In a world full of connections, we found each other on the app Hinge—a modern-day love story, if you will. Mackenzie had recently graduated and was savoring a well-earned break before launching her career in Audiology. Daniel, on the other hand, had just returned to Sacramento after an unpredictable road trip featuring bus breakdowns and an impromptu detour to Mexico (rarely a smart combination ). Both of us were spending time in Sacramento, reconnecting with our incredible families.

During that period, Mackenzie became enchanted by the idea of van life, inspired by her favorite YouTube vloggers, Kara and Nate. (check them out if you haven't already). So, when she stumbled across Daniel's dating profile and spotted a picture of him atop his bus (see below), her curiosity was piqued. She couldn’t help but imagine a dreamy bus life adventure—unaware that it also came with its fair share of rolling in the dirt, unexpected delays, and a healthy dose of colorful language. Taking a leap, Mackenzie sent Daniel a rose, the Hinge equivalent of a bold declaration of interest. For those unfamiliar, roses are a big deal—they’re like saying, “Hey, I really like your vibe.”

One rose turned into messages, a phone call, a first date, a bus tour, and eventually a weekend trip in the bus with Calliope, the dog Daniel was dog sitting. By some miracle, an almost problem free bus trip occurred, and Mackenzie was hooked on bus life, although admittedly prefers when the bus is stationary!

Over time, what started as bus adventures and weekly trips to our favorite taco spot grew into something much deeper. There were quirky moments, like Daniel hosting a murder mystery party where Mackenzie portrayed a villainous, (although innocent) Dr.Doodle. There were also quiet ones (although few and far between), like chatting sitting together on the floor next to an electric heater, rotating like a rotisserie chicken when one side heated up. Daniel affectionately calls these, “chicken chats” and amongst one of these spins, we realized not only how much we liked each other but also how much we wanted to build a life together. On the ground, next to a heater, Daniel first told Mackenzie he loves her.

So far, that life has included moving in together, countless bus trips, traveling to visit friends and family, and regularly enjoying dinner with their parents. (Have we mentioned how grateful we are for family?)

Now, here we are, ready to take the next step and celebrate this beautiful journey with all of you. We're thankful for the rose that brought us together, for the love we’ve cultivated, and for the future we’re excited to share.

Thank you for being part of our story. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!