Connect How did your love story begin?

We met in college at the science library through a mutual friend. Mitzi was looking for friend, she wasn’t even a science major. After we met, Mitzi completely forgot about him. Weeks later, she saw him at a friend’s party, relaxed and laughing with a drink in hand. He was so friendly, respectful, and fun, she thought, “He must be gay.” Come to find out of course he wasn’t, just an awesome guy who cleaned up well. We dated for four years before getting married, and I’ve never looked back.

What is your favorite memory you've shared as a couple?

On our honeymoon in Italy, we were late for a train. Steven told me to find the platform and save us seats while he bought tickets. I ran, saw the train boarding, and jumped on. I called him, “I’m on the train!” He said, “So am I—I’m at the platform!” Just then, the doors shut behind me and the train started moving. We stayed on the phone, confused, until we locked eyes through the window—I on the train, Steven still on the platform. We just stared like, “Welp… see you in the next town!”

What would you do with $20,000?

We are expecting our first baby girl, and we just bought the most affordable home we could find in San Diego. It needs a lot of work. We’d use this money to prepare her nursery, and finish restorations to make the home safe and cozy for her arrival. This would be such a gift as we start this next chapter—building a home full of love (and a little less drywall dust) for our growing family.