Truth be told, it took many years and certain events to manifest our meeting to occur. When asked by the curious how we met, the response is always “through a mutual friend.” As I think about that, many things had to happen for both of us to meet this mutual friend, who introduced the two of us.

Julie from Seattle and David being a New England transplant to CA for many years before. We both landed in Southern California around the same time, and the universe went to work. David returned to Southern California after becoming a widow, and Julie, tired of the rain and gloomy weather in Seattle, decided to move to CA, and made contact with one of her long-term friends who lives here.

David was networking, and meeting older business associates, from previous time here. He was getting reconnected in the community and meeting new business associates, when he met Lori. Julie met Lori and other single gals while out wine tasting. Lori just played matchmaker with us knowing both of us were seeking long term relationships. Kind of a simple thing, but what if one thing had not occurred?

We are both older, neither one wanting to play the dating game, and the timing was perfect for both of us to meet.

Turns out, both of us were renting rooms in large homes while we were getting settled from our respective journeys. We became friends, and Lori’s Birthday was coming up, and we acknowledged that we would see each other there. This I believe was our “Official first date.” A local dancing venue with live music set the stage as the launch pad for our relationship. Since it has been almost 8 plus years that we met.

I am reminded about our Sunday brunches at Rodrigo’s in the beginning. The restaurant would have a Mariachi band playing love songs, and other music to guests. Bésame Mucho was a favorite song, as the baritone singer in the group would serenade the two of us. As we sat there enjoying his talent, and when it was over, the entire restaurant clapped. We got to know the Mariachi band, over time as it seemed we went to Rodrigo’s almost every Sunday. They would play other love songs, like Elvis Presley, but if they found us on Sunday mornings they would ask what we wanted to hear. I always remembered that first time, so Bésame Mucho it is.

We began dating heavily around that time, and then David was diagnosed with Throat cancer. Amazing enough, Julie lost her job at the same time David’s treatment began. This was almost a miracle, because David’s truck blew up, and he was riding a motorcycle as a primary mode of transportation at that time. He could not continue to go to treatments using that vehicle, and Julie was there to support David and get him to his appointments. Taking care of David was a tough time for us both. This strengthened our bond together, while still living separately.

We chose to get our own place together and began laying the foundation for our future. We began a real estate business, after David got enough strength back to go back to work.

We became engaged, and as the news spread, so did time. Since we have been engaged for 6 years, it seems like we are already husband and wife. Now it is the time to close the deal, express our commitment to each other, and share our day with you.

Neither of our families are close by. We understand the expense placed upon our family and friends to travel, In order to join us. Our hope is that our request is accepted. This will be a smaller event, and those invited are closest to us, and we are excited to spend this special day with all of you.

We have chosen a beautiful venue nearby, with an outside ceremony and covered reception to make your day comfortable. We have a hotel offering reduced rates. The information is under the Travel section of the website.