How did your love story begin?

Our love story began in Japan while serving in the Marine Corps. Months after we met, we discovered we'd unknowingly been photographed together at a base event before ever being introduced. Seven months later, we were married, and soon welcomed our first son. Since then, we've earned college degrees together, raised three incredible boys, and built a life rooted in commitment, resilience, and a love that truly feels like destiny.

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

Our favorite memory is our first date in Japan. We somehow turned one date into three restaurants—appetizers at one, dinner at another, and dessert at a third. Afterward, we got completely lost trying to find our way back to base. Instead of stressing, we laughed the whole time, wandered together, and eventually made it back. It perfectly captured the kind of adventure our life together would become.

What would you do with $20,000?

If I had $20,000, I wouldn’t want it to just sit in an account—I’d want it to mean something for our life. I’d make sure our family has a safety net first, so we can breathe easier when life gets unpredictable. Then I’d invest in our future so all the hard work we’ve done keeps growing for us. But I’d also set some aside for us to slow down and make memories together—something simple but meaningful, because time together has always been the real luxury in our story.