On January 31, 2014, Victoria and Brandon both attended a leadership convention in Anaheim, CA. The keynote speaker, Keith Hawkins, asked students to find someone from another school to pair up with and share about themselves. Brandon saw Victoria sitting alone and introduced himself. After connecting over school, sports, and family, both went on their way to enjoy the theme parks following the convention.

The following year, Brandon returned to the convention in Anaheim, with that girl in mind. Though he did not see her in the convention, he recognized Victoria's mother Virginia. He approached her and asked if Victoria had returned this year. She said, "Yes, but unfortunately she had already left to the theme park." Brandon extended a hello to her and hoped he may had seen her again inside the park.

As Brandon continued through the theme park, he had crossed paths with a familiar face. Victoria and Brandon ran towards each other, hugged, and spoke about their time meeting each other the year before. The two hugged once more, promised to return the years following, and went their own ways. Once time had passed, each kicked themselves for not exchanging numbers or contact information.

After stewing in regret from missing their chance to connect further, they unknowingly walked to the opposite side of the theme park and met again. Each of them knew it was a sign to at the least hang out together for the day and finally exchange numbers. They shared the day on rides, games, and over-priced hotdogs! As the day came to an end, Brandon walked Victoria to the park exit and reluctantly said their goodbyes and traveled home.

Brandon asked his mom, Farah, to do the unimaginable. "Mom, would you be willing to drive me 500 miles to go see a girl?" Surprisingly, she said yes. In the summer of 2016, Brandon rode from La Quinta to Cameron Park. They had their first date and they walked through downtown Sacramento.

For the years following, Victoria and Brandon dated long distance and talked nearly every night of the phone. (Sorry for the bills!) They both returned to the convention and they traveled for school dances, softball games, and holidays to see one another.

In 2018, Brandon moved to Sacramento to attend college and watched Victoria walk across her high school graduation stage. They both agreed to try something new and moved to Huntington Beach, CA. Victoria found a passion for the medical field and Brandon pursed his career in law enforcement.

They attended the convention for many years following.

This leads us to now, living in Anaheim, where it all began. As we write this, in a few short months, our speaker Keith Hawkins will officiate our wedding. Join us for our next chapter...

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