It was the day before Thanksgiving in 2019. Shina was sitting at the dining table trying to do some last-minute law studies. Brendan walks up to her and asks "Would you like a chocolate covered almond?" Shina looks up at Brendan, takes an almond, and continues studying. This was the first time the two met. Brendan made other efforts to get to know Shina that Thanksgiving, but had no luck. Shina was very concentrated on her studies at that time.

It would be next Thanksgiving, 2020, where the two would bond over a green bean casserole. They were in charge of making this green bean casserole. As Brendan stirred in the mushroom soup and Shina sprinkled the fried onions on top— the sparks were flying. They both decided to see each other more often.

Over time Brendan made numerous trips to San Francisco, where Shina lived. Brendan was living in Turlock at the time (the middle of nowhere). Shina enjoyed showing him around the City and introducing him to different cuisines and art. Shina started visiting Brendan in Turlock too. Brendan would take Shina to the shooting range and driving down backcountry roads. The two became best friends. They enjoyed cooking, dancing, and exploring new hiking trails together. They soon realized that it did not matter where they were—they always had fun together.

Eventually, Shina finished law school and the bar exam. The pair decided to move-in together. Shina said goodbye to SF and gladly moved to the Central Valley to be with Brendan. At some point, Shina surprised Brendan with a kitten to add to their household. She purchased the kitten from a SaveMart parking lot for $40. Shina named her Yuki (Yoo-key). They have both grown very fond of their pet cat.

On July 30, 2022, Brendan proposed to Shina on the beach in Pismo by the giant rocks. They had just finished dinner near the Pismo pier and were walking the shore back to the resort. Suddenly the fog rolled in, and everything became dreamlike. Brendan got down on one knee. He told Shina that he would always be there for her. Shina started crying, smearing her mascara all over Brendan’s shirt. She said yes.

The couple are now actively planning their wedding for October 14, 2023. The ceremony will be held at the same Catholic church which Brendan’s parents were married. It is also the same church Brendan was baptized as a baby and confirmed. They are very excited to start this next chapter together and welcome you all to witness their beginning of marriage.