Some love stories feel written in the stars, where timing and chance encounters pave the way for something extraordinary. For Gaby and Leah, their journey began on a warm summer night in San Diego — August 3rd, 2019 — when two different worlds collided at exactly the right moment.

The Night It All Began

Leah was out celebrating her friend MC’s birthday with a group at a Korean BBQ spot, later heading to Gossip Grill for more fun. Meanwhile, Jess — known to her family and friends as Gaby — was out with her Marine buddies, enjoying a night of freedom away from military life.

At Gossip, with the music pumping and the atmosphere buzzing, even waiting in line for the restroom became part of the night’s story. Leah happened to be standing behind Gaby in line. As Leah stepped out, Gaby playfully teased, “Hey, I waited for you!” to which Leah laughed, “I didn’t ask you to wait for me!”

Moments later, as Leah was making her way toward the exit, Gaby chimed again with a grin, “I told you, I waited for you!”

That lighthearted exchange would become the spark of something incredible.

A First Date That Was Anything But “Normal”

Their first official date took place at Open Mic Night at Lestat’s in Normal Heights — though, as they like to say, there was nothing “normal” about it. It was the beginning of a bond filled with laughter, music, and the unmistakable feeling of being exactly where they were meant to be.

A Proposal Straight Out of a Fairytale

Years later, Gaby orchestrated a proposal that was both romantic and symbolic. On a gondola ride in San Marcos, California — Italy-themed and dreamy in every way — Gaby slipped a message in a bottle with her proposal for Leah. It was intimate, heartfelt, and perfectly them.

Life Together: Big Adventures & Simple Joys

Though they’ve had grand adventures — road trips to Palm Springs, Monterey, and LA, pop-up Star Wars shows, and treasure hunts at quirky markets like The Great Junk Hunt — their favorite moments are often the simplest. A cozy night on the couch, just being together, is their perfect kind of date.

Five words describe their relationship best: communication, respect, love, safe space, patience. Both admire the other’s ability to listen, to stay patient, and to always keep communication open.

Music plays a special role in their story, too. The song that best represents their love is We Are Young by Fun — not only because they’re always singing it together, but because it captures their shared commitment to embracing life’s fleeting joys and never taking them for granted.

And if their life together could be summed up in a movie? Serendipity. Because, as they believe, life — and love — is beautifully serendipitous.

The Wedding Day

On Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 — exactly six years after their first meeting — Gaby and Leah said “I do” at Tranquilo Ranch in Groesbeck, Texas. The hot summer day set the stage for a celebration that was simple, casual, yet undeniably classy.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, their wedding day was less about extravagance and more about what mattered most: love, laughter, and community. With sage, white, and gold as their colors (and a touch of royal blue, their shared favorite), every detail reflected who they are as a couple.

Looking Ahead

For Gaby and Leah, the dream isn’t about where they travel or what they accomplish — it’s simply enjoying time together, wherever life takes them. Their story is a reminder that sometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected places… even in line at Gossip Grill.

Congratulations to Gaby and Leah on beginning this beautiful new chapter together! 🥂💍 All of us at Smith Family Photography wish you a lifetime filled with joy, laughter, and endless adventures, whether on the road or cozied up at home. Your wedding day was an incredible celebration of love, and we are so honored to have captured it. A heartfelt thank you also goes out to Kaitlyn Pagel for her wonderful assistance at the wedding — your support helped make this day even more special!