MAVSON STORIES
That's debatable! Although Vinay was the one to slide into her Instagram DMs, Mel was the one to ask Vinay out on the first date and cancel, but then Vinay planned a new date. So... you be the judge!
What was supposed to be a quick date, ended up being a whole date day in San Francisco. Our first date started in Hayes Valley and ended in Divisadero.
Just like Barack and Michelle Obama (yes I just compared us to them), we shared a flight of seasonal ice cream flavors from Salt n Straw while we got to know each other. Then, Vinay suggested the conversation continue so we heaved all the way up the hill towards Alamo Square Park and posted up in front of Painted Ladies. Conversation was easy and suddenly the sun began to set. To warm ourselves up, we both headed to a cafe to share a cup of tea. Although we didn't want the date to end, we had to say goodbye at some point.
When we both got home, we couldn't stop texting each other and smiling. It was the perfect first date.
Vinay is a "southern boy" from Alabama who grew up in San Jose most of his life. He moved to San Diego for undergrad, and later returned to the Bay Area for work. He now lives in Alameda with Mel in their home together while working at Upside as an Engineering Manager. Vinay has traveled to 30+ countries, is the biggest OG Formula 1 fan, and enjoys watching Youtube videos about cars.
Mel is a warm, thoughtful, and loving person who cares deeply for her friends and family. Originally from Stockton, CA, she's a proud "valley girl" who now calls Alameda home. She attended UCLA, where she grew into the amazing person she is today. With a creative spirit, Mel enjoys cooking, design, and everything related to aesthetics. As my incredible partner, she brings joy, balance, and unwavering support to my life. I truly can't imagine my world without her, and I’m beyond excited to spend forever together.
Mel and I were planning a trip to visit Cambodia. Conveniently, it made sense to fly through the Bay Area and spend the weekend at home, so I told her. In reality, it was all an elaborate ruse to bring Mel home to ask her to marry me in the company of our close family.
On February 28, 2024 I asked Mel to take a walk down the Embarcadero along the water in San Francisco. This area is very special to us and is where we made some of our early memories as we were getting to know each other. As we walked down Pier 7, Mel spotted her grandparents at the end of the pier. That’s when it all set in, and the tears started. With our families cheering us on, I got down on one knee, and asked Mel to marry me and she said yes!!
M: Vinay is my favorite person. I love how kind, loving, thoughtful, and caring he is with everyone in his life, including strangers. He always makes me smile and goes out of his way to show me how much he loves me, and he's just my favorite person to do everything with. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together, forever and ever.
V: There are so many things I love about Mel, but above all, it's her caring and thoughtful nature. She's always opening my eyes to new experiences and perspectives. She makes me want to be the best version of myself. I love the little moments we share – the quiet conversations, the inside jokes, and the simple joy of being together. Every day with her is a new adventure, and I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives making more beautiful memories together.
M: Londboarding!! We always keep our boards in the trunk for spontaneous rides. We once longboarded in a winery parking lot after wine tasting and it was so much fun. Really surprised we didn't get in trouble for it.
V: Our evening walks! Most days after a long workday, we would go out for a walk together with no particular destination. Sometimes we’d talk and catch up, sometimes we’d put on our headphones and just walk together.
M: Living together in Chinatown, New York City for the first time. Before we met each other, we both had plans to move to New York City at one point in our lives. We ended up sharing that experience together after dating for three years. Our time in New York was filled with running through the summer rain, trying hole-in-the-wall restaurants, chasing TikTok viral places, and biking through Central Park.
V: Our trip to Maui, Hawaii! We had such a blast exploring the Road to Hana, visiting different beaches, seeing turtles, falling asleep to the sound of the beach, and of course eating poke, shaved ice, and banana bread. We can’t wait to visit Hawaii again soon!