My Story

Many letters, emails, and a long-distance relationship later, I followed my heart to a secluded beach on Hawaii, where I married my spunky and slightly eccentric pen pal. Yes, we eloped to Hawai'i!

We were young (19), but sure of ourselves and our love. 

Together we made it through college, grew as people–always sustained and inspired by another, built a good life, and have been on many adventures. 

I didn't know it then, but the most life-changing day of my life was when I received a letter in the mail with a boy's name and address: my future pen pal and husband. Steven lived in Los Angeles. I in Berlin, Germany. We were both 15.

Many letters, emails, and a long-distance relationship later, I followed my heart to a secluded beach on Hawaii, where I married my spunky and slightly eccentric pen pal. Yes, we eloped to Hawaii! We were young (19), but sure of ourselves and our love. 

Together we made it through college, grew as people–always sustained and inspired by another, built a good life, and have been on many adventures. Six years into our life as a married couple, our baby daughter, Evelyn, arrived and made us a family.

Then life brought its own unexpected chapter—a medical diagnosis that required strength, patience, and a reimagining of our lives. It taught us gratitude for every day and every blessing. Out of that season came another profound gift: our baby girl Vivian.

The four of us call Maui home. 

The four of us call Maui home. 

The most life-changing day of my life was when I received a letter in the mail with a boy's name and address: my future pen pal and husband. Steven lived in Los Angeles. I in Berlin, Germany. We were both 15.

Six years into our life as a married couple, our baby daughter, Evelyn, arrived and made us a family.

Then life brought its own unexpected chapter—a medical diagnosis that required strength, patience, and a reimagining of our lives. It taught us gratitude for every day and every blessing. Out of that season came another profound gift: our baby girl Vivian.