Jason met Mel for the first time at a UCLA pre-dental club meeting. Let's just say it was not love at first site. Being a club officer, Jason had the duties of signing members in and occasionally providing snacks for the club. He instantly noticed Mel, not for her great looks but because she would often go to the meetings, sign in, take some world famous Diddy Riese cookies and then leave before the speaker even spoke a word! Right away, all the club officers noticed her not just Jason. She was on my imaginary list of members that were despised. Let's just say Mel made a lasting impression on Jason! But what could Jason say, she did pay her $15 for dues and was entitled to those scrumptious cookies... Fast forward to dental school years later
As fate would have it, Mel and Jason both chose UOP in San Francisco for dental school. Jason was one year senior to Mel and top of his class for esthetics and his clinical skills. Always spending time in simulation lab teaching and improving the 1st year students skills, Melanie and Jason paths would finally collide. Mel instantly found Jason very attractive and easy on the eyes, not to mention it didn't hurt that he had some of the best hand skills in his class. From that moment on Mel and Jason were inseparable.
Through the eight years since then, Jason and Melanie vowed they would make long distance work. Jason in NYC completing a hospital dentistry residency while Mel finished her last year of dental school. Then Mel moved to Las Vegas for Orthodontic residency while Jason working in Sacramento. Every chance they got they would fly and drive to see one another. Eventually, Jason moved to Melanie in her last year of residency before she graduated and had the best time of their lives living together. At graduation Jason finally had the courage to tell Mel's parents how he truly felt and asked for permission to make the commitment. They granted their permission and Jason's planning to propose began.
Both Mel's siblings Sam and Marissa helped a ton in making the proposal epic, special, and memorable. Jason planned a special dinner at one of the best fine dining experiences San Francisco has to offer, 3-Michelin Star Benu. With their help, we were able to give Mel one of the best surprises of her life. Waiting to capture the moment, Sam, Marrisa and Quan (Alex) were hiding in the courtyard with the special sign and candles set up. As we approached the signs, Mel slowly realized and knew this day had finally come. Jason dropped to one knee, and showed Melanie the ring (she was so surprised, she gave Jason her right hand instead of her left), Mel approved and said "Yes!" Everyone came out of hiding, we celebrated together then proceeded to our experience at Benu. It was a 2-3 hour journey with amazing staff, food, and service. We even met with the owner/executive chef himself, Corey Lee and took a picture with him. The magical evening continued through the night where we met up with family members afterwards to celebrate with drinks and good company.
We are so happy we found one another and cannot wait to spend the rest of our lives together!
Dental School over the Hump event!
Couldn't have made it through without you JAS!
Jason's first Omakase!
Mel cooking up some FRIED CHICKEN!
