Our Story

It all began on a crisp Saturday afternoon in June 2022 at the wedding of Max and Carina Thiemens. Amid the laughter and celebration, Rachèl and David found themselves drawn together—striking up a conversation that led them right onto the dance floor. Even though fate called them back to their respective worlds—Rachèl returning to Brussels and David catching a flight back to San Diego—a connection was made that neither could ignore, and Rachèl decided to add David on Facebook.

In the months that followed, daily conversations filled with jokes, shared stories, and genuine care transformed their connection into something unmistakably special. David was continually amazed by Rachèl’s charm and spirit. Standing at a crossroads, he decided to take a chance on love despite the long distance. With a carefully coordinated double date arranged through his dear friend Max, the two embarked on a journey that would turn a chance encounter into a lasting relationship.

For nearly six to seven weeks each year, whether it was Rachèl flying to San Diego or David heading over to Brussels, every meeting became an adventure. They cherished moments exploring zoo trips, savoring quiet hikes along the beach, setting off fireworks on New Year’s Eve, marveling at the Redwoods in San Francisco, and sharing laughter over tequila in Tijuana. Despite the distance, every video call, every reunion, made their love grow.

By September 2024, during a visit when Rachèl flew out to spend time with David—and to attend his sister Jessica’s wedding—a secret plan had been quietly unfolding. Unbeknownst to her, David had enlisted help from Rachèl’s sister to explore engagement rings and David began carefully orchestrating the perfect moment. With the help of his close friend Brady, he devised an ingenious plan centered around a special Wild Cat Tour at the San Diego Zoo. The ring arrived safely hidden in a music box, and David even loaded the box with some of Rachèl’s favorite songs—just waiting to be revealed. On proposal day, armed with a large backpack for “snacks” (and his secret in tow), he navigated the tour with both excitement and nerves.

After an exhilarating day among the lions, tigers, and cheetahs, David suggested they capture the memories with a photo at the zoo. As the camera started rolling, David knelt down and asked the question that would change their lives forever. With joy overflowing, Rachèl said “yes.”

Now, as Rachèl and David step into this new chapter, they can’t wait to celebrate their love with all of you. Thank you for being a part of their journey, for sharing in every laugh, every adventure, and now every promise of the future. They’re excited to embark on life’s path together—hand-in-hand, surrounded by the people who mean the world to them.