Our Story
A love worth the wait.
Two people. One extraordinary adventure. And a lifetime still unfolding.
The Beginning
How It Started
Some fairytales take a little longer to get to the "happily ever after." In October 2024, we matched through an online dating site. For our first date we pulled a double-header, and our first stop was candle making--Riken hardly spoke a word! After candles, we went to Puttery for mini-golf, of course. This photo is from the Puttery photographer. While Jessica thought it was awkward to take a photo on a first date, they are both glad that they captured their first moment together. Although the conversations were minimal, we had fun and Jessica got a hole in one! Riken even booked our second date before Jessica got home from the first. Jessica could tell that Riken was a really good catch, and was excited to see him again. Date number two was a hit (we actually talked lol), and Fridays have been our date night ever since.
Growing Together
Adventures Along the Way
We had Friday date nights, Sunday brunches, Wednesday lunch dates, and several pizza dinners and laughs along the way. We built a life one small moment at a time. We learned each other's rhythms — the way one of us always has to turn on "the big light", and the way the other can navigate with just a lamp and some ambiance. We traveled, we laughed, we grew. And somewhere in the middle of all of it, we became home to each other.
The Proposal
She Said Yes
It happened at Daniel Stowe Conservatory — the sky doing exactly what skies do when the universe is paying attention--it poured down raining! Riken gave Jessica an excuse about a "fancy work party" and for 2 weeks she threw questions at Brittany, Swati, and Shassity about whether or not this was her engagement. Riken's details seemed a little suspicious, but not enough to ruin the surprise. On the drive there, Jessica was finally convinced that it was a work party, and then she got nervous about being way too overdressed. The greeter at the botanical garden was in on it, and she directed the couple to the "party" in the orchid green house which was filled with the most beautiful tropical plants. Jessica walked around the corner and realized the day had finally come. Riken got down on one knee, and Jessica said YES! There were no long speeches, no rehearsed lines. Just two people who already knew the answer, finally asking the question. The ring caught the last light of the day, and everything that came after felt like the beginning of something even better.
What's Next
Mexico, and Forever
We chose Secrets Bahia Mita because it felt like our journey — exciting, beautiful, and completely unforgettable. We can't wait to celebrate with the people who have been part of our story all along. Thank you for being here. Thank you for being ours.
“The best love stories don't have endings — they just keep getting better.”
We'd love to have you with us.
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