Ben and Teresa met in April of 2005 at the now-defunct Levende Lounge in San Francisco. (Who talked to who first is up for debate.)

We quickly learned we lived in the same lower Haight neighborhood, and while that may not seem like a big deal in a city that’s only 7 miles by 7 miles across, it does have an impact! Our first proper date was strictly local, at Jade Bar and Place Pigalle, and things continued from there. I was charmed by Ben’s purported DJ skills and the way that he insisted on picking me up for dates that were within walking distance. He was charmed in part by a ridiculous string of bells I wore around my left ankle.

Over the next few years, our relationship grew and we grew with each other. I ended my stint in retail to return to graphic design, with Ben’s support; he left his job at Adobe to pursue development work independently (and successfully of course). My things kept making their way into his new place on Page street, my room in the three-bedroom apartment on Grove slowly converting into a work studio. We got our first Christmas tree!

After a while, we realized I was basically living in his tiny one-bedroom place, and admitted we needed more room, and more sunlight. We said our goodbyes to our neighborhood bar (including Photo Nudie Hunt!)…

…Said good riddance to the never-ending fog, the hills, and parking problems, and took the next step together, moving across town to our very own flat in Bernal Heights. Ah, the warmth! The quirkiness. It’s a little like living in the country, with the city just a block away.

This place has been our first real home together, a lovely three bedroom with bay windows that looks out on the city from the north base of Bernal Hill. We each have an office to work from (with doors!), a grown-up couch, and a beautiful kitchen in which to cook and entertain.

Update! We’ve moved! We hope to host you in our new Bernal Heights home sometime soon!

 

Things we love together

Travel (together and with friends). Here, Costa Rica, but also Paris, Tokyo, Thailand…

Field archery

Our weekly vegetable box from Capay Organic

Espresso sweet espresso pulled at home – especially Four Barrel Friendo Blendo!