San Francisco District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood and former Google X product manager Cynthia Wu’s love story began on Hinge in December 2022, where a unique video of Wu fixing a refrigerator drawer prompted Mahmood to swipe right.
This playful interaction was underscored by their shared commitment to climate concerns, as Mahmood sent a digital rose to Wu while mentioning his climate legislation.
“What a flex,” Wu laughed, recalling her response: “I voted for you.”
Mahmood, 38, had recently lost a bid for state Assembly in District 17 but found solace in his unexpected connection with Wu, 34, who recognized him from past endorsements her manager had posted online.
Reflecting on their journey, Mahmood noted, “I lost the race, but I found Cynthia.”
After being diagnosed with autism in 2021, Mahmood harbored doubts about his capacity for love, believing that a romantic life might not be in the cards for him.
He had never labeled anyone as his girlfriend, thinking romantic pursuits were sacrifices for a greater purpose.
Yet, encouraged by friends, he returned to dating apps, leading to numerous first dates that yielded little more than disappointment.
“I just wasn’t getting that resonance,” he stated, as he navigated a life focused on personal achievements and civic responsibility without companionship.
Everything changed when he met Wu.
Their first date in January 2023 was a lecture by Gene Luen Yang, an author whose works Wu admired.
Despite a rocky start—Wu arrived 15 minutes late after mixing up the dates—the evening ended on a high note, especially when Mahmood produced a spare copy of the sold-out book for Wu.
Mahmood’s fascination with Wu continued to grow.
“She was so pretty, but she was also really quirky,” he expressed, finding excitement at the prospect of seeing her again.
But Wu approached things with caution.
“In San Francisco, the odds are good, but the goods are odd,” she said, reaffirming her desire for a serious commitment.
Their connection deepened during their second date at the Conservatory of Flowers, where Wu shared her passion for house plants.
Mahmood learned the term “crunchy” as Wu described her eco-conscious lifestyle.
In a moment of vulnerability, Mahmood shared with Wu about his autism, revealing that sometimes he struggled to interpret non-literal meaning.
To his relief, she responded with understanding, having seen shows like “Love on the Spectrum.”
Within weeks, their bond grew stronger; during a beach outing, Wu interlaced her fingers with his for the first time.
The experience was momentous for Mahmood, who described the warmth and comfort he felt in that moment as something new and loving.
By February 2023, they had made their relationship exclusive.
During a heartfelt moment four months later, Wu expressed her love first.
After Mahmood’s emotional response—including tears—the two acknowledged their feelings for each other.
With aspirations for their future, Mahmood announced his candidacy for the Board of Supervisors in January 2024.
Navigating life in politics, both aimed to keep their personal lives intertwined with Mahmood’s public service mission.
While Wu initially avoided attending political events, her support became apparent as she gradually attended every debate and door-knocking session alongside him.
Fluent in Chinese, Wu also translated at the door for Mahmood, helping him connect with constituents in diverse neighborhoods.
Their evenings often included spontaneous dining experiences, where they filmed for their Instagram mini-series “Bites With Bilal,” showcasing local eateries and markets.
“We realized we didn’t want work-life separation; we wanted integration,” Wu emphasized, highlighting their collective approach to life as a couple.
Mahmood’s thoughtfulness flourished, as he made plans based on Wu’s interests, proposing unique date ideas that demonstrated his attentiveness.
She appreciated his effort, stating, “He was clearly listening to me and then coming up with not just one good date idea but five.”
With discussions of marriage becoming a norm in their conversations, both had aligned goals; however, they agreed to postpone any engagements until after the election.
On November 5, Mahmood was elected to the Board of Supervisors.
Their post-election celebratory trip to Japan turned into a proposal by Mount Fuji, where, despite logistical challenges, Mahmood made the moment memorable.
He presented Wu with a ring she had designed, which featured a sustainably made, lab-grown diamond, reflecting her values of eco-consciousness and responsibility.
After their engagement, the couple held their wedding ceremony on August 16 at the Conservatory of Flowers, creating an intimate atmosphere surrounded by close friends and family.
Mahmood, dressed in a custom tuxedo by Josh Djafari, made sure that the garment represented Wu’s Chinese heritage with a red lining.
Meanwhile, Wu opted for a stunning gown from Marina Morrison, marrying elegance with the significance of the event.
A San Francisco Symphony quartet serenaded guests with covers from Taylor Swift and Coldplay while the couple walked down the aisle to carefully chosen melodies—Mahmood to the dramatic theme of “Star Wars” and Wu to Pachelbel’s Canon.
The wedding decor reflected their values with a green and white color palette and edible centerpieces that got guests involved.
Dinner was a blend of cultures featuring her favorite comfort foods alongside Pakistani specialties to honor Mahmood’s heritage.
Unexpectedly, the reception included a musical chairs game with civic prompts designed by the maid of honor and best man to engage the crowd.
Their first dance, a choreographed number to “Lucky” by Jason Mraz, showcased their collaborative spirit while highlighting their personalities.
“We learned how to work as a team,” Wu remarked, pointing out their dynamic balance during practice.
Later in the evening, Mahmood entertained guests with a surprise dance routine performed with his groomsmen, culminating the night on a joyous note.
As the couple embarks on their new journey, they are excitedly preparing to merge their lives, searching for a shared home close to their favorite local spots and Wu’s family roots.
While children and perhaps even a dog are on the horizon when time permits, Mahmood expressed an openness to the future, stating, “There’s no cap with her.”
The love story of Bilal Mahmood and Cynthia Wu illustrates a journey filled with serendipity, shared values, and profound connection amidst the hustle of political life—a testament to the power of love in transforming one’s outlook and life.
image source from：sfstandard
