Our first picture together after our second date - a hike at Friedrich Wilderness Park and a stop at a food truck park

January 2021

Like many modern couples, we were brought together by an app - Hinge, specifically. Each day, the app gives you a profile with whom the algorithm has determined you're "Most Compatible." And it was pretty spot on! We'd both gone to Texas Tech, had dogs, and liked outdoorsy stuff like hiking and paddle boarding. We can't remember which one of us initiated contact. But whoever did made the right move!

On Congress

May 2022

From the very beginning, it was evident that we shared a similar outlook on life. Our dreams, aspirations, and values aligned and created a strong foundation for our relationship. Whether we were talking about future goals, family traditions, or longterm career ambitions, we typically found that we were on the same page. We knew we weren’t just compatible in the present moment, but in our vision for our lives together. And as we’ve grown as a couple, we’ve intentionally kept space for us to grow and evolve as individuals. We are each other’s biggest cheerleaders. We’ve celebrated each other’s successes and supported one another through challenges, all while embracing each other’s flaws and imperfections. We love that we want to learn and adapt together. In one another, we have found not just a partner, but a true companion for life.

Popping the question on the summit of Mauna Kea

July 13, 2023

Laura and Dax joined her brother for a group trip to Hawaii in July 2023. The Cannons take trips to the Big Island basically every other year, so Laura was excited to show Dax around. The day before they left, Dax told Laura he wanted to make time for a “special date” at some point on the trip. He really emphasized it had to be like, really, really special. To say Laura’s antennas were up is a slight understatement. After throwing around some fun, but special, date ideas, they decided to take a Jeep up to the summit of Mauna Kea, one of the few touristy things on the Big Island that Laura had never done. They made the plan: grab some food to have a car picnic at sunset before driving down the volcano for a “special” star gazing tour Dax had booked. [Author's note - did you catch that it was special?? Laura sure did!] If Laura wasn’t expecting something before, she definitely started to eyeball Dax when he grabbed champagne while they were shopping for their picnic. However, since Dax had gone out of his way to book a special tour, she was sure that if something special were to happen, that's absolutely where it would go down. So, she wasn't expecting much until later that night.

They made their way up the volcano. Stopped at the visitor's center to acclimate to the altitude. Then headed up to the summit to check out the telescopes and have dinner. Laura was adamant that if they were going to be on time for Dax's special tour, they'd need to leave right after the sun set. So, they found a secluded spot to set up shop. And while Dax was setting up his camera to capture a beautiful moment, Laura was shoveling pasta salad into her face and telling him they had to hurry.

Just as he was about to get Laura to pose for a picture, another Jeep pulled up riiiiiight next to them. This group had an entire mountain top to choose from and they chose to park 10 feet away from Dax and Laura. Ever the opportunist, Dax used the moment to sneak over to the family in the Jeep (as Laura continued to stuff her face) and inform them of his plan to propose. He asked if they'd be willing to take a couple pictures, which they eagerly agreed to do.

Then it was time. He had the camera. He had the ring. He had backup photographers. And Laura had her fill of pasta salad. He told Laura where to stand to frame the shot with the sun setting in the background. But then, he suggested they stand back-to-back for a photo - something they have never done in three years of knowing one another. Laura's stomach dropped. Dax counted to three, then stepped away and dropped to one knee. He said some beautiful things about their journey together and asked her to marry him. She asked if he was sure, and he was.

And if you're wondering, yes, they did make it down the mountain to the star gazing tour... a little late, but it was worth it. The tour was magical. But not nearly as magical as the sunset proposal 😊