Our story

It all began with a swipe in August 2018, when fate (and Bumble) brought us together in the Bay Area. Griffin had just moved to California for a new adventure, and Chi-Lan couldn’t resist learning more about this Michigander with kind eyes and warm smile. Naturally cautious (and a little curious), she enlisted her closest friends—who also had Michigan ties—to “investigate.” While they didn’t know Griffin personally, they confirmed he was indeed real, likely harmless, and soon, the two of us met in person. The rest, as they say, is history.

Over the next six years, we built a life filled with love, laughter, and adventure. We grew in our careers, deepened our bond, and created a home full of joy and cherished memories along the way. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, after spending months quarantining together, we decided it was time to take the leap. We moved in together and welcomed our beloved Zuko, who quickly became the heart of our little family.

Griffin introduced Chi-Lan to his passion for skiing, and it wasn’t long before Tahoe became our second home, where we spent countless weekends carving down snowy slopes. Together, we also discovered a shared love for music, often dancing the night away to live bands or house DJs. Beyond that, our shared wanderlust took us on unforgettable journeys—to the beaches of Tulum, the vibrant streets of Barcelona, the romance of Paris, the energy of Ibiza, and the history of London.

But Vietnam will always hold a special place in our hearts because it’s where our next chapter began. On a family trip to Chi-Lan’s homeland, Griffin conspired with her mom and grandmother to plan the perfect proposal. The setting? The breathtaking waters of Ha Long Bay. True to his adventurous spirit, Griffin popped the question while we were kayaking, turning an already magical moment into a thrilling (and slightly nerve-wracking) memory as Chi-Lan frantically paddled back to the boat, determined to keep the ring safe. While bursting into laughter and happy tears, she said “yes!”

And now, here we are, ready to celebrate our love story with all of you, who have helped us become who we are in such incredibly meaningful ways. Each chapter has been filled with joy, adventure, and the kind of love we’ve always dreamed of—and we can’t wait for the next one to begin.