High school is often a time filled with friendships, sports, and formative experiences, but for several couples from Santa Barbara, it was also the backdrop for lasting love stories that have endured for decades. From chance meetings in marching bands to dance practices, these couples reflect on how their youthful connections blossomed into lifelong partnerships.
Jackie and Daniel Zaida: A Journey Through Time
Jackie and Daniel Zaida’s romance began at Dos Pueblos High School in 1979, introduced by a mutual friend. Their early memories include family outings, such as roller-skating at East Beach, where they brought their parents together. Despite the challenges of attending different colleges—Daniel at UC Santa Barbara and Jackie at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo—they maintained their relationship. Daniel would cycle for hours to visit Jackie, an endeavor he undertook once or twice a year.
Their wedding in 1983 took place on a hot August day in Montecito, and they have since built a life together, celebrating 47 years of marriage. They have two daughters, Karen, 39, and Diane, 38, and share their home with a guinea pig and a rabbit. Jackie emphasizes the importance of commitment, stating, “When you first get married, you’re so excited… but there are going to be some not-so-fun parts, and you stick by it and get through it.”
David and Lisa Tonello: A Shared Love of Music
Another enduring love story is that of David and Lisa Beautrow Tonello, who first connected in 1973 while participating in the Santa Barbara High School marching band. Lisa recalls how a chance meeting during her sophomore year, while she was recovering from a leg injury, led to a prom invitation that would change their lives. Their relationship blossomed during a summer trip to Europe with the band, where they shared sweet moments, including a memorable chocolate mishap in Switzerland.
Married on Valentine’s Day three years later, their bond has been tested through the loss of their daughter, Jeanette, but they maintain that friendship and shared interests are the cornerstones of their union. Now residing in Northern Nevada, they cherish their two adult children, Matt, 46, and Tracie, 43, who still live in Santa Barbara. The couple recently revisited Switzerland, reminiscing about their early adventures.
Daniel and Gloria Garnica: From Dance Practice to Marriage
Daniel and Gloria Garnica’s story began in 1998 at a quinceañera dance practice, where they were both invited to be part of the court. Daniel felt an instant connection, saying, “Honestly, she was the only girl I ever felt I could talk to easily.” Gloria, however, had a different memory of Daniel from their elementary school days, recalling an incident involving a computer. This shared history ignited their romance.
Daniel transferred to San Marcos High School to be closer to Gloria, and their relationship blossomed through shared classes and football games. After an initial proposal during a camping trip—which Gloria declined—she eventually accepted during a beach outing, leading to their marriage in Montecito on October 15, 2005. The couple now lives in Santa Barbara with their two children, Katherine, 19, and Alex, 17.
Emily Dietz and Jimmy Brakka: Love on the Field
Emily Dietz and Jimmy Brakka also share a high school love story that began in 2009 at San Marcos High School. As members of the softball and baseball teams, their connection deepened when paired together in a buddy system. Their relationship became official over dinner at a friend’s house, leading to memorable moments, including a playful Valentine’s Day gift—a giant teddy bear that Jimmy brought to school.
The couple successfully navigated long-distance challenges during college, relying on communication as their foundation. They now coach the San Marcos softball team together, embracing the joy of working at their alma mater. Emily, who teaches 10th-grade world history, often finds herself reminiscing about their high school days on campus.
These couples exemplify how high school relationships can evolve into profound partnerships, emphasizing the value of friendship, shared experiences, and commitment. Their stories serve as reminders that love can be both a journey and a destination, forged in the halls of high schools and enriched through the years.
