As part of our MIHO tasting experience, we invite couples to share their love story in a hand-written journal we call “Love Letters”. In the front of the journal, we ask questions like, “How did you know you were in love?” and, “When you look back on your wedding day, what is going to matter most?” We lightened it up with, “What did you eat on your first date?” and “What’s your go-to karaoke song?” During their tasting, our hospitality team snaps a Polaroid photo of the couple, and we include it next to their entry.

The writings are just as diverse and unique as the people themselves. One couple just wrote “perfect” across the page and signed their names. Others shared stories of their pets and their favorite sports teams. But the ones I love the most are the stories. It’s a short page, but when you look at Volume I of our collection of Love Letters as a whole, you see all the special moments through the years. It’s like our couples drew the outline and my imagination is coloring it in. The belly laughs. The silly dances in your underwear. The intimacy of rolling over in bed, smiling at your partner sleeping, and feeling their heartbeat. Or quietly making breakfast for one another. Toes tucked under legs. Strumming a guitar. Holding each other through the tides of emotions. Doing life with one another. I filled in the blanks between the first date and where our couples plan to honeymoon. It’s inspiring to read these stories. It’s refreshing to feel that love is everywhere we turn if we keep our hearts open. These are the stories of our couples in their own words.

HERE’S HOW WE MET:

In high school chemistry class. Stagecoach. A dive bar. A Star Wars themed birthday party. Track team in college. On the set of a Wendy’s commercial. Bumble. Tinder. J-Swipe. Ok-Cupid (a 98% match). A fraternity party. When we were five. In pre-school. First day of college. At trivia night. A work happy hour. Through the 91x music scene. At a wedding. On a trip to Japan. At an airport. In the middle of the country when we lived on opposite sides—love is funny that way— but so much more beautiful than anyone could imagine. It was love at first sight.

WHAT WE ATE ON OUR FIRST DATE:

Indian food. Oysters. In-n-Out. IPA & fresh tamales. Thai food. Eggs benedict & french toast. Natural wine & new wave music. Greyhounds & Burmese food. Tacos— always tacos.

OUR FIRST DANCE SONG:

Harvest Moon by Neil Young. Harvest Moon by Lord Huron. Silver Soul by Beach House. Golden Hour by Kasey Musgraves. Thank You by Bonnie Raitt. Best Friend by Tim McGraw. Let Me Let You Down by Teskey Brothers. Blessings by Florida Georgia Line. Our dear friends are going to participate in our traditions by singing our first dance song, California Stars.

WHERE WE’RE HONEYMOONING:

Tulum. Hawaii. Greece. Japan. Portugal & Morocco. Singapore, Malaysia & Indonesia. England, Scotland & Ireland.

HOW DID YOU KNOW IT WAS LOVE?

Have you looked at her??? We danced under the stars at Outside Lands. When she was singing Natalie Imbruglia “Torn” at karaoke. No moment. We just knew. Our mutual love of travel, ethnic cuisines and nostalgic emo music solidified an inseparable future. I knew early on; he asked for a second date and that was the first time I ever said yes to a second date. I felt peace. I knew when he met my family. When we found out we were both ENFP’s. When I realized we can do everything together and nothing at all and still enjoy our time together.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MOST?

Reading our vows in front of our community. Seeing her the first time in her dress. Sharing a meal with good wine that warms our tastebuds and souls. Churros. We hope all of our friends have the time of their lives. Feeling so loved having everyone together from all over the world. We will treasure most being with our closest friends and family after a year and a half apart.

GO-TO KARAOKE?

I’ll Make A Man Out of You (from the Mulan soundtrack). Lean On Me. Bartender by T-Pain. Goodbye Earl because nothing says death do us part like a song about killing your husband.

Turns out, y’all are funny, eclectic, unique and very much in love. Thank you all for sharing your stories with us and allowing us to be a witness to your love.