Noah and Claudia met in 2022 and quickly fell in love.

In their first year of dating, Claudia and Noah’s spark persisted despite the hour-long trek between them. Claudia lived in Everett, and Noah and Seattle. Distance made the heart grow fonder, and they began meeting weekly for “Crow Dinner.” They each followed the river of crows to a convenient midpoint – a wooded roost of over 10,000 local (and loud) crows – for Thai food and cans of Coors Banquet. Small whimsies like this made the distance feel smaller.

Noah and Claudia knew they had something special six months in. By then, Claudia had converted Noah into a bird-nerd with his own "life list," and Noah had convinced Claudia of the poetry and charm of baseball.

One year turned into two, and these lovebirds got more creative with how they nourished their love. Between visits, they filled their time with 3-hour phone chats, surprise postcards, and Claudia’s love-letter zines. Despite Claudia’s best attempt, her “Bird and Bones tin can phone” could not span the 35 miles between them.

So in early 2024, Claudia made the leap to South Seattle. The couple began building a life together in what would be christened “The Birdhouse.” (Have you noticed a theme?)

Last summer, Noah packed a picnic and proposed at Deception Pass. Claudia was so excited that she took off her fancy pants and jumped in the water. They drove to Claudia’s parents, who were waiting at their home with champagne. As an extra surprise, Noah had even convinced Claudia’s mom and dad to watch WWE Summerslam with them.