Brad always refers to how we met, as a little thing called fate. For those of you who haven’t heard our story, Brad and I met on July 12th, 2009. He was on a Cal Poly trip for Enology and Viticulture touring California wineries in a program with students from Switzerland. I was hunkered down in my house feeling alone and depressed after my previous marriage had fallen apart. That day, my friend decided she was going to get me out of my funk and suggested I meet her at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach. Unbeknownst to me, there was a wine event next door at Dolphin Bay (something that was always formally on my radar), so we finally went over to check it out in the late afternoon. First thing I noticed was this guy running down the hill hurdling over his bulldog as she cut in front of him. It made me laugh and reminded me of the more carefree times in my life. Everyone around me was so happy, and I finally stopped dwelling on my current situation. An hour or so later, as we were leaving, that same guy ran up and asked where I was going. I honestly thought he was directing that comment towards my much younger, prettier friend… but surprisingly not, his question was for me?! So I decided to stay and hang out with all the wine “kids” from Poly and Switzerland. It was the first time in many years, that I had no one to check in with: no agenda, no time constraints. It felt strange to be solo, but there was also a freedom behind it; somewhere in the moments of that day, I realized I was going to be ok.

Thus far, our interaction was nothing more than just a bunch of cool people hanging out together on a Sunday afternoon. Brad and I exchanged numbers as they headed into San Luis, on the thought that I might meet up with them again, once I picked up my longtime childhood friend who was in town for the weekend. She agreed, and we made our way to Woodstocks Pizza to join the crew. Day turned into evening, and we all ended up at Mother’s Tavern for Karaoke. As my best friend and I danced like we were still in grade school, I turned my head and caught Brad watching. But he wasn’t looking at me, he was looking in me. In that moment, I felt as if I knew him from a different life. The feeling was so strange and sudden, like a bolt of energy. From that instant on, my whole view shifted, and I told my friend not to leave me alone with him, lol. Clearly that did not happen. Brad and I talked outside my car until 4AM in a rivetingly raw and honest conversation, revealing all our flaws and weaknesses right from the start. We never took a backwards step from that moment on.

Now, sixteen years later, on the anniversary of that fateful day, we are making it official! We are so excited and appreciative to have all the people who have been part of our journey, here to help celebrate with us!