A Newcomer Makes a Lasting First Impression

In July 2021, Arthur Espinoza had invited a dozen friends to his San Francisco apartment to watch “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” The show was well underway, with all the guests accounted for and nibbling on chicken wings and dill pickles, when he heard a knock at the door.

The late arrival was Dr. Brandon Michael Imp. He had received a loose invite through an acquaintance who was then dating Mr. Espinoza.

Despite his newcomer status, Dr. Imp seamlessly fit in with the friend group. By the end of the evening, all present had exchanged phone numbers.

From the outset, Mr. Espinoza said he was drawn to Dr. Imp’s wide smile and outgoing spirit, and he hoped they would become friends. Within days, the two were texting frequently.

A month later, when Mr. Espinoza announced his relationship had ended, Dr. Imp was happy to provide a sympathetic ear while secretly wondering if Mr. Espinoza might be interested in dating him at some point.

Their budding friendship had revealed a shared love of silliness, a genuine, deep ease with each other, and an equal dedication to their respective careers.

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Dr. Imp, 37, who grew up in Illinois and New Jersey, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Cornell before receiving a medical degree from the Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. He also has a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley. After completing residencies in internal and preventive medicine and a fellowship in H.I.V. medicine, he now works for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, specializing in H.I.V., hepatitis C, addiction, and gender-affirming care.

Mr. Espinoza, also 37, is a group merchandising director at Target. He grew up in a close-knit family in El Paso, Texas, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Utah Valley University.

After Mr. Espinoza announced his breakup, neither he nor Dr. Imp had to wait long to find out if they’d be interested in dating each other. The following day, over text, Mr. Espinoza asked Dr. Imp to review his Hinge profile. Dr. Imp jumped onto the site and, instead of offering feedback, he tapped to indicate his interest. Suddenly, their texts took a flirty turn, and Dr. Imp asked him out on a date. “I moved fast before Arthur was scooped up,” Dr. Imp said.

Two days later, at Trax, a local dive bar, the two huddled together, wondering if their friendship could morph into romance when their knees accidentally touched. “There were sparks, just like in a cheesy rom-com,” Mr. Espinoza said. “I hoped Brandon would kiss me, and he did, right then and there.”

At the time, Dr. Imp was studying for his medical board examination, so the relationship began with Dr. Imp spending many nights studying. “Not exactly the honeymooning most couples go through,” he said. But just a year later, the two moved into an apartment in the Castro neighborhood of San Francisco. Ms. Espinoza’s mother drove from Texas to help settle the couple into their home.

“I am impressed by everything about Arthur, especially his relationships with family and friends,” Dr. Imp said. “He has so much passion for creating the life he wants.”

The two got engaged on Dec. 19, 2023. Mr. Espinoza had created a romantic candlelit scene at their apartment, but Dr. Imp, upon returning from a long work day, was tired and in need of a restroom. He was so overwhelmed and taken off guard when Mr. Espinoza produced a ring box that he fled to the bathroom, throwing off his grimy work clothes on the way before emerging soon after, naked, offering a resounding “yes.”

On Aug. 30, an unusually hot afternoon for San Francisco, the couple were married at Sutro Heights Park, part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, by Dr. Kurtis Mohr, a colleague of Dr. Imp’s who was ordained by the American Marriage Ministries for the occasion. With the Pacific Ocean spread out before them, glittering to the western horizon, 85 guests, some waving paper fans to move the warm air, witnessed the couple exchange vows.

Later that evening, pickles, a favorite food of Mr. Espinosa, were featured strongly at the reception, which was held at Terra Gallery & Event Venue in San Francisco. Upon arrival, guests answered the question, “Are you a little sour or a little spicy?” Guests were offered pickles of various varieties.

During his toast, Mr. Espinoza’s father, Mario Espinoza, teared up recounting his admiration for his son, while tears sprang up all around when Dr. Imp took to the dance floor with his sister, Kate, during which a video of his mother, who died in 2019, played behind them.

“It’s hard to get through the world on your own,” Dr. Imp said. “It’s so important for us to have a community, and to have each other.”

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