Oy vey, where do we begin?

Once upon a pandemic (April 2021, to be exact), toilet paper was scarce, hand sanitizer flowed like wine, and the only thing more contagious than COVID was loneliness. Then unexpectedly on the wild frontier of the internet, Manuel and Melinda met in the SoCal Hiker's Facebook group. Despite Southern California being in an extreme drought, they ironically bonded over ice climbing. They would like to thank their accidental yenta, Mark Zuckerberg!

For their first date, M&M rode scooters through the streets of Santa Monica, where Melinda almost got hit by a car too many times to count. Luckily, she lived to tell the tale of this beautiful love story!

When Melinda called home, kvelling about her new beau, her sister humorously dubbed him "Man-Linda" because he was practically Melinda in a male body. No matter what they do – frolicking in the outdoors, belting out show tunes, grooving to 70s funk, noshing on vegan eats (that don’t taste like cardboard), or laughing until their faces hurt, they love experiencing it together. M&M were clearly meant to be or as they say in Yiddish, beshert.

Then came Moishe (M & M...& M), their furry little bubbeleh. A dignified tuxedo cat rescued and refined. He tolerates their affection, and rules the house with silent disdain, judging their every move with the eyes of an overworked rabbi who has seen too much. They now proudly identify as a family of three in the wild frontier of South LA. Over the years they have faced the ups and downs of life, growing together, supporting each other through it all, with their Jewish faith… mixed with a sprinkle of couple’s therapy.

And now, can you believe it? The big day is almost here! Manuel & Melinda would love for you to join them for a wedding full of laughter, unexpected plot twists, and at least one horah-related injury. It won't be a party without you (cue the Jewish guilt trip).

With all our love and a few unsolicited opinions,

Manuel, Melinda...& Moishe

P.S. Please remember to hydrate, stretch, and wear comfortable shoes. You will be expected to dance battle the bride and groom. No Kvetching!

Photos