Their story begins at the end of 2019. Shah and Hali were working at the same company, but they didn’t become friends until a mutual friend brought them together outside of work—something Hali didn’t typically do.

In February 2020, just before the world shut down, they celebrated Hali’s birthday and finally had the chance to truly connect. That day marked the beginning of a close-knit friendship. The trio—Shah, Hali, and their mutual friend—were inseparable, always looking out for one another, buying matching masks, and even battling crowds for toilet paper during those early pandemic days.

As time went on, Shah and Hali’s bond deepened. They started spending more time just the two of them. The isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic gave them the space and time to form a strong and meaningful connection. Shah quickly fell in love with Hali’s puppy, Ollie, and began to see him as his own.

Soon after came major milestones: buying a home together and adopting their second puppy, Maeve. It became clear to both of them that this was something meant to last.

After searching for the perfect proposal spot, Shah discovered Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach—and knew instantly it was the place.

As their journey continues and life evolves, their relationship, which began as an unexpected friendship, has become something truly extraordinary—something that feels like it was written in the stars.