Some love stories are written in novels, others in movies, but Maddie and Aaryck Enriquez’s tale is recorded through Instagram messages, backyard vows, and now, stroller walks through Highgate. 

 

Their wedding was one for the books. 

 

After cancelling their wedding three times during the pandemic, Maddie and Aaryck Enriquez decided to just cut their losses and go for it. "It was the hottest day of the year," laughs Maddie. "We started at 8 a.m."  

 

Because of COVID restrictions, they only had 20 individuals present. But their wedding had all the special touches that they still cherish to this day.  

 

"We got married in her backyard," recalls Aaryck. It was a magical moment. What's more? "Maddie ended up buying the house from her grandfather." Her parents also got married in their grandparents' backyard. Pandemic or not, their celebration was perfect.  

 

What makes their relationship work? It all comes down to life is better done together. “We support each other, and others support us,” explain Maddie and Aaryck. "We need their support. That's our mantra."  

 

Fascinatingly, their relationship dates back decades. Aaryck, who is originally from Southern California, moved to Bakersfield as a child. “That’s when I met Maddie,” his eyes sparkle with delight. “I was in the fifth grade. We went to the same school, and I was in the same grade as her sister.”  

 

Their dating days didn’t happen until much later. “I was in Colorado at the time,” says Aaryck. “We were following each other on social media, but we didn’t start talking until 2017. I slid into her DMs.” The rest is history. 

 

A year ago, a new chapter unfolded.  In May 2024, they moved to Highgate. “We loved our house, but our previous neighborhood wasn’t the safest place to raise a family.  

 

“It all started with my sister-in-law,” chimes in Aaryck. “They were moving to Seven Oaks.” They met Maddie’s aunt and uncle at Highgate Courts for pickleball. Soon they looked at model homes during Christmas vacation. They liked what they saw.  

 

“We crunched the numbers and decided we could make it work,” says Aaryck. “That’s when we convinced Maddie’s sister to check out Highgate too.”  

 

Soon after, she joined them on the same street, and Maddie’s mom began building a house just down the block. The result? A neighborhood filled with family, laughter, and built-in babysitters. 

 

After moving in May, Maddie got pregnant in June. Now they have a baby girl named Dorothy, who is 5 months old. “We named her after Maddie’s grandmother,” says Aaryck proudly. With her zest for life, she is the light of their world.  

 

“She is delightful,” Maddie beams. “She’s the chilliest baby.” Aaryck adds with a grin, “She likes to rip my mustache off,” he laughs. “She also wants to hang out with you without being rude about it.” Dorothy’s chatter and easygoing spirit have added joy to their already close-knit home. 

 

Both Maddie and Aaryck work in marketing, but in very different corners. Maddie is the local connection, helping Bakersfield businesses brand themselves and thrive. Aaryck works with higher education clients, ensuring veterans are supported and seen. 

  

“When I graduated high school, I was in the military,” he shares. “I wanted to give back to the military space again.” Now he has the opportunity to do that every single day. 

 

“I help them cater their message, their strategy, and make sure that they speak to their audience very directly and clearly,” he comments. “I believe in supporting their journey.  

 

Coming from a military background, things are very hard with the responsibilities on your plate. I partner with my clients to make sure that they are given the right resources.” 

 

His years in the U.S. Air Force gave him a deep respect for camaraderie, and he carries that forward in everything he does. He worked in Security Forces. “We were basically military police,” he explains. Security has a wide range of responsibilities, from the base police, base defense, and security for nuclear assets and convoys.”  

 

How was it day to day? “Most days are mind-numbingly boring,” he admits. “But when things heat up, that’s the stuff you don’t forget.” Whether guarding nukes or providing a tactical response, he was ready to defend and protect.  

 

“Being a veteran isn’t my identity, but it’s a part of my identity,” says Aaryck. “It’s shaped who I am and how I look at life.”  Going overseas and coming back to the States changed him as an individual.  

 

“There are a lot of things that happened during my enlistment that helped to instill compassion in me that I didn’t see coming,” he admits. “One thing I miss the most are the friendships I made along the way and the people I connected with. We still talk, make plans, and make things happen. The things that we did as a unit or an organization – it’s hard to replace that. You don’t find that elsewhere in the world. When you leave that, it leaves a big hole in your life. It feels like there is something missing.”  

 

That is why Aaryck is passionate about helping other military veterans. He has walked in their shoes and understands the challenges that they face.  

 

“I learned that a part of my life was gone, and it was hard to replace that,” he says. “I overcame those hurdles and struggles as time went on by the grace of God.” Sadly, he did lose a few friends who struggled with depression. Now he is more motivated than ever to help others, aligning himself with organizations that believe in the values of helping veterans and provide a path forward for them.  

 

“That’s another reason I love my wife,” he raves. “She is compassionate and understanding and listens to the struggles that I have. Because of her and her camaraderie, I am able to help others too. I have a great support system at home.”  

 

Life in Highgate fits the Enriquez family like a glove. Weekends are cozy and lively all at once. They are filled with activity. From Saturday house projects, a nephew’s baseball games, fun in the sun at the pool, and yoga down the street for Maddie, there’s always something on the calendar. And there’s always time for church on Sundays. 

 

Before Dorothy, they loved camping trips, traveling to visit friends, and learning pickleball at the neighborhood courts. These days with their new bundle of joy, the adventures look more like stroller walks, splashy swim sessions, and baby giggles echoing through the cul-de-sac.  

“We have a few friends throughout California that we like to visit,” adds Aaryck. “But since our daughter has come along, our ability to do things has shifted.”  

 

“We love living in Seven Oaks,” adds Maddie. “There is so much to do outside our door without driving far away.”  

 

One fun fact about Maddie? Once the lead vocalist in an alternative rock band, she recorded albums, filmed music videos, and performed at shows across the Central Valley. Aaryck teases, “I’m kind of jealous.” 

 

These days, Maddie saves her voice for softer moments, serenading baby Dorothy with lullabies. Still, every now and then, the rock star in her peeks through. Neighbors might just catch her belting out a song when the mood strikes, a playful reminder that once upon a time, she was on stage, mic in hand, commanding a crowd. 

Their biggest strength as a couple? They lean on each other, balancing strengths, filling in gaps, and supporting one another through it all. “Our next chapter is figuring out how to do that as parents,” Maddie says. “Living in Seven Oaks is part of that puzzle. The community and camaraderie in the neighborhood are part of the whole tapestry we are creating.”