Joyce and Ivan’s story began in June 2019 with a simple swipe and a shared love for EDM. After matching on Hinge, they quickly discovered they were both attending the same music festival in Oakland. Although they didn’t cross paths there, they made plans for a first date the following week — a lunch at Metro Taco in Hayward that neither of them wanted to end. One brewery stop later, they had already scheduled their second date.

What started as easy conversation quickly grew into something steady and intentional. In November 2019, Ivan said “I love you” first — at his mom’s house — and Joyce said it right back.

Like many couples, they navigated the uncertainty of 2020 together. Despite living near each other, they chose to temporarily become long-distance to protect their families, seeing one another only about once a month. That season strengthened their foundation and deepened their commitment to one another.

Over the years, their relationship has been filled with travel, laughter, and shared traditions. From pretending to be tourists in Los Angeles for New Year’s, to celebrating their anniversary in Monterey, to their first international trip together in South Korea — they have built a life rich in experience and intention. At home, it’s the little things that matter most: weekly neighborhood walks to talk about their future, “princess coffee” on weekend mornings, and their nightly toothbrush dance.

On March 28, 2025, after a three-hour uphill hike, Ivan proposed at the top of Mount Misen in Japan. Joyce had no idea it was coming. Hidden inside what appeared to be a normal Pokémon card pack was a custom card asking her to marry him. Between struggling to open the packaging and worrying it might be fake, she didn’t realize Ivan was getting down on one knee. It was perfect — thoughtful, personal, and very them.

Now, they are counting down to September 27, 2026, when they will begin their next chapter surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.