Our relationship began when our friends, Dan and Ashley, introduced us in the summer of 2017. From the very beginning, we felt an easy, undeniable connection, and quickly grew into something neither of us could ignore. That fall, our relationship began long-distance, with Maddie attending San Francisco State and Seth enrolled in community college in Fresno. Just six months in, we faced an unexpected challenge when Seth learned he would need another open-heart surgery. For such a new love, it was a defining moment—one that drew us closer rather than pulling us apart. In that season, we learned how deeply we could rely on one another, building a foundation shaped by trust, resilience, and deep gratitude for one another.Over the next five years, we learned how to love across miles, seeing each other about one weekend each month, and facetiming every night in between. Maddie showed Seth her favorite spots in San Francisco and her hometown Linden, CA. And Seth got to show Maddie around his hometown Fresno, CA. As our relationship grew, so did our individual paths, leading us to different cities in Southern California to pursue higher education. After graduating and beginning our careers—Seth as a cardiac sonographer and Maddie as a speech-language pathologist—we were finally able to call the same place home. We moved in together in San Diego, California after five years of long-distance love.After 8 years together, Seth proposed to Maddie in April 2025, in the clouds atop Haleakalā, a dormant volcano at the highest point on Maui. It was a moment as unforgettable as the journey that led us there.We have always been best friends first, making each other laugh and having fun together. We are deeply proud of the journey that brought us here and grateful for the love that continues to guide us forward. We’re thrilled to celebrate our love with people from all the different chapters of our lives!