Bring yourself back to 2017. Despacito is pumping over the radio airwaves, the UK is separating from the European Union, the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup and Real Madrid wins another Champions League title. Are you intrigued to read on?

Ana, a great friend to both Thomas and Celia, mentions to Thomas at friends gathering in Victoria that she has a beautiful and intelligent friend named Celia back in Vancouver. Thomas, a textbook extrovert and ready to embrace the journey, decides to send a message to Celia over Facebook. He introduces himself as Ana’s friend (Celia’s note: thank you to Ana for sending her a head’s up text that this wasn’t just some random internet man) and asks Celia if she would like to join him on the Grouse Grind, otherwise known as nature’s stairmaster. Celia, jaded by the Vancouver dating scene, respectfully declines the offer to hike up a steep mountain on a first date and proposes another activity. The plan shifted to Stanley Park, where Celia and Thomas took a sunny stroll around Third Beach followed by some drinks.

The first date was the beginning of a new chapter in both Celia’s and Thomas’ lives. At the time, Thomas was living in Victoria and Celia was squished into a basement suite in Vancouver. Thomas asked Celia if she would like to go for a second date and climb the Chief, a hiking trail in Squamish. Celia was impressed with Thomas’ persistence and straightforwardness and accepted this challenge (aka the second date). Thomas and Celia had an adventurous day that included hiking, breweries, beach time, watching a UFC fight with his brother and sister-in-law, and finally going out for Sangria at a local Spanish restaurant. These dates would epitomize the adventures that Celia and Thomas would continue to take on together.

Over the weeks, months, and years beyond 2017, Thomas and Celia have travelled to unique spots around the globe, climbed up (and skied down) both snow-capped and sand mountains, swam in incredible oceans, danced under the Caribbean sun, and have slept under the stars at beautiful lakes.

In 2021, Thomas and Celia added Gravy to the family, their labradoodle puppy who continues to bring joy and happiness each day. On September 1st, 2021, Thomas would propose to Celia overlooking the St. Lawrence River in Quebec City. This day marked the start to a new and exciting adventure in their lives together. Thomas and Celia are excited to celebrate the beginning of their next chapter with Gravy, family, and friends by their side.