Our Story
Despite living most of their lives a stone’s throw apart – 1.2 miles to be exact – it's hard to say where Amanda and Mark's story began. Maybe it was when they were unknowingly eating at the same restaurants, going to the same school dance, being at our brothers’ baseball games at the same time, or possibly walking by each other on the street. Eventually, be it fate, coincidence, or just plain luck, these parallel paths intersected, and neither Amanda nor Mark had any idea what lay ahead.
Both the bride and groom grew up in Millbrae. They attended different middle and high schools, but a potential love story felt possible when Mark enrolled at the University of Arizona, with Amanda enrolling not far behind. Alas, a love connection never stood a chance when Mark transferred schools before Amanda even set foot on campus.
Despite ending up at different colleges, this time in their life was a critical chapter in their story. Even though the particulars of their college experiences may have been different, both Mark and Amanda graduated with the same precious thing (no, not degrees): friendships that they knew would be lifelong, and a determination to fill their lives with adventure and love.
One night at McGovern’s in San Mateo in November of 2018, Mark and Amanda found themselves talking to each other in the crowded bar. Dogs quickly became the topic of conversation, as Amanda had just welcomed a new family puppy, Scuba, and Mark had his best bud, Jack. The night went on, and Amanda headed home.
​
Mark had never DM’d anyone on Instagram before (this has been confirmed!), but after a couple of drinks and a pep talk from his best friend Chris, he sent Amanda a bold message later that night: “You left without saying bye!” One message turned into many, and the rest is history.
​
Their first date involved the dogs (obviously) at Washington Park in Burlingame. Somewhere between puppy introductions and conversation, Amanda learned Mark was Maltese and immediately thought, “Oh wow! My Nana is going to LOVE this.” Mark insists they actually met years earlier in Lake Tahoe on the Fourth of July with Amanda’s friend Angie. Still, Amanda has zero recollection of this encounter and disputes the claim.
​
Mark made things official on February 22 at the San Diego Zoo during a weekend getaway. The year that followed was filled with laughter, travel, and countless memories with Mark’s beloved dog Jack (and lots of time with Mark’s brother Matt). Jack sadly passed away the following year, but he will forever be part of their story and hearts.
​
Just one month before the world shut down, Mark asked Amanda if she wanted to move in together- unaware they were about to spend every moment together during a global pandemic. In 2020, they welcomed Claude, their 120-pound gentle giant Saint Bernard/Leonberger mix (aka the biggest baby). In 2022, they moved to San Francisco near Golden Gate Park into a duplex with Matt downstairs, where life has been filled with park walks, Chrissy Field beach Fridays, and so much love for city living.​
​
Seven years later, Mark and Amanda are so ready for this next chapter. They are endlessly grateful for the life they’ve built, the love they share, and the incredible people who surround them. They can’t wait to say “I do” and continue this adventure together, with all of you by their side.