From Seattle to Rome to Puerto Vallarta — Our Greatest Adventure Yet.

Where It All Began

Our story began in Seattle, Washington, where our paths crossed at the YMCA through a shared passion for serving others and strengthening our community. Little did we know that while we were busy making a difference in the lives of others, something pretty special was beginning in our own.

For Rio, it started with the unmistakable tap, tap, tap of Shaq walking down the hallway. There was something about the way he carried himself — confident, commanding a room without needing to say much. His energy was magnetic, his presence was positive, and it certainly didn’t hurt that he was handsome and knew how to dress.

For Shaq, it was Rio’s beauty, confidence, and tenacity that first caught his attention. She was ambitious, driven, and unapologetically authentic. She knew who she was, wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, and had a determination that was impossible to overlook. But beyond her strength and confidence, it was her genuine spirit that made her stand out. She was beautiful, bold, and entirely herself.

And while Shaq likes to take credit for making the first move, the truth is that we both swiped right. Sometimes, the best love stories just need a little help from technology!

A Love for Adventure

One of the things that brought us closer together was our shared curiosity about the world. We love discovering new places, immersing ourselves in different cultures, meeting people, and experiencing everything life has to offer.

For us, traveling is about more than checking destinations off a list. It’s about seeing the world through a different lens, embracing the unexpected, and creating memories together along the way.

Whether we’re exploring somewhere new or simply enjoying the everyday moments, we’ve learned that the best part of any adventure is having each other by our side.

Two Families, One Beautiful Story

As our relationship grew, so did something even more meaningful — the blending of our families.

We each brought a son into our relationship, one older and one younger, and with them came the opportunity to build something bigger than the two of us. Different ages, different experiences, and different chapters of life, but all part of one growing family. We’ve come to appreciate that family isn’t simply about where you begin; it’s about the love, connection, and memories you build together.

One of Shaq’s favorite memories came when they hosted Thanksgiving in WA and invited Rio’s family. Like any good family gathering, there was plenty of personality, laughter, and a few moments that left Rio just a little embarrassed. But what stood out most to Shaq wasn’t any of that. It was how naturally he felt at home with her family. 

What Rio may have seen as a few embarrassing family moments, Shaq saw as something familiar, genuine, and full of love. It didn’t feel like spending Thanksgiving with someone else’s family. It felt like being with his own.

That experience captured something we’ve come to treasure about our relationship. Our families may have different traditions, personalities, and stories, but when we come together, there’s a sense of belonging that makes it all feel right.

And that’s what we’re most excited to continue building — not just a marriage, but a family rooted in love, laughter, acceptance, and the joy of showing up for one another.

A Roman Holiday to Remember

Our love of travel eventually brought us to Switzerland and Italy, during the winter holiday season — a trip that would become one of the most unforgettable chapters of our story.

Surrounded by the beauty, history, and romance of the Eternal City, Shaq proposed during an intimate dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant.

It was a moment filled with love, excitement, and the promise of a lifetime of adventures together.

And because no great travel story is complete without a little food, we have to mention the incredible 100-layer Italian croissants. Seriously, unforgettable!

Rome will always hold a special place in our hearts — not just because of the proposal, but because it marked the beginning of our next great adventure.

Our Next Chapter: Puerto Vallarta

When it came time to decide where to celebrate our wedding, we knew we wanted something that reflected who we are: our love of travel, our appreciation for meaningful experiences, and, most importantly, the people who have shaped our lives.

With our families living on opposite sides of the country, we saw our wedding as an opportunity to bring everyone together somewhere special. Puerto Vallarta was a natural choice. It’s a place filled with beautiful memories for Rio and her family, and now it’s where we’ll create new ones together.

Our wedding is about more than the two of us saying “I do.” It’s about celebrating the family we’re building, honoring the families who raised us, and creating space for the people we love to connect in ways they may not have had the opportunity to before.

We want everyone to step away from the busyness of everyday life, share stories, laugh together, make new memories, and leave feeling a little more like family.

Our story began with a shared passion for community, grew through a love of adventure, and became something even more beautiful as our families came together. Now, our next chapter brings us to paradise with the people we love most.

We can’t wait for you to be part of it.

With love,
Rio & Shaq
#RioShaq2028