In the fall of 2010, the sun-drenched hills of Malibu were a backdrop to what would become one of the most pivotal chapters of our lives. We had just started our graduate journey at Pepperdine University, pursuing our MBAs. Amid the ocean views and the buzz of campus life, we met each other, not knowing then how significant that moment would be.

We’re not entirely sure how we met. It might have been through a shared class, a group project, or one of those informal gatherings that MBA students so often find themselves attending. What we do know is that we quickly discovered a mutual love for travel and late-night study sessions fueled by far too much coffee. Though we were focused on our own goals, we formed a friendship that felt effortless.

Throughout our MBA years, our bond grew stronger. During our time studying abroad, we would often meet up with friends in other countries, turning every destination into an adventure. Whether it was exploring new cities, sharing meals, or getting lost in unfamiliar streets, those experiences brought us even closer and created memories we still cherish.

Even as the years passed and life pulled us in different directions, we stayed close. During the pandemic in 2020, we reconnected in a way that felt different. Long conversations over video calls turned into rediscovering who we’d become. It didn’t take long to realize that something deeper had always been there.

By 2023, we took the leap from friends to something more. Dating each other felt natural yet entirely new. Now, as we plan for our future together, we’re grateful for the journey that brought us here.