First Spark

Before their love story officially began, Yvonne and Juan's first interaction was a seemingly inconsequential one. Yvonne, simply looking to confirm an assignment, sent a Facebook ping to "the nerdy guy with glasses" she shared a few classes with. They didn't know it then, but those messages about U.S. History homework would be the first spark in what would become an everlasting flame. Questions about homework turned into talks about favorite TV shows; quick chats turned into late-night conversations, and new message notifications became music to their ears—their favorite type of song. A simple brush of Juan's shoulder gave Yvonne butterflies, and briefly locking eyes during sneaky glances put a smirk on Juan's face.

First Date

In the early days of their relationship, Juan did something that melted Yvonne's heart. Her favorite author at the time was John Green, and she had read every book he'd written. Juan, on the other hand, had never read books for fun—only those required for school. Yet, he decided to read The Fault in Our Stars just for her. Their first date was going to the movie theater to watch the film adaptation, which was released that summer. Just like Hazel and Gus found love and support in the face of adversity, Yvonne and Juan found a deep connection in sharing this story, a connection that hinted at the enduring love they would build together.

Distance + Dreams

High school sweethearts turned soulmates, they were momentarily and physically separated by dreams but held together by heartstrings. After high school, Juan embarked north to UC Berkeley, pursuing a business degree, while Yvonne remained in SoCal to become a registered nurse. Despite hundreds of miles separating the two, they found ways to nurture their connection. They'd sneak in secret trips to see each other, even though they should have been home studying like their parents thought. (Don't worry—their parents know now!) But at the time, they were rebelliously in love, willing to cross any distance for even a few stolen hours together. Shortly after undergrad, Juan was extended an offer to join Google in Colorado—a chance Yvonne would never let him pass up, even if it meant stretching the distance between them even further, from hundreds of miles to thousands.

Airports + Adventures

Through the years of physical separation, their love accumulated a collection of memories woven with each visit and farewell, adding layers and resetting the countdown until the next time they would see each other. Airports turned into second homes, places where time itself seemed to stand still. Departures were riddled with tearful goodbyes, and reunions were filled with embraces that lingered long after. Yvonne would sprint across the terminal, a blur past strangers and staff, throwing herself into Juan's arms, savoring the warmth of his hug—a moment so full of joy and longing that it felt like a scene straight out of a movie.
Each time Juan came back home, it felt like a holiday—filled with plans, feasts, and gifts. They explored every inch of Los Angeles and the South Bay together, from pop-up museums to large county fairs and every adventure in between. Reuniting with friends became a tradition, marked by board game nights, escape rooms, and endless laughter.

Family Ties

Through it all, they became more than just boyfriend and girlfriend; their lives intertwined with each other's families. Yvonne's sisters saw Juan as an older brother long before it would become official, and her parents embraced him like the son they never had. Similarly, Juan's family welcomed Yvonne with open arms as their own daughter, always inviting her to family gatherings and trips that made her feel like one of their own. In those moments, they both understood how deeply connected they were to their families and how that shaped the people they had become.

A Decade of Devotion

For nearly ten years, they built a love that transcended state lines, a love strengthened by every FaceTime call, every handwritten note, every "I miss you." They reached for dreams they'd imagined since they were sixteen, both pushing each other to grow, each becoming the other's rock, anchor, and home.Each time Juan came back home, it felt like a holiday—filled with plans, feasts, and gifts. They explored every inch of Los Angeles and the South Bay together, from pop-up museums to large county fairs and every adventure in between. Reuniting with friends became a tradition, marked by board game nights, escape rooms, and endless laughter.

The Proposal

After years of planning, thinking, and praying, during the week of Yvonne's parents' wedding anniversary, Juan decided it was time to elevate their love to its next grand adventure. Months prior, he had secretly met with Yvonne's father to ask for his blessing and Yvonne's hand in marriage, a meeting filled with tears, emotion, and her father's heartfelt approval. From that day on, Juan was on a mission. He dedicated countless months to preparing for the big day, from in-depth diamond research and sourcing to multiple variations of the ring design. He had handfuls of phone calls and in-person meetings with manufacturers and suppliers, sorting through thousands of photos and videos to find the perfect engagement location. He even had consultations with hot air balloon pilots and photographers. Every detail was meticulously and lovingly thought out by Juan—from the exact hot air balloon they'd be aboard on that beautiful morning down to the 10 diamond stones that complemented the center diamond, each of the 10 surrounding stones representing a year of their 10-year journey.
And then came February 25, 2024, a day crafted with intention. The month was chosen for Yvonne's birth month, and the day was chosen for Juan's birth date, the 25th of January, a beautiful and meaningful intersection. They set out at 4:30 AM, driving to Temecula while the rest of the city was still asleep. Juan was filled with nervousness and excitement that day; his heart was pumping more intensely than at any other point in his life. All the emotions inside him made him forget about his fear of heights as they ascended hundreds of feet into the air. The feeling was exhilarating. He got down on one knee, and Yvonne's heart burst with joy as she said "yes" to his proposal. He led her to a private hot air balloon, chosen not only for its beauty but for what it symbolized—long-distance, love that traveled, a romance that always seemed to rise above. At exactly 6:50 AM, as they floated above the vineyards, Juan knelt down, his heart in his hands, and asked her to be his forever. He'd secretly hired a photographer who captured every moment, even sending a drone into the air to film them from above. Yvonne was swept into her surprise, her joy, her "yes" suspended in the quiet sky. With puffy eyes and tears, they realized those little kids who had once fallen in love were finally growing up.

Coming Home

A few months later, in May, Juan moved back home for good. They were finally together, living out the dreams they'd once spoken about in whispered plans as naive teenagers. As they searched for a wedding venue, they found themselves drawn to a place in San Juan Capistrano—a town with Juan's name within it and a nearby park named Arce. It felt like fate, a place where their love story, woven with threads of distance, devotion, and dreams, had come full circle, ready to begin its most beautiful chapter yet.

Join us as we celebrate the union of the Pacina and Arce families, surrounded by loved ones. We cannot wait to share this day with you and create memories together that will last a lifetime.And then came February 25, 2024, a day crafted with intention. The month was chosen for Yvonne's birth month, and the day was chosen for Juan's birth date, the 25th of January, a beautiful and meaningful intersection. They set out at 4:30 AM, driving to Temecula while the rest of the city was still asleep. Juan was filled with nervousness and excitement that day; his heart was pumping more intensely than at any other point in his life. All the emotions inside him made him forget about his fear of heights as they ascended hundreds of feet into the air. The feeling was exhilarating. He got down on one knee, and Yvonne's heart burst with joy as she said "yes" to his proposal. He led her to a private hot air balloon, chosen not only for its beauty but for what it symbolized—long-distance, love that traveled, a romance that always seemed to rise above. At exactly 6:50 AM, as they floated above the vineyards, Juan knelt down, his heart in his hands, and asked her to be his forever. He'd secretly hired a photographer who captured every moment, even sending a drone into the air to film them from above. Yvonne was swept into her surprise, her joy, her "yes" suspended in the quiet sky. With puffy eyes and tears, they realized those little kids who had once fallen in love were finally growing up.