Mandy and Jose met in 2021 in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, during their veterinary residencies. Mandy was a third-year resident in Emergency & Critical Care, and Jose was a first-year resident in Internal Medicine. They became friends and coworkers—despite the small complication that Jose had a crush on Mandy, but expressed it in the most cryptic, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it way possible. Mandy remained completely unaware.

Enter: May 2022 – the legendary corn-themed house party. Questionable decisions and indisputable hangovers. And 21 Seeds grapefruit tequila playing the role of “unexpected plot twist.” One thing led to another, and a slow burn suddenly found its spark—turns out all it needed was tequila and a little “when you know, you know” magic.

What followed was a montage of board exams, long hours, multiple moves, and— because they are both slightly unhinged—second residencies. Against all odds (and logic), they made it through.

Now living in Orange County, Mandy and Jose have fully embraced easy access to Disneyland. Their house is slowly but surely becoming their own magical kingdom—best described as Happily Ever After: Home Edition.

Their family includes two cats—Zoe (adopted in Australia) and Figaro (adopted in St. Kitts and Nevis)—who do not get along, and a golden retriever named Lily, who would very much like to be friends with the cats but is living in her own villain origin story.

Through corn, tequila, medicine, and a little Disney magic, Mandy and Jose found their forever—and they can’t wait to celebrate it with you. 🏰✨