct, Evan had no idea this was Litzaya’s favorite song.

As we continued our “just friends” charade, it became a running joke amongst our closest friends that we hadn't acknowledged our feelings for each other to them or ourselves. However, during a day out at a winery, where it was clear to all who saw us that we were more than friends, Evan realized he needed to make an “official” move and ask Litzaya out on a date. After that first date, it was clear to both of us that this was the real thing, and the rest is history!!

When you’re not looking for love, your soulmate might be someone’s upstairs neighbor.

our first date