Our love story began on a dating App called Hinge. Claire and Zane were both home during the pandemic and not doing much outside of their bubble of friends. Friends convinced each of them to download the app and give it a try and both thought "What the heck, why not?", expecting nothing to come of it. Little did they know, the universe had been working to get them together for a long time. Claire and Zane started chatting on the app and eventually started texting. Since it was mid-covid, Claire was a bit more hesitant to meet Zane in person, but finally, she couldn't wait any longer and wanted to meet him. They decided on a place to meet for dinner in Davenport and had an incredible first date. The date ended early, however, because there was a city-wide curfew at the time in Davenport and all businesses closed at 8 pm. Zane went back home to Clinton and Claire went back to her house in Davenport. Soon enough, the two were spending all of their free time together.

Over the next few months, and many conversations, Claire and Zane realized that there had been many times when they almost met because they were in the same place at the same time in previous years. Claire was a bartender at Great River Brewery and worked on Sundays- Zane was at Great River for a friend's birthday and Claire would have served him. Zane and Claire were both at the same concert at Codfish Hollow, a music venue. Claire and Zane were both at The Adler to see Book of Mormon, sitting in different sections. Claire and Zane were both at a Harry Potter Pop-Up (at their favorite cocktail bar, Cru) and then were both at the live orchestra with the movie after.

After about a year of dating, Claire and Zane decided it was time to move in together and Claire left her humble abode to move to the big city, Clinton, Iowa. Poppy was so happy to not have to travel back and forth anymore, maybe even more so than Claire or Zane!

Life was great at the green house- friends were always stopping by, there was always someone to talk to, and there were many nights of cooking and laughing.

Eventually, the roommates moved out and Claire and Zane started thinking about moving in the next couple of years. Around this same time, a house went up for sale in the same subdivision as Zane's parents and they made the mistake of going to the open house. Claire and Zane fell in love and had a whirlwind of a purchase, closing on our dream home within 19 days. Zane left for vacation on the day of closing, and since Claire still had to work and would not meet the Pennock family on vacation for a couple of more days, spent that time moving in.

Claire and Zane settled into the house and Poppy was excited to have 3 acres to run around and play. With the spring came a new four-legged addition to the family, Arthur, who has adjusted well.

Amongst all the things Claire and Zane have done and all the places they have been, they are excited for their greatest trip yet, married life.