Lili and Eric first crossed paths in 2015 with a quick hello — neither knowing that years later, that moment would lead them here. In 2017, during their final semester at Santa Barbara City College, they met again while taking a class together. What began as a friendship soon blossomed into something deeper over the summer that followed.

That fall, life took them in different directions. For two years, they navigated long distance — visiting each other whenever they could, growing together and as individuals. They often spent their weekends together at the beach, soaking up the sun and sharing laughs. Through it all, their connection only strengthened. Adventuring throughout the Santa Cruz mountains and coastline, they discovered that the best parts of life were even better shared.

As time passed, they navigated the ebbs and flows of life while staying grounded in their love for one another. Many amazing adventures were had. Traveling all over the world, from Guatemala to Hawaii, creating a home, connecting two families, starting careers, and adopting their son (“cat”) Appa.