It was a dark and chilly night on New Year’s Eve in 2017. Esra’s coworker Evan invited her to a New Year’s party with his high school friends. One of Evan’s high school friend (and college roommate) was John.

Esra and John immediately hit it off. Esra was watching another friend’s dog and had left her car at the other house. Unbeknownst to John, Evan told Esra that John would drive her to her car. John offered to drive her because he liked her. And she immediately took him up on the offer! The next morning John texted Esra, asking her to dinner for their first official date.

Two months later, John drove with Esra to North Carolina to pick up her golden retriever puppy – Maya.

Since then, they have shared many dog dates and trips. They moved in together for COVID. And they did long distance for nearly two years when Esra moved to Austin, but John stayed in D.C.

Their passion for travel has taken them all over the United States – from New England to the Southwest (and of course all over Texas). They have also travelled overseas to Germany, the United Kingdom, and most recently Turkey. Throughout their journey they have shared many wonderful memories!

In May 2023, John got down on one knee and asked Esra to marry him, starting their forever adventure! The rest is history…

Registry