Some people meet through friends. Some through work.
Bradley and Max met because of a bachelor party, a recommendation, and a very good decision to end up at the same bar in San Diego.
Max was in town celebrating with college friends when a mutual friend suggested a local spot called Rich's. That's where he spotted Bradley on the dance floor.
"Fanny pack, bro tank, backwards hat," Max remembered. "That's the man I'm going to marry."
The two spent the evening together, and when Max unexpectedly found himself with a full week off work, he decided to extend his stay in San Diego. What started as a chance encounter quickly turned into something more.
"It was so random and crazy," Max said. "Everything just kind of lined up."
Years later, after moving to Portland, Bradley and Max became regular visitors to Fiina and Betsy & Iya. When conversations about engagement started, Bradley knew exactly where he wanted to go.
When it came time to propose, Bradley knew he wanted Hawaii to be part of their story.
The couple was already headed to Maui for a family wedding, so with help from both of their moms, Bradley began planning a sunset proposal on the beach.
"The car ride there was dead silent," Bradley laughed. "I was the most nervous I've ever been."
After searching for a quiet spot among the crowds, the couple finally settled onto the sand overlooking the ocean.
Then Bradley got down on one knee, said all the sweet things, and asked Max to marry him. Max said yes.
Nearby, their moms celebrated while Bradley's mom documented every second.
"My mom was basically paparazzi," Bradley laughed.
Bradley had proposed with a temporary ring, but there was still one more surprise waiting.
Knowing how important the design process would be, Bradley wanted Max to help create their rings together. At their celebration dinner, he presented the custom ring concepts Betsy had sketched—the starting point for what would eventually become their final pieces.
For Max, seeing those drawings became one of the most meaningful parts of the entire experience.
"We framed them and have them hanging in our home," he said. "They added so much to the experience."
Bradley's ring features a purple stone chosen as a tribute to his mom. Max wanted something sparkly, simple, and uniquely his own.
"I was very indecisive," he laughed.
Working with Betsy and Barrie helped bring that vision into focus.
"They were able to take all of my indecisiveness and bring the piece to life in such an amazing way," Max said. "I never felt pressured. I never felt like I was asking too much."
Today, they still receive compliments on their rings everywhere they go.
"It feels nice knowing that so much time and energy was put into it," Bradley said. "It's so unique to us."
These days, Bradley and Max are focused on their next adventure.
Just one week before their wedding, they bought their first home together. A honeymoon in Thailand is on the horizon. And someday, they hope to grow their family.
They're already talking about creating a family ring—something future generations can inherit and continue passing down.
For Bradley and Max, it's one more way to carry their story forward.
