If you ask Gabe, we met "in the modern way." There may not have been swiping involved, but thanks to a dating website, our propensity for writing in complete sentences, and weeks of exchanging messages about movies, music, and our favorite family dishes, we decided to meet in person. If you ask Nancy, we officially met on our first date in a local coffee shop surrounded by books (coincidentally, this is how she had always dreamt of meeting her future husband). At the end of our coffee date, we walked around Dana Point and took in views of the Pacific Ocean. After deciding neither of us seemed like an axe murderer, we decided to extend the date with a drive along the coast. It was Memorial Day; the skies were blue; and we both left feeling optimistic.

The next year and half was a whirlwind of fun dates, getting to know each other, and getting to know each other's families. We learned through trips, both local and international, that we make excellent travel companions, but it is best that we each have our own umbrella... We learned our lives were better with a partner to share them with.

On November 18, 2018, Gabe planned a day full of activities. Up until the (secret) grand finale, the highlight was participating in a "sip and paint" where we painted a sunset over the ocean. Naturally, Gabe's was beautiful and garnered high praise from the instructor. Nancy's painting, on the other hand, was a valiant effort and displayed (in Gabe's words) "confident brush strokes." After a low key dinner, we finally headed home. When Nancy opened the door she was surprised to find "elves" (aka Gabe's parents) had decorated our living room with a "Marry Me" sign, heart-shaped balloons, a gorgeous bouquet of flowers, a cupcake, and our joint collection of stuffed animals arranged as "witnesses." Gabe added to the display by dropping down to one knee and asking a question. Nancy, of course, said yes!

On November 3, 2019, we are getting married! We cannot wait to celebrate with our closest family and friends!