Elise and Kai met in college and bonded over their shared participation in campus EMS and mutual love of dad jokes. They quickly became friends, Kai sitting with Elise during her student guard shifts before and after his class, then sharing a late lunch twice a week. To this day, their first date remains a mystery: does ice cream and a walk along the waterfront count as a date if not clearly specified beforehand? (Current consensus is yes.)

Elise’s graduation marked the beginning of five years of long distance, but they have made the most of the time, visiting on weekends and during medical school vacations. They have enjoyed traveling throughout California and New England, hiking, kayaking, cooking together, and playing with as many dogs as possible (especially their rambunctious puppy Shadow).

Kai and Elise got engaged on December 30th, 2019, during a trip to New Hampshire. Exactly two years later they were married! While COVID prevented a large celebration at that time, they could not be more excited to celebrate their marriage with friends and family this June. This is an extra exciting celebration as it also marks the end of their long distance as they begin their journey as doctors!