How it all began

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Mason and Madeline’s story began in April 2020, when their eyes met across a sand volleyball court in Lubbock, Texas. Both were students at the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University — he pursuing a degree in finance, she in management — yet they’d never crossed paths until that moment. As Covid swept in and changed the world, they spent the rest of their time in Lubbock together, discovering how much they had in common. Madeline graduated in May 2020 and soon after moved to Austin to begin her career. Mason, still finishing his degree, surprised her by joining her there that summer, kicking off an extraordinary journey. Five years later, they’re best friends, true loves, and partners in life — ready to make it official.

That summer of 2020 set the stage for what followed. Mason had already secured an internship at Dell in Austin long before meeting Madeline, while she landed a job offer in real estate right as their connection sparked — a twist she hadn’t anticipated, as she didn’t expect to move to Austin. Her interview process wrapped up just in time, and with Mason’s decision to join her, it turned into a serendipitous alignment of paths. She’d soon thrive in marketing and management within the real estate industry, while he leaned into his internship. With Covid reshaping plans, his move felt right for both his work and his heart. He completed his senior year remotely from Austin, driving back to Lubbock occasionally for in-person classes, and earned his finance degree in May 2021.

Life in Austin became their foundation. After graduation, Mason was offered a spot in a development program at eBay in San Jose, California (Bay Area) — an opportunity too good to pass up. He didn’t expect Madeline to want to move, but when she said yes, he got the best of both worlds: a dream job and his dream girl. In August 2021, they headed west together. San Jose opened new doors: Madeline excelled in real estate marketing and management, while Mason made strides in technology. They spent just over two years there, building a life of adventure and growth. By mid-2023, though, they felt the pull to return to Austin. Settling downtown, Madeline continued to shine in her career, while Mason kept working with eBay for some time before joining Early Riders, a Bitcoin venture firm, as a principal in early 2024 and co-founding Acropolis, a Bitcoin treasury company, in mid-2024.

Through it all, they’ve traveled the world, stitching together memories across continents and cultures. They’ve grown healthier together, diving into nutrition and wellness, and have become each other’s biggest fans. Mason and Madeline lift each other up — his strengths fueling her, her strengths anchoring him. They share a deep love for Texas Tech sports, cheering fiercely for their Red Raiders, followed by the LA Lakers and LA Dodgers, and — unfortunately — the Dallas Cowboys, whose struggles they endure with reluctant loyalty. Whether they’re exploring new places or just soaking in a game, they’ve learned they’re better as a team. Their love shines in grand moments and quiet ones alike, built on shared dreams and endless possibility.

Now, as they prepare to say “I do,” Mason and Madeline look forward to building even more. They dream of starting a family, of one day settling full-time on a ranch or by a lake somewhere — a peaceful haven to call their own. Ready to celebrate the life they’ve crafted, they’re eager to step into the future they’ll shape together.