Stephanie & Jon

We met while we were both pursuing Ph.D.’s in Biomedical Sciences. Our relationship began as friends, but often found ourselves wanting to spend more and more time together. We learned we shared many common interests and values, including the importance of family. This has become the foundation of our marriage.

We live in San Diego with our four year-old Elijah, 1.5 years old Joshua, and 3 “doodles” Bronco, Peyton, and Bailey. We both work in the technology and healthcare spaces. Our weekends consist of hikes, visiting the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

We enjoy being outdoors and taking advantage of all that San Diego has to offer. This includes the beach, hikes and walks, the zoo, Sea World, sporting events, and outdoor concerts. We also enjoy cooking at home including foods from our native Mexican and Filipino cultures.

We live in sunny San Diego in a gated community 15 minutes from the beach in one of the best school districts. The community is very family-oriented. Our son Elijah has found friends his own age he plays with all the time.

We also spend time in our backyard with enough space for the dogs, Elijah & Joshua, and our future children to run around

Jon about Stephanie

What I love about Stephanie is that she pushes our family to strive bigger and better with her amazing ideas! Stephanie is often looking for activities our family and friends can enjoy and ensuring we’re taking advantage of San Diego and our time together as a family. She also can be the most affectionate, loving person in our family. We’re a perfect fit in that she’s more social and is so good at bringing our friends and family together. On top of all that, through her actions, we’re a more loving family because of Stephanie.

Stephanie about Jon

What I love about Jon is he is my perfect complement. I can be a big planner; whereas Jon is calm and easy-going. He is also patient with me and very supportive. When I was going to law school part time and working full time, it was only possible because Jon took care of everything; from doing all the housework to making all my meals to even quizzing me for tests including the bar exam while having a full time job. He always makes time for our children and myself and supports us in our various endeavors. 

We have a 4.5-year old son Elijah who is easy-going and happy. He has good practice sharing toys with his fur siblings and has taken on a big brother role with Joshua. He shares his favorite toys (cars and trucks) and picks out matching clothes for Joshua every day.

We have a toddler Joshua who is 1.5 years old and ready to be a big brother. He is an extremely happy child, constantly smiling, laughing and trying to talk. He has learned to share and adores his big brother Elijah. He also enjoys watching his dog “siblings” play.

We have three “doodles” – two labradoodles (Bronco and Peyton) and a bernedoodle (Bailey) that are a big part of our family. Before we had Elijah, Bronco and Peyton were our babies. All three dogs love Elijah and Joshua and are so gentle with them. They spend most of their day following them around, often waiting for food to drop, watching them play, or sleeping by their feet.