Here's how our story began. We met on Match.com in the Fall of 2018. Our first date was in Tacoma. It was a midway meet up spot. I lived in Seattle and Dan lived in Olympia. Dan had just returned from a Cancun vacation, so Margaritas sounded like a fun first date. We met at 8PM and were still talking at midnight when the restaurant closed. We shared our life stories. I was 47 and he was 52. We were both in a good place to meet someone special.

Dan retired from a 30-year military career so he could spend time with his granddaughter, Myah. She was born in 2016. Myah stayed with Dan every Friday for "Papa Friday”. He was working on decorating a special pink room for her in his house. I shared my career at Nordstrom, stories about Lovebug the Pug and being so happy to be back in Seattle.

That first night, we decided to delete our online dating app and see where things would go. I texted a few of my girlfriends that night and said, "I've met the man I am going to marry."

By Spring 2019, Dan moved to Seattle, and we started to build our life together. The first of many travel adventures was a 72-hour train trip from Seattle to LA and back, with two days at Disneyland. Dan learned of my love for all things Disney. He even has his own personalized mouse ears. Spending time in a tiny train cabin proved we could be together in a small space and enjoy each other's company.

Speaking of living in small spaces...along comes COVID-19. We spent 2020 at home in a very small condo. I was working from home. We were able to see our granddaughter Myah often. We decided to add a COVID fur baby to our family, "Peppa Pug". Both girls bring us so much joy.

Through the years, we have enjoyed many trips together across the US, Canada, UK and Europe. We also love road trips to local places. Dan surprised me with a stay in an airstream in someone's backyard , 20 miles away. One of our funniest trips was right before the pandemic. I planned a surprise trip to Vancouver, BC. Imagine my shock when I realized the train was heading South. We found ourselves in Vancouver, WA. We had the best weekend figuring out plans along the way.

A special trip for us was with my Mom and Dad on an Alaskan cruise. Dan proposed early one morning as we were heading into Sitka port. It was a very special trip to share this with my parents.

Today, Myah is 7, Peppa is 4 and we spend our weekend's together as a family doing all sorts of things including walks, dance and swim classes, Papa breakfasts, Mimi Saturdays, spa days and movie nights.

We're really excited to finally have our wedding date and venue. We cannot wait to bring our closest friends and family together for an intimate evening to celebrate.

Sending love to you,

L&D